I love to travel, and to fly…often necessary to reach magnificent travel destinations...
And I dress to fly… see why…
Do you dress up to fly? Or do you wear pajamas, an athleisure outfit, to be “comfy” for your travel on a plane. Who cares what you look like?
My mother said “flying is a privilege,” and you are to dress and behave like “Ladies & Gentlemen.” That was the PanAm era, of luxury travel, of dressing nicely for flights. And I still do… not always a dress, but attractive, clean, neat outfits, comfy yes – but also chic and respectable. I want to be that person you wouldn’t mind sitting next to for the next two-five hours!
As a results, I have even had the benefit of being upgraded to better seats and service… even a bounce to first-class! Flight attendants do this on occasion, space permitting, but only if you are “dressed for success,” suitable, suited up for business class and beyond.
TAMPA Airport revealed their campaign to ban pajamas as “inappropriate for flying” attire—after a previous attempt to call out Crocs as no-fly footwear. “After successfully banning Crocs and giving everyone the amazing opportunity to experience the world’s first Crocs-free airport, it’s time to take on an even larger crisis – Pajamas at the airport, are not mid-day appropriate flight attire.” Well, this satirical effort, not actual policy but poking fun, has spawned much debate. Some dumpy frumpy people are all worked up about having to dress up! Others applaud the requested return to dignity and luxury in flying and travel.
Where do you sit on the dress-code for flight debate? Are you leaning toward First class in your flattering outfit choice and befitting decorum? Or are you more back-of-the-bus, don’t care, just get me there, Coach status?
“Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.” – Coco Chanel
I view flying as not just transportation, but a travel marvel… and I long to see some return to glamour and sophistication while soaring through the air at 30,000’ to some fabulous place. I lust for smiles and lovely service from the (hopefully polite) flight attendants. It’s no more difficult to wear a clean, crisp shirt and slacks, than throwing on a track suit and sneaks, or worse – PJs and Crocs.
As Tom Ford says, “Dressing well is a form of good manners.”
My first flight at 5, with my older brothers, we were “unaccompanied minors,” going to Disney to see our Dad. Mom put me in a dress, tights and patent leather shoes, my hair in bows. My brothers wore button down shirts, ties, and slacks. Well, when our parents confused our arrival gate, communication in the 70s was far-from-sophisticated, the pilots and stewardesses invited these well-dressed, well-behaved, children to the swank Flight Crew Lounge. What an amazing experience, so exciting! We were lavished upon like princes and a princess. I was never worried about where our parents were – looking for us in the airport, having way too much VIP fun… I am so glad we were dressed well, respectable and therefore respected, even as adolescents. I still have my wings from that flight mishappen that turned-out marvelously.
Fast forward, when my brother Kevin worked for American Airlines, we as family members flew non-rev, stand by, but there was a strict dress code for these free seats. Proving another of my mom’s wisdoms, “there is no such thing as a free lunch,” or a free flight in this case. To this day, you see Captains, and off-duty crew, flying in commercial seats, they are dressed in uniform or business attire. The standard is set… but it can’t be enforced amongst the paying public. And, common sense is no longer common. Decorum is on the decline… society has gone soft, or at least – sloppy. I’ve made my point… put a little effort in people.
Be that person you wouldn’t mind sitting next to for the next four hours!
How to Dress to be respectful and stylish but comfortable for flight travel:
-Slacks with stretch, a knit suit, a dress with tights (helps with inflammation), a well-fitted athleisure ensemble.
– A scarf, wrap or sweater can multi-purpose to layer and snuggle with on overnight or long flights.
– Clean neat footwear, whether its sneakers, moccasin, shoes or boots… not slippers or flip flops – thank you for keeping your feet neat, to yourself, and off my seat!
– Hygiene matters high up in the enclosed fuselage, so shower, be clean, and please – not too much perfume or after shave either. I don’t need to smell your cologne from C-3.
– Your carryon and personal item should also be neat, not oversized, and able to zip closed, not overstuffed and pouring out onto your neighbor or the aisle.
– A note about food… please don’t bring offensive smelling food. Yes, you in Row 2 with the tuna or egg salad, easy on the stinky pooh snacks.
Behave, be relatively quiet, and be polite to flight crew and fellow passengers, especially your seatmates. Sure, there may be a crying infant on board, turbulence, mediocre in-flight food, it’s exciting to travel, right?!
Enjoy your flight.. it sure beats walking…or swimming…
“Fashion is instant language” – Prada
See our Flying Travel Tips:
How to Sleep on an Overnight Flight, no Jet Lag
Tips on How to Pack light & stylish
Printable Travel Packing List
How to be a Good Tourist
Etiquette and Modern Manners Guide
“Elegance is not standing out, but being remembered” – Armani
