What is ‘Flying Naked’? Everything You Need to Know About The New Travelling Trend

Thanks to social media, flying naked has become one of the trendiest ways to travel.

Fortunately—or unfortunately, depending on how much you’d want to flash people—this trend does not require you to remove your clothes. “Flying naked” is much less about showing off your birthday suit and far more about avoiding extra luggage. Literally.

In simple terms, flying naked means forgoing all preparations before your trip and boarding your plane with only what you can carry on your person. That means no carry-on luggage, checked bags, massive purses, pillows, or anything else.

Why Is Flying Naked a Trend?

Travelling can be a stressful experience involving a lot of planning, overthinking, and worrying—at least if you want to do it “properly.”

Flying naked acknowledges this reality and aims to turn it upside down by shifting your thoughts about air travel. After all, why should you travel with heavy luggage? Do you really need countless clothing changes that you won’t use and knick-knacks you most likely won’t even look at?

The way enthusiasts see it, flying naked makes them challenge the preconceived notions of what it takes to board a plane and free themselves from the imposed need of travelling fully packed with bulky things.

In short, you let go of all the prep stress and open yourself to a new experience.

Different Levels of Flying Nudity

Of course, travelling naked is not about being really naked. It also doesn’t involve not taking anything with you—it is, essentially, travelling without luggage.

This type of travelling minimalism comes in three forms, according to Thrillist.

The first one is the totally bare method, meant for people who want to be stripped down to the bare minimum. That means bringing only the basics within their pockets: a wallet, a smartphone or other small devices, a charger, and the clothes they are wearing.

For less extreme travellers, the pocket people approach is enticing. It involves wearing clothes with extra pockets (such as cargo pants) and stuffing inside small things you might need—underwear, headphones, a toothbrush, and more. This allows some degree of comfort while remaining luggage-free.

Finally, the luxe option for those with a bigger budget is the delivery crew—you are technically travelling without luggage, but it’s only to avoid annoyances. After all, you’d use delivery services to send your bags to your destination separately and ahead of time.

The Logistics of Flying Naked

Of course, flying naked has consequences. The most important? Changing your entire experience.

If you fly “totally bare,” you’ll transform your trip into an adventure. You could spark conversation with other travellers by sharing toiletries and engaging in the spontaneity of improvisation, or you could make do with the few possessions you brought.

Another option is to purchase what you need, but you’ll have to be aware that this will incur extra expenses, and whatever you buy, you’ll have to bring it back with you, creating extra luggage.

Overall, remember that flying naked involves adapting and changing the way you travel. Sure, you get the relief of foregoing all luggage issues at the airport, but in exchange, you’ll have to rethink how you travel before and after boarding the plane.

Flying Naked Brings Back Simplicity

Flying naked is undoubtedly not for everyone, but there is something to enjoy in spontaneity.

Those with an adventurous spirit who love the simple joys of life and live life one day at a time could benefit from the trend. After all, it gives them the perfect opportunity to let go of material possessions and enjoy the journey for the experience of it all.

Who knows? You might need a lot less than you think to enjoy your vacation.