Ryanair shared a brutal response online after a passenger on one of the company’s flights shared a snap of what she was wearing in the cabin – despite the item of clothing being ‘banned’ by the airline
Ryanair wasn’t impressed by one of it’s passenger’s choice of clothing (stock)(Image: KavalenkavaVolha via Getty Images)
Ryanair has reiterated its “no jeans” stance after a passenger asked the company what it thought about her choice of attire on a recent flight. The Irish airline regularly appeals to customers urging them to avoid wearing denim – even stating they may introduce a “denim fee” in the future.
Indeed, denim jeans can make you feel uncomfortable on a flight – and it’s widely considered a poor choice when travelling as the restrictive nature of the fabric can create issues when the body expands slightly due to reduced cabin pressure.
In the past, Ryanair has cautioned against wearing denim in the cabin, explaining that constricting waistbands and rigid leg material compress your body, potentially restricting proper blood circulation if you remain seated for extended periods.
One recent passenger, Pam Booth, chose to ignore the guidance, however, and asked for feedback on her clothing choice, which triggered a scathing reply from the carrier. “What you got to say about this Ryanair?” Pam asked on Twitter alongside a snap of her clothing. “Technically they aren’t jeans.”
Ryanair simply declared in reply: “They’re worse.”
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Pam’s photograph showed she had chosen denim shorts for her trip, cropped just above the knee. If you’re in shorts then your exposed thighs and lower legs may be pressed directly against the seat material for hours. And aircraft seats have a quick turnaround – while they are cleaned, they’re not thoroughly sanitised between each passenger, meaning you’re heightening contact with perspiration, dead skin, food debris, and bacteria left behind.
Last month, meanwhile, Ryanair issued an “important” message to those wearing jeans, having previously warned it could introduce a “denim fee” for passengers ignoring this advice. “Important Travel Announcement,” the company stated alongside three photographs of a Ryanair aeroplane in flight, zoomed in to capture specific details.
The first two depicted a Ryanair plane soaring through the sky, with a vivid blue backdrop visible behind it. The third image, however, showed a banner being towed from the back of the aircraft. The message was brief and to the point. It simply read: “Stop travelling in jeans.”
Ryanair also turned to TikTok in July to deliver a similar warning. The airline posted footage of a plane bearing the Ryanair logo descending over turquoise waters before touching down at what looks to be Corfu airport.
Upbeat music can be heard playing over the footage, followed by a voice delivering the classic phrase many passengers will recognise: “Thank you for flying Ryanair. It’s 2026, let’s stop travelling in jeans please.”
The suggestion is echoed by AAA Club Alliance, which notes online: “A stiff denim waistband isn’t ideal when you’ll be sitting in a small, cramped seat for hours. Jeans can quickly get uncomfortable, which can put a damper on your entire travel experience. Plus, wearing tight jeans can actually increase your risk of deep vein thrombus (DVT) which are blood clots in the leg, so stiff, tight pants should be avoided.”
The guidance continues: “Instead of jeans, opt for a stretchy pant. While sweatpants and leggings can be a great option, if you want to up your game, try trousers with drawstring or an elastic waist.
“Styles in light fabrics, like cotton, or that curl up in a jogger style, are great for a long-haul flight. Or, if you love your jeans, try a relaxed boyfriend cut or other style with decent stretch.”
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