Budget airline tells passengers to leave one item of clothing at home when flying in 2026

It's becoming harder with each year to know what you can and can't take on a plane, yet one budget airline has arrived into 2026 with a controversial suggestion, urging its passengers to leave one popular item of clothing at home.

Comfort has become a priority for many travelers as the experience of flying has grown more cumbersome as time goes on, and we've seen plenty of people opt for soft and relaxing clothes over smarter alternatives.

This did recently spark discussion on social media where some lamented the times when people would dress up to take a plane, but the last thing you want when you're waiting hours for a layover is to feel uncomfortable in what you're wearing.

That might have to change from now on though, as a budget airline has told its passengers that they should now leave one key item of clothing at home in a message that's proven to be controversial.

Posting on its TikTok page, popular low-cost Irish airline Ryanair perhaps facetiously urged its passengers to 'stop traveling in jeans' this year, scorning those who opt not to travel in the comfiest trousers possible.

While many might prefer the softness and flexibility of sweatpants, you can't deny the popularity of denim jeans that persists even when they might not be the most comfortable, and it's going to the point where now even an airline is urging its customers to make the 'right' choice.

There is a scientific reason why this might be a wise suggestion though, as explained by Dr Hugh Pabarue in an interview with the Huffington Post, who highlights issues with circulation that might occur as a result.

"Tight clothing is not recommended," outlined Dr Parabue, noting that "wearing leggings and other restrictive garments such as skinny jeans that are too tight reduces blood's ability to flow into and out of the legs."

This risk is only increased when it comes to longer flights too as you're sat in the same position for hours upon end, with the health expert noting that this increases "the risk for deep vein thrombosis — a serious medical condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein of the leg."

That hasn't stopped Ryanair's followers from decrying the suggestion though, with one noting: "Well then maybe let me bring a bigger bag to PUT MY JEANS IN."

Another adapted the airline's message by declaring that "it's 2026, let's stop flying with Ryanair," although you have to wonder whether there's a worthwhile suggestion in here somewhere.