For over 20 years, my career as a travel writer has frequently placed me at altitudes of 30,000 feet.

This year, my extensive travels have taken me over 103,000 miles across five continents, with stops in incredible destinations such as New Zealand, Egypt, Canada, and Malaysia.

Spending so much time in the skies has taught me a key lesson: never dress solely for your destination when flying, as cabin temperatures can vary greatly.

Wearing shorts and a T-shirt en route to the Caribbean could leave you shivering, while donning thick sweaters for a ski trip might make you sweat.

No matter where I’m headed, I’ve developed a foolproof system to ensure I’m always dressed appropriately, starting with seven essential items I wear on every flight.

A ‘scarf hammock’ 

Bringing a scarf with you during your travels is smart – as it can double as a foot rest

One clever addition to my travel wardrobe is a versatile two-in-one item that has become a recent staple.

Not only does it count as an extra layer, but it can also be crafted into a ‘scarf hammock’ and used to raise your feet.

How to do it: first, tie the ends of your scarf into a knot, then hang it behind the tray table in front of you and rest your feet in the dangling loop.

It’s game-changing on long-haul economy flights. Shawls work better than regular scarves.

Elasticated trousers

Wearing comfortable, elasticated trousers on board could save you from discomfort

You’ll never find me wearing shorts or a dress on a plane.

Instead I opt for trousers to protect my skin from potential cuts, scrapes or hazards. 

And because flying tends to expand the gut – watch what it does to an unopened bag of crisps – it’s best to avoid anything tight. Stick to an elasticated waistband.

Compression socks 

Compression socks are a sensible addition to your airport attire

They’re hard to put on, tight and definitely not sexy, but then again neither is deep vein thrombosis.

This is a potentially fatal blood clot which can form when ankles swell – a risk when sitting upright and immobile in economy for ages. 

If travelling long haul, I put on compression socks before takeoff and remove after landing. No need if you’re in business class, though, and can put up your feet.

Long-sleeved T-shirt 

Wearing a long-sleeved T-shirt is a great way to stay warm and comfortable 

Choose a long-sleeved top made from a breathable material such as cotton (preferably not anything synthetic). 

These are best for protecting arms, general comfort and for countering fluctuations in cabin temperature.

Take your trainers 

While travelling, wearing trainers instead of uncomfortable footwear is your best bet

We’ve all seen the safety drill: in an emergency evacuation, women must remove high heels or risk piercing the slide. So pack your stilettos in your luggage.

I stick to comfortable, closed-toe shoes (preferably trainers) with socks. 

Flip flops/bare feet are absolute no-nos – most plane floors, especially in the toilets, are filthy.

No belts or metal

Forgo belts and other metal items to save yourself a whole load of hassle at the airport

I’m grateful for all the security checks at the airport – better safe than sorry – but it’s always a drag when that detector beeps as you walk through.

While most UK airports now have scanning machines that capture your image instead, this isn’t always the case at the other end. 

So to avoid getting frisked, I never use belts and always wear a beaded necklace instead of anything metallic.

Dress up for upgrade 

If you’re gunning for an upgrade, you’ll want to smarten up your look while travelling

If the rest of your outfit is an informal jeans, trainers and T-shirt, a smart jacket can make all the difference if you’re angling for an upgrade.

No promises, but this does occasionally happen. A jacket is also a handy extra layer.