If you’re flying in first or business class on a long haul, international flight, you may be given pajamas to change into. This is offered pretty consistently in first class, while there are select airlines that offer them in business class.
I sometimes get questions from readers surrounding the etiquette of wearing pajamas on airplanes, so I’d like to talk about that in a bit more detail in this post, and also share how I approach wearing pajamas on airplanes, and why I value them. I’m also curious to hear where OMAAT readers stand on this.
In this post:
Why I like wearing airline pajamas
I love when airlines offer pajamas on long haul flights, and just about always use them, when offered. Now, I’m not someone who sleeps in pajamas at home, but I still really enjoy them when flying. Why?
- When I’m traveling, I typically have a limited amount of clothes, so it’s great to be able to change into an extra outfit while flying, so that the clothes you boarded in can stay clean and not too wrinkled
- For the most part, airline pajamas are super comfortable, as that’s how they’re designed to be; the only caveat is that they’re sometimes a bit warm, which can be a challenge on airlines without individual air nozzles
- Look, let’s be honest, it’s kind of fun to be able to wear pajamas in “public,” since the premium cabin of a plane is just about the only non-private place where this has been normalized
Airline pajamas are a fun memory of trips
Beyond the practical use of pajamas while onboard a flight, I also love being able to take home airline pajamas. I either reuse them or give them to guests who stay with us, and they always remind me fondly of great flights. I know it’s an investment on the part of airlines, but it’s a tangible memory that sticks with me.
In almost all cases, you’re welcome to take home the pajamas that airlines provide you. The only exception I can think of is that All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines sometimes provide cardigans in premium cabins, and those are for use during the flight, which can’t be taken home.
When it’s appropriate to wear airline pajamas
One etiquette question that I sometimes get from readers is during what portion of the flight it’s appropriate to wear pajamas. Should you only change into them prior to sleeping, or should you wear them for the whole flight?
To me this is pretty simple — if you’re on a long haul flight and the airline offers pajamas, you should get comfortable as soon as possible, and for as long as possible, even if that’s before takeoff (as long as you can go to the lavatory without slowing down the boarding process).
Personally I don’t buy into the whole “you should dress the part in first class” argument, since you’re quite literally in a venue where you’re given pajamas to change into.
So by all means lounge around in your pajamas, walk around the cabin in your pajamas, and even visit the inflight bar in your pajamas (if you’re on a plane with one). It’s not often you get to go to a bar in pajamas, so seize the moment!
Now, ideally do change out of them before landing, because you might feel a bit awkward walking through the terminal in them. It’s a lesson I learned the hard way in 2011.
Where to change into airline pajamas
Sometimes people wonder where it’s appropriate to change into your pajamas — do you have to go to the lavatories, or is it okay to do in your seat? I have a few thoughts on this:
- Generally it’s a best practice to change into pajamas in the lavatory, particularly for everyone else’s sake; this is what I always do
- While a slight tangent, when you go into the lavatory, please (please, please, please) wear shoes or slippers, and don’t be barefoot or wear socks, because that’s usually not water on the floor
- If you’re in a private suite with a door, and it’s a phase of flight where everyone is seated, and your privates are covered up while changing, then I don’t think changing at your seat is that offensive
Regarding that last point, I don’t want to encourage people to change into pajamas at their seat, but my point is simply that if you can do it without anyone noticing, then I guess it’s not that bad. That being said, I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen people change into their pajamas at their seats, and I’ve seen things I didn’t want to see.
One other question I’ve been asked in the past when talking about etiquette for airplane pajamas is whether you should still wear underwear or other garments underneath the pajamas. The way I view it, do as you please, just as you can do with normal clothes — as long as others don’t know, it shouldn’t matter.
Bottom line
It’s a treat when airlines offer pajamas in premium cabins on flights. It’s practical in terms of having something comfortable to sleep and lounge in, and it’s also a fun memory of a travel experience. Personally I think it’s always appropriate to change into pajamas on a long haul flight, and prefer to do so in the lavatory.
Where do you stand on etiquette when it comes to pajamas on airplanes?
I don't like the 'fresh from the plastic packaging' feel, so I pack a favorite home-laundered set from an earlier flight to change into. May be from a rival airline, but who cares? The pristine set is always appreciated by someone at home.
The homepacked ones double quite well as hotel sleepwear as well.
And changing in the lav? Make sure you're first in after to seatbelt sign goes off.
How about this?
Can I wear my Qatar PJ's on my AA flight in Premium Economy?
Of course you can! You're making a statement of sorts.
I always enjoy wearing my Thai or Emirates F p/js on Air France long haul Business; AF inexplicibly don't do p/js in Business.
And my unspoken statement is that I know how cheap you are, and have come prepared!
Lastly, remember airline p/js are essentially sleepwear, not leisurewear, except at Walmart I suppose.
Word of warning for the men reading this thread: don't go commando when wearing airline PJs. Young guy sitting across from me fell asleep and must have had a terrific dream, because it was apparent to anyone passing by.
I always gave my kids onesies, with rubberized soles. Perfect for airlines.
To those who are more used to inhabiting the cow sheds at the rear of the plane, a visit to the slurry pits must be most off-putting for you.
Please be assured that when one pays a little more to bed down upfront, the facilities are a little more spacious and without the joys of having to wade through copious amounts of bodily fluids.
Changing into the supplied sleeping attire/outfit is without drama....
To those who are more used to inhabiting the cow sheds at the rear of the plane, a visit to the slurry pits must be most off-putting for you.
Please be assured that when one pays a little more to bed down upfront, the facilities are a little more spacious and without the joys of having to wade through copious amounts of bodily fluids.
Changing into the supplied sleeping attire/outfit is without drama. Once changed and relaxed, there is no need to worry about slopping one’s nose bag over one’s lap.
Men don’t generally say,”outfit”. That’s a female term. I’m trying to picture myself walking into a men’s clothing store and saying,” I need a new outfit “.
I change into PJs b4 boarding & after landing (before deplaning).
I like my ballz to hang loose when I sleep in my PJs.
Wear during takeoff/landing whatever you think you’ll be comfortable in while utilizing the emergency slide. Like, shoes.
Agree with Andrew, Dannin, and perhaps a couple others - change prior to boarding in a club / lounge restroom into presentable lounge-type wear, like a tee shirt and a running suit. Keep your wallet and passport on you or in close proximity.
Does AA give the same pajamas in first as in business? (LAX-AKL)
Only the used ones,
I save up the PJs and amenity kits, keep them in my car and give them to homeless people. They are always very appreciative.
Give them cash.
That's what they really want.
A small changing room with a little foldable bench and a mirror would be nice, minus the tap and faucet. Little the changing rooms in the clothing stores at malls but even smaller. No risk of germs, toilet seats or unidentifiable liquids on the floor lol
I’ve have only received a pair of Oman Air Business class Pajamas which I can only use in winter. Nice to lounge in those on those extra chilly Canadian...
A small changing room with a little foldable bench and a mirror would be nice, minus the tap and faucet. Little the changing rooms in the clothing stores at malls but even smaller. No risk of germs, toilet seats or unidentifiable liquids on the floor lol
I’ve have only received a pair of Oman Air Business class Pajamas which I can only use in winter. Nice to lounge in those on those extra chilly Canadian winter days (and yes I do have the heating on but not so high you can’t breathe!!
Are you serious lol.
Jessica.....NNNOOOO!!! LOL
Individual air nozzles do not cool an otherwise warm plane.
A cautionary note about changing PRIOR to takeoff. Former Flight Attendant here.... PLEASE dress for any flight in clothes that will offer you protection in the event of an emergency evacuation. Going down the slides BURNS... been there.
I wore pajamas once and found them uncomfortably warm. Maybe just me.
“Wearing pyjamas in an aircraft should be banned” …. Oh, dear me!
Should sleeping be banned too?
Perhaps eating, drinking, watching a film, listening to music and using WiFi should be banned also?
Oh! How the proletariat display their ignorance and parochial attitudes. Do stick to your places in economy darlinks.
PJs prevent clothes getting creased and food stains during meals. They also prevent your regular clothes getting sweaty.
In terms of when to change… before any off the above!
Use a lavatory with a change table if you’re worried about germs from the toilet.
Change into slippers before leaving your seat. In the lavatory slip one foot out at a time and into the PJ legs.
Honestly I bring PJs even if the airline doesn’t give them out in J. It’s hard enough to sleep on a plane, so I at least want to be dressed comfortably.
Dressing on the toilet is a bit disgusting as you will need to put your old clothes (or the bag you place them in) somewhere. Generally I change while in bed mode under the blanket.
This! This is what I’ve been looking for: Changing under the blanket. Genius. I can’t change in those tiny bathrooms. I can’t contort and the floors are gross. (Welcome to hear any other advice on perfecting the bathroom PJ dance moves).
Fly an A380 on an airline that uses the upper deck for F. They usually put the bathrooms (or a bathroom)u in a pretty large space that is awkward to use otherwise.
I always change under the blanket! Albeit I'm a very small person who is easily fully covered by the blanket.
If I have to change in the bathroom, I'll wear my slippers in and bring in the pajama bag to hang on the clip, so I'm always standing on or in my slippers and the clothes/pajamas are hanging in the bag or on the clip. That way nothing ever touches the seat or floor. :)
Wearing pyjamas in an aircraft should be banned. An aircraft seat isn't a hotel bedroom
Your comment has my full support.
seriously?!?
Your comment has fake Eskimo full support.
Eskimo doesn't have an opinion on personal preference unless they're showing signs of hypocrisy.
Like believing you're going to die if you're wearing PJs when your plane crashes, and convinced that you'll have higher survival chance if you didn't change into your PJ yet.
Then why do many airlines call their premium products “suites?”
And it isn't fine dining either.
I guess you'd be in favour of banning arlines referring to premium seating as Suites, Rooms, Residences etc. then?
“I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen people change into their pajamas at their seats, and I’ve seen things I didn’t want to see.”
But how many times have you seen things that you DID want to see? ;-)
It doesn’t take the brains of a Harvard professor to be uncomfortable on a long flight. If one has the means to purchase a comfortably F seat, then sitting around in day clothes for ten hours doesn’t make a lot of sense. Only a fool fails to take advantage of all the comforts provided by an airline. Apparently there are some who post herein, who are sufficiently stupid to ignore the obvious.
PJ's, I find a joke, PJ's are a joke. When I fly long haul over night I already am prepared before I reach the airport. I wear nylon running pants and a tee shirt. I am very comfortable in those while sleeping.
I think it would be very difficult to put pajamas on in the lavatory without taking shoes off. My other thought is, what if there is an emergency landing, perhaps on water...
PJ's, I find a joke, PJ's are a joke. When I fly long haul over night I already am prepared before I reach the airport. I wear nylon running pants and a tee shirt. I am very comfortable in those while sleeping.
I think it would be very difficult to put pajamas on in the lavatory without taking shoes off. My other thought is, what if there is an emergency landing, perhaps on water or land. Will everyone have time to run and change into their proper clothes? I doubt it.
If you crash wearing PJs you instantly die?
Many airline pj are not properly pre washed and are itchy to wear until washed so I bring my own
That's because they do 'dirty deeds' to them beforehand.
My girlfriends climb into my pajamas to be warm .
Are you that large, sir?
He's a very substantial guy!
Kathy, I like your style...
Those roaches in your mom’s basement are not your girlfriends.
Thanks Jack and so true TimmyTimeTrack! That guy wouldn't know gilrfriends if it hit him square in his set of undescnded testes!
Well said, Kathy. Please, do Jack Mehoff.
@ Ben -- When you've got literally hundreds of sets of airine pajamas, they are no longer "fun souveniers"!
Sell some then. eBay still exists, Gene.
@Ben, airline pajama tier list the same way you did your lounge ones recently?
If I had to say, Starlux's are some of the highest quality for business class. If we're talking F, I like JAL's a lot.
Talk F.
I seem to recall the US Transport Secretary asking people to stop wearing pyjamas on planes and that customers are wearing them in protest now;
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15322785/Sean-Duffy-pajamas-slippers-air-travel.html
Secretary Pete ButtyGeeg?
Kathy, please do Jack Mehoff.
Informative article regarding pajamas in Business or First. Common sense regarding usage. The only area where I disagree is when to change. LETS REMEMBER WHERE ON AN AIRPLANE. I would not want to be clad with PJ"S and slippers if for some unfortunate reason the take off or landing was involved in a crash take off or landing.
I still don't get this logic.
If you crash wearing PJs you instantly die?
Qantas A380s provide the best solution. There is an area of one of the galleys on the side that is curtained off. Its a great place to change. Now i feel awful whenever i have to change in flight in the restrooms.
Swiss used to have this on their A330s! A bit weird, but workable!
Airplane PJ's are for mentally and physically soft people. I think they should offer them with footies too, as that would be very appropriate for the people that wear them.
Onsie with footies would be super cute. Why not add a hood, too, and some ‘bear ears’ on the top. Aww.
If I am wearing, jeans I only change the top as jeans are hardy enough not to have creases after being slept in. This covers most of my flights.
If not wearing jeans, I change into full PJs. If my seat has a door, I change at my seat at an appropriate time otherwise I do the changing in the bathroom being very careful not to have anything touch the bathroom floor but shoes.
I...
If I am wearing, jeans I only change the top as jeans are hardy enough not to have creases after being slept in. This covers most of my flights.
If not wearing jeans, I change into full PJs. If my seat has a door, I change at my seat at an appropriate time otherwise I do the changing in the bathroom being very careful not to have anything touch the bathroom floor but shoes.
I always take the PJs home with me. As a matter of fact, I am rotating JAL, QR and VS pairs at home this Autumn/Winter season.
I have used them as stocking stuffers at Christmas. I also them to long stay guest to lounge in when visiting, as I am strongly opposed to guests lounging around in my home in their outside clothes.
Can always ask your guest to strip naked indoors.
I should probably get them to strip naked as soon as they enter the foyer... Food for thought...
Not sure international is a criteria here. Are there any domestic longhauls that don't provide the same amenities as international longhauls? One of the few countries that has domestic longhauls is France and as far as I'm aware, the product is the same whether you're flying Paris to Singapore or Paris to Fort de France.
Speaking of the US-3, why is it that American (Flagship First, super-long-haul), and United (longer-haul Polaris) actually do 'offer' PJs, yet Delta, even on its longest routes, doesn't do anything...
@Tim Dunn, what gives?! Doesn't feel very 'premium,' sir. Boo. Hiss.
To the 'purists' and 'gate-keepers' who say you must leave these PJs behind... too bad, so sad.
I like my little 'collection' of Qatar, Polaris, Emirates, and Flagship First 'momentos'...
No-one cares
No one asked you Ronald, now be quiet you inconsequential sod.
That is very rude Ron. We expect and demand an immediate and utter apology addressed towards 1990.
Multis, multis, multis. Lame.
DirtyRonnie - Jessica and Kathy are correct.
No, I'd prefer Ron be true to himself. More verbal combat is healthy. Bring it. More spice.
No one has been saying leave the PJs behind, in fact, it's commonly known you can take them with you. Nice job making up a strawman to continue your attention-seeking behavior
Mason, JAL has PJs that they explicitly request you leave behind...
As for narcissism, I don't even use my name... I use four-digits... so... begone thot!
Those are not PJs, those are cardigans clearly offered on loan, given the airline is explicitly requesting you to leave them behind, that wouldn't qualify as 'purists' and 'gate-keepers'.
Please spend a little time thinking and a little less typing.
Ohh... that's SOOO different. *facepalm*
This is a fake 1990.
I don't change until the flight is in the air. What if the plane has to abort take off and everyone has to evacuation via the slides (this does happen).
I like to be seated during taken off with my clothes, shoes, and jacket on - along with my wallet and passport in my pockets.
Agreed. Safety is paramount for me. Those pajamas are always very thin as well.
If safety is paramount for you. You should demand the industry to improve its safety by removing the leading cause of air crashes.
Humans.
I'm not interested in reading your comments Eskimo. All I have seen from you is random nonsense and talk of "testicles"
Being critical of "testicles" coming from a person name "Rod"
LOL. You meme my day.
Not that I recall talking about balls.
LOL.
You correlate my given name to testicles? I love all your posts talking about "undescnded testicles", you really are sick.
I usually change into comfy clothes right before I board in the lounge. Changing in a plane bathroom is just too gross for me (no judgement on those who do). I just take the pjs home and as a souvenir.
I use em back home as my actual PJs. It’s part of the onboard experience for me. LX pjs are fine but the previous Van Lack where super nice. Swiss rencently introduced a short sleeve option that I appreaciate.
I always wear the supplied Pjs. However, I wait; keeping my shoes on, until we are in the air (Just in case of that rear needi to emergency evacuate the aircraft) After take-off , then i go to the 'loos'; put-down all the platforms ( used for baby-changing.etc) Start contorting myself to get into the PJ.
At the end of the flight; it's so nice to wear clothes that you know are not overly creased and slept-in .
I always bring a pair of gym shorts and a light weight t-shirt in my backpack to change into because I typically find the airline pajamas too warm to sleep in. I always change in the lavatory. If it's a flight to Asia, the I will change after dinner. If it's a flight to Europe then I change upon boarding before as I always skip dinner and put my seat flat after takeoff to maximize sleep.
On our recent flight back from CPT, one could easily spot the novice F passengers, as they were reluctant to change out of their day clothes. They preferred to sport their ‘Polo’ branded tops and conspicuously labelled underwear garments. Not forgetting their ‘Trump tan’, newly acquired on the nearby beaches. Then they looked like the rest of the economy class passengers as they disembark disheveled, red eyed, over imbibed and obliviously unrested.
Mr Apple, informed...
On our recent flight back from CPT, one could easily spot the novice F passengers, as they were reluctant to change out of their day clothes. They preferred to sport their ‘Polo’ branded tops and conspicuously labelled underwear garments. Not forgetting their ‘Trump tan’, newly acquired on the nearby beaches. Then they looked like the rest of the economy class passengers as they disembark disheveled, red eyed, over imbibed and obliviously unrested.
Mr Apple, informed both my wife and I that we had slept for over seven hours and gave us a very decent sleep score too.
I can never sleep comfortably in those recliners either though in all fairness.
Other '1990,' bah, we agree again. Thank you, sir or madam. You're honoring the 'digits' well.
Yawn. It’s great that you found a way to feel not too bad about your sad self by labelling other people. I’m sure they labeled you, your wife and your ever-so-common watch in return.
People look at me insane, anything over 5 hours I put PJs on. Either Polaris or TG F pjs are always packed (my personal favs). It makes a TCON so much more pleasant.
Who cares what anyone else thinks. As long as you don’t smell, or not doing anything revolting, and keeping to yourself, wear what you like.
Sometimes, even better if you change in the lounge after a nice shower. Great times being driven from the Al SAFWA in a buggy wearing WR pjs
I often don't wear them. I do take my pajamas. I also find changing in the bathroom a hassle.
I generally don't change into pajamas if I had to do it in a lavatory. The few times I did it, it's very awkward. Besides, a lavatory on a plane is often the dirtiest place on that plane. And I don't feel comfortable changing clothes even wearing shoes or slippers.
I feel very differently on a plane with privacy doors. After the lights are dimmed, I have no problem changing into, or out of, pajamas.
If you’re in a private suite with a door, and it’s a phase of flight where everyone is seated, and your privates are covered up while changing, then I don’t think changing at your seat is that offensive.
How do you even change with your privates covered in your seat?
Beach towel
As a risk consultant, I don't think it's a good idea to change into pajamas before takeoff in case you have to evacuate the aircraft in a hurry. If you do, you should leave your regular shoes on until cruising at altitude. I'd also suggest keeping your wallet or purse and passport with you until in the air.
Why is every risk consultant always this paranoid.
They hardly ever factor in the realistic probability and the upside.
And reading between lines, keeping your wallet or purse and passport with you until in the air, means if something went wrong once airborne you'll be dead, no passport or wallet needed anymore.
100% ack. Even as a very risk taking person, taking shoes off and even changing to pyjama (esp if going commando) before takeoff is asking for problems. Equipment issues and de-boarding is not that uncommon. And same for documents - small soft bag for travel charger, battery, pocket light and 2 usb-c cables, where you stow your (travel) wallet and passport, always at your hand discretely hidden away. Always with you in case its needed to leave the airplane.
So Mr.Hypocrite
Do you wear your coat until cruising altitude?
It is winter and it's cold outside. Not wearing a jacket is asking for problems.
Or who needs a coat when you have hypocrisy.
Someone is up early this morning.
I always bring my own pajamas while I just keep the ones given to me as a souvenir. And I always change in the lavatory.
I change right after takeoff and an hour before landing.
Dennis Bunnik always has some good advice on wearing pjs especially if you're wearing them in Economy ;)
I usually only wear the pajama tops as I can easily put it on and take it off. Changing into the pants is in my opinion too difficult in most airline toilets!
By the way, on a recent (December 2025) business class flight on Etihad, I noticed that they now include a very discreet sentence on the inside page of the food menu to say that loungewear is available on request, even on shorter...
I usually only wear the pajama tops as I can easily put it on and take it off. Changing into the pants is in my opinion too difficult in most airline toilets!
By the way, on a recent (December 2025) business class flight on Etihad, I noticed that they now include a very discreet sentence on the inside page of the food menu to say that loungewear is available on request, even on shorter flights (mine was around 7.5 hours). Previously they only offered loungewear on ultra long haul flights. I wonder when this change was made. Their website still doesn't reflect this change!