First Class dress code?

[krissyh]

Bavaria was busy booking some First Class tickets.

I highly recommend travelling in a skirt, which is far easier to manage in tiny airplane bathrooms or for squat toilets. Add a cotton knit shirt and cardigan and pashmina, easy to remove shoes, and you are all set.

Edited to add: I didn't read any of the responses before, but the voice of your Dad and the words of Safetymom are the ones that I follow. Wise people!

And I don't care one bit what someone else wears unless they insist on flashing their privates, or exposing their hairy feet, or putting those feet on my person or my seat.

I could not agree more about skirts being the best thing to wear while flying.
One note - anyone that knows what a pashmina is, is not likely to be dressed too horribly on a plane!

I do not think the issue is how to dress "in first class", but how to dress on a plane or any public place, for that matter. Would your grandmother be offended by your outfit? If so, don't wear it!

The OPs outfit of nice shorts/collared shirt sounds very appropriate. Of course, depending on what the feet look like - a pedicure might be in order!

I have flown in jeans, but do not own the tattered or plumber-in-training varieties. I often notice how cute and comfortable many women look in their little sporty outfits, but cannot bring myself to do it!

 

[bavaria]

I could not agree more about skirts being the best thing to wear while flying.

The only word of caution is to ensure that your skirt is not tucked up in your undies....

not speaking from any experience or anything!

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I do not think the issue is how to dress "in first class", but how to dress on a plane or any public place, for that matter. Would your grandmother be offended by your outfit? If so, don't wear it!

Here is where the problem comes in, maybe what an individual is wearing is acceptable in their culture, family, etc. As individuals we should not judge one by what they wear, isn't that what we try to teach kids; "Don't judge a book by its cover".

Example, the last time I flew I was in first and seated next to this middle aged man, who was dressed in a very trendy outfit, ripped jeans that were painted, etc. If you were not really aware of designer clothes, you'd probably think he was dressed kind of shabby, but his jeans were Gucci and his shoes were Prada. Was it something I would wear, no, neither on a plane or otherwise, but to him, it was acceptable. Did I judge him differently, no, he was actually nice to talk to (he was some real estate developer). In the end he was dressed in nice clothes, they were tailor fit, etc. I'm sure that was his normal dress.

Granted I think there are appropriate outfits for specific occasions, but air travel isn't one in most cases.

 

[prncess674]

Love threads like this, posters here start talking about Interanational F which involves flying over an ocean. The original poster is taking a domestic F flight on AA to a leisure destination. Just be neat, clean and groomed and it is fine.

The lack of standards in F are directly attributed to how airlines have taken away just about every "nice" thing that used to be included in F service of days of old. Seats (even in F) are getting smaller and closer together, flight attendants are surly and lazy due to the budget cutbacks in staff, food in F is practically non exsistent unless going transcontinental or over about 3 hours and at a meal time.

While a bigger seat is appreciated, it certainly isn't the lap of luxury that some imagine it to be.

 

[bavaria]

Love threads like this, posters here start talking about Interanational F which involves flying over an ocean. The original poster is taking a domestic F flight on AA to a leisure destination.

It's a conversation, and we all obviously have different standards and opinions. I don't see why we cannot discuss the general topic.

If I just wanted to talk to the OP I could easily do it offline; I knew all about his trip details before he posted it here. But people choose to interact on a public forum to have 'conversation' with multiple people.

And I dress the same whether I am flying short haul or long haul, in America or internationally. That is my standard and I don't expect anyone to adhere to it.

 

[prncess674]

It's a conversation, and we all obviously have different standards and opinions. I don't see why we cannot discuss the general topic.

If I just wanted to talk to the OP I could easily do it offline; I knew all about his trip details before he posted it here. But people choose to interact on a public forum to have 'conversation' with multiple people.

And I dress the same whether I am flying short haul or long haul, in America or internationally. That is my standard and I don't expect anyone to adhere to it.

Sounds rather like bragging to me.

 

[rlduvall]

My father retired from American Airlines after 35 years of service - so I grew up flying stand-by. All employees and their families were required to dress up; men in suits, women in dresses, etc. to represent the company in a nice manner. As a result, I have kept that mentality with me when I fly. Of course, I don't dress up to that level anymore, but I usually wear slacks, nice dress shoes and a nice blouse. After reading about how women shouldn't wear hose in case of a fire on the plane and how the hose will melt to your skin . . . no thanks.

BUT, I also dress "up" in my job in the legal field, and it's just not that big of a deal for me to dress business casual to travel. It's like going into the office . . . but more fun.

 

[dudspizza]

Wow, I didn't realize I was starting a thread that would get more than a few responses!

#1 - my shoes always stay on......

#2 - my normal flying attire of nice shorts and a collared/polo shirt is "nicer" than 75% of those that fly in coach......

#3 - everyone has their opinions, that is why we are all here.... to discuss those opinions......

I totally agree about respecting everyone's space, as well as representing one's self nicely. My dad used to score more than his share of upgrades due to his nice attire.

I am sure I will wear my shorts and nice shirt.... heck, I only wear pants to work 3 months a year (why? because I can)... the rest of the school year I am in shorts! I only own 3 pair of pants total and I live in Minnesota!

Now, if I ever have the honor of flying with bavaria, I will dress up, I promise!

Happy day everyone!

Duds

 

[cindym]

We once flew with a woman in hair curlers and a man who got a knife out of his pocket to pick his teeth after his meal! Of course this was all pre 9/11. They were quite the couple.

 

[DebbieB]

Love threads like this, posters here start talking about Interanational F which involves flying over an ocean. The original poster is taking a domestic F flight on AA to a leisure destination. Just be neat, clean and groomed and it is fine.

I flew International Business Class from Washington DC to Frankfurt in February. It was an overnight flight, left DC around 7:00pm, with the time change landed in Frankfurt around 9:00am. It was nice, the seats folded out into beds. I got up to use the restroom before first light and the cabin looked like summer camp! Kind of cracked me up!

By the way, I couldn't stand the seat totally flat. With the motion of the plane, I felt like I was laying on Aladdin's Carpet!

 

[prncess674]

My father retired from American Airlines after 35 years of service - so I grew up flying stand-by. All employees and their families were required to dress up; men in suits, women in dresses, etc. to represent the company in a nice manner. As a result, I have kept that mentality with me when I fly. Of course, I don't dress up to that level anymore, but I usually wear slacks, nice dress shoes and a nice blouse. After reading about how women shouldn't wear hose in case of a fire on the plane and how the hose will melt to your skin . . . no thanks.

BUT, I also dress "up" in my job in the legal field, and it's just not that big of a deal for me to dress business casual to travel. It's like going into the office . . . but more fun.

Non Revving is a different monster. You, or your family member was employed by the airline and as part of their work dress code they must dress to a certain standard since they would be representatives of the company.

As a paid passenger there is no dress code required on US domestic airlines. You are only required to follow the rules of no public nudity. Dress approprirately for either your origin or destination that you find comfortable to sit in for the length of your flight. I tend to wear light natural materials in layers that I can add or subtract as needed. I also carry a shawl (not a true $1000 pashmina, That wool comes from changthangi or pashmina goat, which is a special breed of goat indigenous to high altitudes of the Himalayas. Pashmina shawls are hand spun, woven and embroidered in Kashmir, and made from fine cashmere fibre) The lovely shawls hawked at Nordstrom, Macy, ect. are all fine shawls, but they are not Pashmina.

If you want more advice about scoring an upgrade, read this funny post.
http://boardingarea.com/blogs/viewf...rring-bad-advice-on-how-to-secure-an-upgrade/

 

[crashbb]

Well, I'm in the lounge waiting for my flight. I will be flying Executive Class (with a lie flat bed). I am wearing jeans, a cotton top, and sneakers. I am clean, neat and presentable.

 

[rlduvall]

Non Revving is a different monster. You, or your family member was employed by the airline and as part of their work dress code they must dress to a certain standard since they would be representatives of the company.

I totally agree with this. I was just saying that because of the way I travelled non-rev as a child, I kept that mentality of dressing nice when I fly - even though it's no longer "required." I thought that's how my post read.

 

[bavaria]

Well, I'm in the lounge waiting for my flight. I will be flying Executive Class (with a lie flat bed). I am wearing jeans, a cotton top, and sneakers. I am clean, neat and presentable.

Braggart (although I don't know how those of us living outside the US can avoid flying 'internationally') Have a good flight!

AC actually has one of the best premium cabins, even if they are only a two class airline and don't technically have a First Class. And nobody should be jealous of LH shorthaul F since the Airbus triplets don't have any more width or seat pitch than economy (and even worse is LX where the middle seat isn't even blocked, so one may end up in a middle in 'F'!) I generally avoid shorthaul LH and take the train to points in France, or to London.

AA still has one of the best F experiences in the domestic US, and UA still has some good opportunities to fly in very comfortable seats in domestic C/F. The difference is the lounge experience - 'premium' lounges from the US carriers generally don't live up to the standards of non-US carriers.

In the words of one of my favourite Minnesotans, have a nice day!

 

[MAH4546]

The difference is the lounge experience - 'premium' lounges from the US carriers generally don't live up to the standards of non-US carriers.

But that comes down to the business model. In Europe, lounges are perks. In the United States, lounges are a significant revenue generating stream for airlines - a business in itself. One does not even need to be flying the actual airline to access the lounge if one is a member.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Coming from someone who has to look at (and sit beside) members of the flying public on a near-daily basis... please put more than 5 minutes' time worth of effort into wardrobe planning. Consider your fellow passengers. This doesn't mean donning a St. John Knit dress, but it does mean wearing clothes not otherwise considered sleep or lounge wear and covering up those parts of your anatomy that class and decorum demand.

That being said, my wardrobe is entirely dependent upon my purpose for traveling; work, I am in a skirt, hose, blouse and cardigan with an additional overcoat as dictated by the weather. Leisure is typically pastel khakis and a well-constructed knit shirt under a cashmere polo sweater. Rev or non-rev it keeps me eligible for a seat in F if one is available.

On those rare occasions I use passes on other airlines while leisure traveling, I will wear jeans or bermuda shorts... and sandals only if my pedicure is fresh!

 

[prncess674]

Rev or non-rev it keeps me eligible for a seat in F if one is available.

No airline is going to deny you an F seat based on your wardrobe, as a top tier elite on multiple airlines I can assure you there would be a huge lawsuit if someone were denied entry to a domestic F cabin on a US based airline based on wardrobe. If you aren't dressed within the minimum standards of public decorum you should be denied entry to the AIRPORT which in turn would deny you entry to a plane. I don't dress to impress other passengers, I dress for comfort and my destination/departure. I don't wear pajamas in public. If flying to MCO that is more than likely appropriate length shorts, polo shirt, sandals and shawl to combat the artic temps.

I am actually amused by the overdressed on F flights simply because it probably means they haven't flown in 20 years and still think domestic F is a big bad privilege. Domestic F on flights less than 2 hours usually gets you a slightly bigger seat, a passed basket of snacks and free $5 bottles of wine. Airlines reward $$$ loyalty and really couldn't care less what you wear.

A comp upgrade based on style of dress is about as common as spotting the loch ness monster in this day and age.

 

[snarlingcoyote]

One of my DH's former co-workers (former or current? both, I think) who travels quite a bit for work likes to tell about the time he was travelling and saw this scruffy, unkempt fellow waiting to board. Greasy hair, torn blue jeans and just. . .well. Not Dressed Appropriately. To cap it off, the guy entirely too old not to know better.

Well, DH's co-worker had a 1st class seat and a long flight ahead of him. They called boarding, he went forward, as did scuffy dude. Oh dear lord, co-worker thought, and prayed he wouldn't get stuck sitting beside the guy.

Well, of course he was stuck sitting beside Scruffy. So he sucked it up and made nice, since they'd be seat mates. They chatted and Scruffy turned out to be intelligent and likeable.

And then regular boarding started and someone recognized Scruffy.

Scruffy, as it turns out, was named Bono.

Co-worker was incredibly grateful he'd been friendly to Scruffy. He had a lovely flight with lots and lots of attention from the FA's and a great trip with a man who turned out to be every bit as nice as his publicist would like everyone to think he is.

 

[locolala]

Most times when I fly, I fly in something along the lines of a track suit. It's all matching, comfy, and warm enough so I don't freeze on the plane. Also, since most of the time I'm in a wheelchair going through security it makes pat downs much easier. I'm sorry if that offends people, but I don't fly first class regardless.. military families just don't make enough money for that! I could never wear a skirt on a flight.. I'm one of those people who can literally curl up in one seat (non reclining!) and go to sleep. I'd flash everyone, and that just wouldn't be very nice.

 

[goofy4tink]

Sounds rather like bragging to me.

Believe me....she's not bragging. She spends more time in the air than I do in my car!!!

Wow, I didn't realize I was starting a thread that would get more than a few responses!

#1 - my shoes always stay on......

#2 - my normal flying attire of nice shorts and a collared/polo shirt is "nicer" than 75% of those that fly in coach......

#3 - everyone has their opinions, that is why we are all here.... to discuss those opinions......

I totally agree about respecting everyone's space, as well as representing one's self nicely. My dad used to score more than his share of upgrades due to his nice attire.

I am sure I will wear my shorts and nice shirt.... heck, I only wear pants to work 3 months a year (why? because I can)... the rest of the school year I am in shorts! I only own 3 pair of pants total and I live in Minnesota!

Now, if I ever have the honor of flying with bavaria, I will dress up, I promise!

Happy day everyone!

Duds

Ah come on...didn't you see the advice about the skirt, and how it's easier to wear that than pants on a flight???? Are you deliberately ignoring that advice???


We have the priviledge of having some very experienced and knowledgable travelers on this board. While some may disagree with what they say, you have to understand that they aren't posting their opinions in many cases. They are posting the facts as they have seen them implemented. There are some here....bavaria and expirateshopgirl...who have more air miles under their belts in a month than most of us will have in a year. If something comes out of their mouths (keyboards), you can pretty much take it to the bank.
Me? Well...when I fly, I adhere to an old guideline. What is the best thing to have on in the case of an emergency....natural fibers, covering my body as much as possible. That means jeans (nice ones), a long sleeved shirt, shoes, socks...sometimes a sweater depending on the weather. It used to be that you dressed up a bit for flying, but flying is more like taking a bus nowadays. But, that doesn't excuse those flying in sleep bottoms and slippers. Yes, I've seen that many times.