First Class dress code?

[Heidijs]

Just for fun I'd wear suspenders and straw hat with a flower in it

 

[prncess674]

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.

As someone who flies close to 200K, yes that is 200,00 butt in seat miles per year, I am like you and fly in clothes that are comfortable, neat and clen. If it offends someone that I am not in a suit and tie that is there problem. The airlines love me and reward me with upgrades, certificates and other benefits. If others see fit to play the part of dressing up for F class of times 50 years ago then so be it, I will smirk and laugh under my breath.

There is no reason other than you want to over dress. Flying these days is a PITA and there is no reason to over dreass in uncomfortable biz close of a suit and tie to somhow impress one single person in F class. Dress neat, clean and comfortable and you will be fine!

 

[Lewisc]

The OPs question was already answered. There isn't a dress code and dress standards for first aren't really any different then coach.

Most airlines charge coach, but not first class, passengers for their first bag. Coach passengers should wear their heavier clothing. Depending on what clothing you'll need at your destination you might wear jeans, heavy boots with a sport jacket. Pack the shoes and trousers that coordinate with the jacket.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

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.

Well... as an employee who counts her airtime in hours (miles are for amateurs ) it IS necessary for me to dress a bit nicer than the traveling public. Gate agents are never obligated to move me into F, even if a seat is available, but they routinely do because a) they recognize me on sight and b) I have never given them a reason not to, which necessarily includes my wardrobe choices AND my attitude.

Say... where are the lawsuits involving passengers denied ANY boarding due to wardrobe?

 

[momrek06]

When I fly I wear the most comfortable outfit I own....generally a nice pair of jeans, shirt and comfy shoes.

Last time I flew from Boston (my family's hometown) to SoCal (my town), my DSis was with me. She decided to upgrade us to First Class. We were already at the airport waiting to board when she did this...I did not have time at home to ponder what I would wear in FC.

No one denied us a seat in FC that day based on what we were wearing.

I think times have changed in regard to getting all dressed up to fly. The airlines WANT your business.

 

[prncess674]

Well... as an employee who counts her airtime in hours (miles are for amateurs )

well miles may be for "amatuers" but us amatuers are the one paying for the free seats that you get only if a paying passenger doesn't fill. Sure you get some free priority passes, but in general you are even below the scummy award travelers vying for a seat. While I am sure you love your job, I'll keep my consulting job that pays for me to sit in the front of the plane.

it IS necessary for me to dress a bit nicer than the traveling public. Gate agents are never obligated to move me into F, even if a seat is available, but they routinely do because a) they recognize me on sight and b) I have never given them a reason not to, which necessarily includes my wardrobe choices AND my attitude.

As stated before it is a requirement of your job that you dress a certain way for "pass" travel. The OP is a paying passenger and is not subjected to the rules of your job.

Say... where are the lawsuits involving passengers denied ANY boarding due to wardrobe?

There was the case of the girl wearing the too short skirt on SWA a few years ago who was denied boarding.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20070905/news_1m5braun.html

 

[2binak]

I would say dress for comfort and be clean & neat. If you feel the need to be dressy, but don't want to overdo it, jeans or khakis & a polo would be fine. I guess the only time I would dress up would be if I were traveling on business and planned to meet up with people upon my arrival.

Great story about Bono!!! I was on a flight with Patrick Dempsey, just as Grey's was starting to get popular. He was dressed in jeans, a sweater & a baseball hat. Not scruffy like Bono , but certainly not dressed up.

 

[crashbb]

I would say dress for comfort and be clean & neat. If you feel the need to be dressy, but don't want to overdo it, jeans or khakis & a polo would be fine. I guess the only time I would dress up would be if I were traveling on business and planned to meet up with people upon my arrival.

Agreed. I've had flights where I went straight to work from the plane (or straight to the plane from work); or had a meeting at a lay-over airport; or was traveling with superiors - those times I would be more dressed up (no matter what class I was seated in).

On the other hand, on my last fight (mentioned up thread), I had been upgraded (my work travel is generally paid for by grants - and you have to buy economy seats). Since there were other people coming home from the same conference who were definitely senior to me and were not upgraded, I purposefully got onto the planes (connecting flight) last, so they wouldn't have to walk past me sitting in my "suite".

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

The word is AMATEURS. Learn it, live it, spell it. Before you call award ticket travelers 'scummy' remember for a moment that you're one of them as you indicated in an earlier post, or perhaps you're trying to tell us something? If it's the latter, I already believe it.

I do love my job. Most of my travel is work-related, so even *I* don't fall into that slovenly group where you've placed yourself. I get a seat, even before elites. And even though times are tough in the airline industry, it's far more secure than the first-to-go consultants who are easily expendable.

Oh... and too-short-skirt girl never filed a lawsuit. Next!

well miles may be for "amatuers" but us amatuers are the one paying for the free seats that you get only if a paying passenger doesn't fill. Sure you get some free priority passes, but in general you are even below the scummy award travelers vying for a seat. While I am sure you love your job, I'll keep my consulting job that pays for me to sit in the front of the plane.

As stated before it is a requirement of your job that you dress a certain way for "pass" travel. The OP is a paying passenger and is not subjected to the rules of your job.

There was the case of the girl wearing the too short skirt on SWA a few years ago who was denied boarding.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20070905/news_1m5braun.html

 

[goofy4tink]

Play nicely kids...

 

[uva185]

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

Don't worry, they don't meet our standards either.

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.

Right, that makes sense, US clubs charge for access and they still provide less perks (drinks, food, etc) than international clubs.

 

[prncess674]

Before you call award ticket travelers 'scummy' remember for a moment that you're one of them as you indicated in an earlier post, .

wow, I see you are promoting the belief that all airline workers are mean battle axes. I have EARNED my miles and will occasionally cash them in for awards, no harm in that.

I do love my job. Most of my travel is work-related, so even *I* don't fall into that slovenly group where you've placed yourself. I get a seat, even before elites. And even though times are tough in the airline industry, it's far more secure than the first-to-go consultants who are easily expendable.

Not sure what crack you are smoking, but I am busier than ever showing companies where the dead weight of mean old battle axes can be cut for having a poor attitude about the customer.

Oh... and too-short-skirt girl never filed a lawsuit. Next!

Obviously you didn't see the point, but she was denied boarding for a flight.

 

[MAH4546]

Don't worry, they don't meet our standards either.


Right, that makes sense, US clubs charge for access and they still provide less perks (drinks, food, etc) than international clubs.

U.S. clubs are mainly filled with domestic business travelers who pay a membership and have access regardless of if they are flying coach or first.

International clubs are mainly filled with long-haul passengers spending upwards of $4,000 to $12,000 on a ticket.

Furthermore, both American Airlines and United Airlines operate two tiers of clubs. Their higher tier clubs for long-haul travelers in First feature amenities akin to foreign clubs, and you cannot buy a membership to join.

It actually does make sense. Perfect sense.

 

[crashbb]

Obviously you didn't see the point, but she was denied boarding for a flight.

Given that you provided that case in direct reference to her question about lawsuits involving being denied boarding (which was in direct reference to your point that we'd be seeing many of them), I would say that she saw the point perfectly.

You were the one that said that an US carrier wouldn't deny boarding based on dress, yet you than provide an example of it happening.

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.

Since she made it to the plane, she was obviously dressed well enough to not be denied entry to the airport.

BTW, where is the hypocrite smilie? You told Bavaria that she was bragging when she made comments about some of her first class trips, yet all you've done is told us how many miles you've flown, how important your consulting job is, how much the airlines love you, and how much better you are than the rest of us.

 

[crashbb]

U.S. clubs are mainly filled with domestic business travelers who pay a membership and have access regardless of if they are flying coach or first.

International clubs are mainly filled with long-haul passengers spending upwards of $4,000 to $12,000 on a ticket.

Furthermore, both American Airlines and United Airlines operate two tiers of clubs. Their higher tier clubs for long-haul travelers in First feature amenities akin to foreign clubs, and you cannot buy a membership to join.

It actually does make sense. Perfect sense.

I very rarely pay $4000 to $12000 for a ticket yet regularly access International clubs, most of which make most the US clubs I've been in look rather pathetic.

Not being an American, most of my flights involve at least one non-US city (I have only very occasional within US flights).

I do agree that the United International First clubs are much nicer than the Red Carpet Lounges (though some RCCs are actually quite nice).

 

[ilovemonk]

Given that you provided that case in direct reference to her question about lawsuits involving being denied boarding (which was in direct reference to your point that we'd be seeing many of them), I would say that she saw the point perfectly.

You were the one that said that an US carrier wouldn't deny boarding based on dress, yet you than provide an example of it happening.


Since she made it to the plane, she was obviously dressed well enough to not be denied entry to the airport.

BTW, where is the hypocrite smilie? You told Bavaria that she was bragging when she made comments about some of her first class trips, yet all you've done is told us how many miles you've flown, how important your consulting job is, how much the airlines love you, and how much better you are than the rest of us.

Really, though... now I am beginning to wonder if she's a consultant in the first place. Those responses were rude and so unprofessional.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Only you would make that leap of logic. Of course you have earned your miles, as has every other 'scummy' award traveler out there. Let's remember that YOU were the one to call them (and yourself) scummy, not I. Most customers are delightful. Then there are the sine nobilis who can neither spell nor form a logical argument... and the gate agents, god bless em, still smile and put up with their "do you know how many miles I fly each year?" self-important rants.

Now, about those lawsuits... sorry, those HUGE lawsuits... find us some cites, will you?

wow, I see you are promoting the belief that all airline workers are mean battle axes. I have EARNED my miles and will occasionally cash them in for awards, no harm in that.

Not sure what crack you are smoking, but I am busier than ever showing companies where the dead weight of mean old battle axes can be cut for having a poor attitude about the customer.



Obviously you didn't see the point, but she was denied boarding for a flight.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Really, though... now I am beginning to wonder if she's a consultant in the first place. Those responses were rude and so unprofessional.

Not to mention frequently misspelled. Remember, if you can't be somebody in real life, you can always satisfy your princess mitty complex online...

 

[aubriee]

Really, though... now I am beginning to wonder if she's a consultant in the first place. Those responses were rude and so unprofessional.

I was wondering if I was the only one thinking that!

Only you would make that leap of logic. Of course you have earned your miles, as has every other 'scummy' award traveler out there. Let's remember that YOU were the one to call them (and yourself) scummy, not I. Most customers are delightful. Then there are the sine nobilis who can neither spell nor form a logical argument... and the gate agents, god bless em, still smile and put up with their "do you know how many miles I fly each year?" self-important rants.

Now, about those lawsuits... sorry, those HUGE lawsuits... find us some cites, will you?

Not to mention frequently misspelled. Remember, if you can't be somebody in real life, you can always satisfy your princess mitty complex online...

Gotta love ya ExPirateShopGirl! I seldom post in threads like this and freely admit it's because I don't have enough knowledge or experience to do so. I depend on our experts here like ExPirateShop Girl and Bavaria. Please people don't make them mad, we need their expertise too much here.

 

[bavaria]

Please people don't make them mad, we need their expertise too much here.

Heck, I'm not mad; we may put the accent on the other syllable, but 'humour' is still spelled the same... (well, okay, we spell is the correct way, but that is a WHOLE other thread!)

Glad to see that they still serve alcohol in US domestic First Class - another thing to look forward to OP, although it may put you off your game.

Now, if someone can just tell me how I can get to Germany next week without flying 'international' I would be happy to share that secret with crashbb and any other non-American posters who by default of not living in America fall into the 'international' category. We haven't quite perfected the teleportation device.