AIRLINE passengers are being warned to think twice about what they wear when heading to the airport ? or risk security delays and serious health hazards.

Experts have issued stark guidance for travelers flying with major US carriers, including United, American Airlines, and Southwest.

Baggy hoodies, slogan T-shirts, and tight jeans or leggings may seem like comfy choices ? but they can cause all sorts of problems from TSA screenings to inflight health scares, experts say.

Anton Radchenko, an international aviation lawyer and CEO of AirAdvisor, told The Sun: ?It?s best to stay away from bulky clothing or anything with a lot of metal, including heavy jewelry.

?Hoodies, long coats, cargo pants with lots of pockets ? they all tend to trigger additional screenings at security.

"Even underwire bras or metal belt buckles can set off the alarms.?

T-shirts featuring offensive, graphic, or politically charged messages could also spark delays, as TSA officers are allowed to question passengers further based on what they wear.

?Think about what you're wearing before you travel,? Radchenko advised.

?You might think you're just expressing yourself, but security staff might see it differently.?

Radchenko also reminded passengers to stay calm and respectful at security checkpoints.

?TSA agents are just doing their job ? don?t film, touch the equipment, or interfere in any way,? he added.

What you wear on board matters too

Dr Hugh Pabarue, a vein specialist with Metro Vein Centers, warned that tight clothing like skinny jeans or leggings could seriously impact circulation during long flights.

?For example, tight clothing is not recommended,? he said.

?Wearing restrictive garments that are too tight reduces blood?s ability to flow into and out of the legs.?

Sitting still for long periods ? especially in cramped economy seats ? already puts passengers at risk of blood clots, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Tight clothing only makes that risk worse.

Dr Pabarue said it?s best to avoid any clothing that grips tightly around the waist, thighs, or ankles.

?Clothes that are too tight can lead to compartment syndrome or meralgia paresthetica, causing numbness, tingling, and severe leg pain.?

Even compression leggings, often worn for supposed comfort and support, may not be the right choice unless medically prescribed.

?Not all leggings are the same, and many are far too restrictive for long-haul travel,? he added.

And it doesn?t stop there ? aviation safety expert Christine Negroni said the type of fabric you wear on a plane can be just as important as the fit.

?You have a tight garment that is usually made from synthetic fibres, from petroleum products,? said Negroni.

?If there?s a fire, that fabric can melt on your skin and cause serious burns.?

Negroni said that in many air incidents, the crash itself isn?t the biggest threat ? it?s what happens afterwards.

?In those cases, your biggest risk is not necessarily the impact but that something?s going to happen to the integrity of the aircraft, resulting in a fire because of the fuel on board,? she explained.

?In other words, if you?re not injured by the impact but your clothes melt to your body, you may still be unable to escape.?

WHAT TO WEAR ON A FLIGHT

While regular, everyday leggings aren't ideal to wear on a flight, specialized legwear could prove a better option.

"Medical-grade compression stockings counter the effects of a decompressed cabin," said Dr. Peter J. Pappas, a vascular surgeon with the Center for Vein Restoration.

"The compression stockings prevent the swelling and provide pain relief to your calf muscles.

"There is also data to indicate that patients with varicose veins who wear compression stockings during long plane flights have a decreased likelihood of developing a deep vein clot." (The US Sun)

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