Can You Wear a Hat on a Plane?

When it comes to air travel, passengers often have questions about attire and what is acceptable to wear onboard a plane. One such item that often raises concerns is wearing a hat.

While many people assume that wearing a hat on a plane might be frowned upon or even disallowed, the truth is that you can indeed wear a hat while traveling by air.

There are, however, some considerations you should keep in mind to ensure a smooth flight experience. Whether you wear a hat for fashion, sun protection, or religious reasons, it’s important to be aware of the rules and regulations surrounding hats, airport security, and airline policies.

As long as you follow these guidelines, there should be no issues with donning your favorite headwear on your next flight.

Types of Hats and Their Feasibility

Baseball Cap

A baseball cap is a popular choice for air travel due to its lightweight nature and easy-to-pack design. You can simply wear it on your head or place it upside down in your bag to avoid crushing or misshaping. These caps are generally not considered bulky headpieces and are unlikely to cause issues onboard.

Wide Brim

Wide-brimmed hats, such as fedoras and floppy hats, can be stylish and practical, but their size can create challenges while traveling. If possible, choose a hat with a less rigid structure, so it can be easily compressed and stored. Packing your wide-brim hat upside down in a hat box or in between clothing layers can help maintain its shape.

Do remember to be considerate of your fellow passengers and ensure that your hat does not cause inconvenience to those around you. For example, wearing a hat like the one below would be rather inconsiderate to passengers sitting next to you.

Hard Hat

Wearing a hard hat on an airplane might not be the best choice. Hard hats are typically bulky, rigid, and can obstruct views, posing a potential hazard during emergencies. If you must bring a hard hat, consider packing it securely within your luggage or using a specialized hat box.

Straw Hat

Straw hats can be a practical option for sunny vacation destinations. They’re lightweight, but their wide brims may make them difficult to pack or wear without causing inconvenience to other passengers. Foldable straw hats are available, which can help you save space and protect your hat’s shape during travel.

Sun Hat

Sun hats are similar to straw hats in terms of size and brim width. When choosing a sun hat for your trip, opt for one made of soft material that can easily be folded and packed without losing its shape. For extra protection, you can use a hat box to store it in your luggage or underneath the seat in front of you.

Cowboy Hat/Stetson

A cowboy hat’s large brim and rigid design make it difficult to wear or pack during air travel. To avoid crushing your cowboy hat, use a hat box or consider storing it under the seat in front of you. Be mindful of the space it occupies and its potential inconvenience to other passengers.

Religious head coverings

When it comes to wearing religious head coverings on a plane, it is generally allowed. However, you may be asked to undergo additional security screening at the airport. This section will discuss some specific religious head coverings and their acceptance during air travel.

Hijab, Niqab and Burka

These types of Islamic head coverings are generally permitted on planes. If you wear a Hijab, Niqab, or Burka, you have the right to keep it on during airport security screening processes, unless you trigger an alarm.

In such cases, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff may request additional screening, which could involve a pat-down or asking you to remove the head covering.

Turban

Similar to the Hijab, Niqab, and Burka, a Turban is another type of religious head covering that you can wear on a plane. Turbans, which are commonly worn by Sikh individuals, are allowed as an accommodation to religious beliefs.

However, just like other religious head coverings, you may be subjected to additional security screening at the airport if an alarm is triggered.

Dealing With TSA and Airport Security

When going through the airport security checkpoint, it’s important to be aware of any security concerns regarding hats and other personal choices in attire.

Do hats need to be removed at airport security?

According to TSA rules, you can wear a hat on an airplane, and there are no specific restrictions on hats or headwear at airport security. You may even wear bulky headpieces, such as turbans, through the airport security checkpoint.

However, keep in mind that if the alarm goes off, security officers may ask you to remove your hat for additional screening.

While wearing a hat is generally acceptable, it’s essential to follow any instructions given by security officers for security reasons.

Passengers are sometimes required to remove their hats during the security check to ensure there are no prohibited items hidden underneath. So, when approaching the airport security checkpoint, it’s a good idea to be prepared to remove your hat if asked to do so.

Are Hoodies Allowed Through Airport Security?

While there are no specific restrictions on wearing hats or headwear through TSA security, hoodies are a different story.

Unlike hats, hoodies are considered outerwear and must be removed before going through the metal detector. This is because hoodies may obstruct the view of TSA officers or potentially conceal prohibited items.

When preparing for your flight, it’s important to keep in mind what clothing items are suitable for TSA screening. Make sure to wear a comfortable, easy-to-remove hoodie if you wish to wear one, as you will need to take it off during the security screening process.

TSA recommends dressing in layers for your comfort and ease during security checks. Remember that additional layers, such as jackets or coats, will also need to be removed at the checkpoint.

To ensure a smooth and stress-free experience at the airport security checkpoint, consider packing your hoodie in your carry-on luggage or checked baggage, or simply wearing another type of clothing item that doesn’t require removal during screening.