The introduction of cheap air tickets has made sure airports never face a single ghost day.

On any give day, the Mumbai airport resembles a busy mall, where leisurely male travelers swagger around in T-shirts and jeans, while women stick to the staple salwar kurtas. So, whats wrong? Nothing. But why stick to the same-old, when you can experiment with something new.

Fashion designer Monisha Jaising terms sunglasses as an important accessory that you must carry while travelling. You can glide it on while taking a nap; its a smart way to shut out onlookers, and a must-have to keep sunlight at bay when you get off the plane, she explains.

Going overboard with jewellery isnt the answer either. With Indians, it seems like 10 tolas of gold around their necks and a gold plated spectacle frame is a good enough justification for the J class seat.

Ditch heavy gold jewellery, not just for safety reasons, but also because a metallic overdose is most likely to send you back and forth through beeping metal detector checks, as will jackets, shoes , belts or bags with rivets and studs.

Whats the big deal, yaar! you say? When an underwire bra sets off a metallic alarm, with security scrutinise your torso, youll know why.

shweta.shiware@mid-day.com

Emergency landing

Think Raja Babu, Shahenshah or even Tezaab for that matter, the twilight between eighties and nineties had Bollywood coughing out garishness.

Teaming a denim jacket over jeans was a disastrous trend that emerged out of the same phase. And tennis star Sania Mirza added a blue tee in the already-gone-wrong mess. Ready for take off

You can always carry a book. But these days, music rules. Give your mind a break, and let the iPod take over, like cricketer Mahendrasingh Dhoni did while taking a brief nap at the airport.

Make sure you have uploaded your favourite songs, so that you have enough melodies to keep you going. Ready for take off

Look at how Sushmita Sen has emerged looking swell by simply choosing the right colour. The long hours involved in most international flights tend to take a toll on your body; the biggest bane being bloating. Why take the risk of looking flabby when you have black to your rescue? Ready for take off

Its an occupational hazard that comes with the job being Indias top models. Take a tip from Diandra Soares, Tinu Varghese, Bhawna Sharma, Kiran Rao and Mridula Chandrashekhar, on how to dress chic while travelling. This photograph epitomises chic travel with all the must-have essentials a good read, sunglasses, a pullover to keep you warm, wear n tear jeans, and comfortable sneakers. Emergency landing

Dressing up isn't worth the effort when it is likely to lead to embarrassment; especially if you have chosen to sport white. The colour of nothingness is most vulnerable to stains, grease, sweat and muck. Not for swift domestic trip. Not for long international flights. Malaika and Amrita Arora have got it wrong here. Steer clear of white while travelling. Period. Three on each ear, one on the nose, tongue, belly

Ankita Oberoi, 17, commerce student

Having a million piercings can get irritating, and I dont mean physically. If you plan to travel by air, be prepared to show off all the piercings to customs officials at the airport, when you pass through a metal detector, even if they are in the weirdest of spots. The best precaution is to remove the studs before entering the airport premises, so, you are saved unnecessary trouble and embarresment. What You Must Carry

Tikli Sinha, mother of one-year-old Hia
Lots of extra soft towels, wet wipes, a change of clothes, and an extra supply of nappies (just in case). Cotton is the best option for travel, but not for mothers. You are carrying your baby on you, and since the fabric crinkles fast, you end up looking like a sack. I always wear jeans and a synthetic kurti.

Monisha Jaising, fashion designer
Whether its a long or short flight, a track suit is you best bet. Men should steer clear of jeans-and-tee. Team a pair of khakis with a T-shirt, instead. Pack a striped shirt if its a work-related trip, and wear it over your tee when you land. I wouldnt recommend closed shoes. Women should opt for sporty sandals while men could go for loafers.

Meera Mahadevia, bag designer
Even domestic flights arent spared from delays, so, a roomy, canvas bag is your best option since it can accommodate all your essentials, including a toilet kit. A sling bag is what men must carry.

Your personal travel fashion guide

Most Indian airplanes have zero legroom. Its not a wise idea to wear a skirt if you are seated between two men on a flight to Delhi! Let comfort top your priority list.

This tip is only applicable to those who dont suffer from toe jam. When the flight is ready to take off, let go of your shoes. Feet tend to swell during flights, and by taking your shoes off, you are letting them breathe.

If you are a contact lens user, avoid wearing them since the air conditioning in the airplane will dry your eyes, leading to discomfort. Wear your spectacles. In any case, no one really comes out looking stunning after a long flight.

Dont forget to throw in a sweatshirt or a shawl since it tends to get chilly on board. Most airlines provide you with a blanket if you ask for it.

The compression of air on flights tends to make your skin dry. Always carry a bottle of moisturiser in your handbag. Carry a small spray bottle (available at Crawford Market), fill it up with water. Use it when your face tends to feel tight and dry.