It’s always fun to discuss travel etiquette on the blog, as it generates some interesting conversations, with differing perspectives. I often get asked if there’s a dress code when flying in first class (whether domestic or international), and if one should dress up when sitting in the pointy end of the plane. In this post I wanted to share my thoughts, and I look forward to hearing how OMAAT readers feel.
In this post:
What you should and shouldn’t wear on a plane
Personally I think the same clothing “etiquette” rules should apply in economy, business, and first class. I’m pretty easy going, so I think:
- You should wear clean and non-smelly clothes (and even beyond the clothes, make sure you don’t smell bad)
- You should cover everything that needs to be covered (people have vastly differing opinions of what that entails, but at an absolute minimum, cover your private parts, and ideally a lot more)
- You should follow cultural norms for the place you’re flying to & from; for example, Saudia has at least historically required women to cover their arms and legs, and has prohibited men from wearing shorts
- Ideally wear close-toed shoes, but if you choose not to, please make sure your feet don’t smell and aren’t unpleasant to look at (self-selection is tricky here, because presumably people who don’t take care of their feet don’t realize how off putting that can be to others, but I digress)
I’d say these are half rules and half etiquette tips, and they should apply regardless of the class of service you’re traveling in. I think the trickiest of the above is the one about covering everything that needs to be covered. That’s roughly in line with the dress code most airlines have, but it’s often used subjectively to kick people off planes, and it’s also disproportionately used against curvier women.
Why you shouldn’t have to “dress up” to fly first class
A lot of people choose to dress up when they fly in premium cabins. I totally respect that and see why they do it. I also hope that they respect when other people choose not to.
Let me make the simple case for why you shouldn’t feel like you need to dress up to fly. If you’re expected to “dress the part” in first class, why do airlines distribute pajamas and slippers, and encourage you to change into them before takeoff? For those who believe you should have to dress up to fly, do you oppose changing into them?
A lot of people like to draw parallels to dining in top restaurants, etc., though last I checked, most restaurants don’t give you pajamas and slippers to change into before your meal. I’ll take it a step further — where else in the world can you change into pajamas, enjoy some caviar, and then walk to a bar, all at 35,000 feet?! It’s pretty flippin’ awesome, isn’t it?
Some people like to reference the “good old days” of flying, where people dressed up. I don’t know how many decades we’re going back with that argument, but if we’re going to go back several decades, then it’s important to recognize that flying was a completely different mode of transportation then.
50 years ago airplanes weren’t sleeping quarters, but rather they were restaurants, social clubs, and cigar bars. Flying also wasn’t something that many people did weekly, but rather something that was rarer, and inflation adjusted, significantly more expensive.
Every aspect of the flying experience — from first class to economy — is different than back in the “good old days.” In some cases it’s for the better (hello Emirates A380 first class shower!) and in some cases it’s for the worse (hello US-based airlines!).
What do I wear when flying?
I’m by no means suggesting that anyone should take fashion advice from me (well, at least not most people), but for anyone curious, I generally wear athleisure-type clothes when I fly. I usually wear sweats that could look like dress pants if you don’t look closely, a hoodie (my favorite travel essential), a workout shirt, and dressier shoes.
I don’t care whether I’m flying Spirit’s Big Front Seat or Emirates first class, that’s my go-to. It’s incredibly versatile, regardless of the temperature, whether I want to sleep or sit up, and it doesn’t wrinkle.
Why don’t I wear dressier clothes on planes? I’m usually traveling with just a carry-on, and I want to preserve the nicer clothes for when I’m actually on the ground. Nothing wrinkles clothes quite like wearing them on a plane, and then add in the risk of spills, and it’s a bad combination.
Bottom line
I respect everyone’s right to dress how they want on a plane, whether that’s in a suit or (clean) casual clothes. Personally I don’t follow the logic of those who are horrified by people dressing down for a long flight, when many airlines encourage passengers to change into pajamas and slippers once they’re onboard.
What’s your approach to dressing when flying? Do you dress up when flying in a premium cabin?
In words of Proposition Joe from "The Wire" TV show, "Look the part, be the part, mutha(censored)." ;)
Thankfully we have the option to within reasonable standards on flights. And even more thankfully, I'm glad that the secondhand smoke exposure associated with "The Golden Age of Flying" is long over.
I always try to dress decently. I have comfortable pajama-feeling pants that look like nice trousers. I'll wear a nice cardigan. I put makeup on, I do my hair.
Then I get into pajamas and wash my face with makeup wipes. :-)
My grandmother would wear Hermes scarves, pearls, the whole nine yards, bless her, but she was always like that. I always wear nice jewelry even if I'm slumming it in coach in...
I always try to dress decently. I have comfortable pajama-feeling pants that look like nice trousers. I'll wear a nice cardigan. I put makeup on, I do my hair.
Then I get into pajamas and wash my face with makeup wipes. :-)
My grandmother would wear Hermes scarves, pearls, the whole nine yards, bless her, but she was always like that. I always wear nice jewelry even if I'm slumming it in coach in jeans, just because of her influence - she told me it was the classiest thing a lady could do!
When I fly F I make it a point to dress nicely but comfortably (think smart casual). Its weird to be sitting in a high end first class lounge and seeing someone in sweats that look like they just crawled out of bed. I don't see why the focus on pajamas. Never once have I been encouraged to change into pajamas before take off. Its sleepwear. I change into it when its time to go...
When I fly F I make it a point to dress nicely but comfortably (think smart casual). Its weird to be sitting in a high end first class lounge and seeing someone in sweats that look like they just crawled out of bed. I don't see why the focus on pajamas. Never once have I been encouraged to change into pajamas before take off. Its sleepwear. I change into it when its time to go to sleep. I don't wander the cabin in pajamas. I don't go to the bar onboard in pajamas. That is a bit weird and feels childish. If I am flying in economy casual is fine. Its just weird to be drinking champagne and eating caviar if I'm dressed like a slob and that really stands out in the lounge dining rooms.
What I wear depends on the cabin I usually fly; if im flying coach or short hops, literally anything goes that's within social decency. Sweat pants, t shirt, hoodie, maybe shorts if its hot.
Now, when I fly a premium cabin I go for the mentality first impression is the last impression. Chinos/something other than a non jean type of pant, polo style shirt, and a sweater with comfortable orthotic shoes. That's the bear...
What I wear depends on the cabin I usually fly; if im flying coach or short hops, literally anything goes that's within social decency. Sweat pants, t shirt, hoodie, maybe shorts if its hot.
Now, when I fly a premium cabin I go for the mentality first impression is the last impression. Chinos/something other than a non jean type of pant, polo style shirt, and a sweater with comfortable orthotic shoes. That's the bear minimum I kind of expect from people.
I don't understand people who wear sandals and flipflops on board any plane. I usually sit their and ponder if they have discovered lotion or nail clippers, and I don't really want that odor in the cabin. I get it, wearing socks and shoes is cumbersome, you've been walking around, maybe you sweat profusely, get some good cotton socks and leave them on. Leave your birkenstocks and slides for your destination.
I value personal hygiene the most, and for the love of god European friends (and some others to) need to discover deodorant. There are plenty of non-toxic "better for you brands" do us a solid and wear that, and maybe just a very very light fainted essential oil. Don't over do it, don't under do it, shower/bathe and basic hygiene.
Before a long-haul night flight (flat bed business), I change in the lounge in something comfy (light sweatpants and sweatshirt, clean and nice of course), but no hoodie, as the hood stands in a way of a comfortable head position. Upon arrival I change back to whatever is appropriate for the destination climate.
Other than my face and hands, I cover any part of my skin I don't want burned or cut during an emergency evacuation. I also don't want to evacuate in pajamas and slippers, so I wear my regular clothes, shoes, and passport, wallet and cell phone in pocket anywhere below 10,000 feet.
I guess it depends on whether you consider yourself to be tasteless. If you just don't care, then sweats are fine. For normal humans, that lacks taste but different people have to have different standards.
Smart but comfy in F. For years I had staff travel in AA via my Mum and we had to wear a jacket and tie. It was so obvious we were on a freebie! Mind you, nothing will beat a Concorde trip one time where an older gentleman was wearing a 3 piece suit, a bowler hat and carrying an umbrella!!
I wear smart casual and something that suits the climate of the arrival airport. I always take something comfortable to change into and ask for my clothes to be hung if possible. I hate seeing scruffy people in lounges. I don’t care how much that designer pair of ripped jeans cost they are scruffy. It’s personal choice but traveling in the pointy end is always an occasion for me regardless of how often.
I echo your sentiment. Designer doesn't always translate to taste and class. H&M makes great polos and pants, I'd rather see those than some hideous pant/short/skirt with holes in it
Former flight attendant here; if you had to evacuate the aircraft ( which no one ever thinks of ) jeans, sturdy shoes and shirt go a long way to protect you in an emergency.
Of course clean jeans !
Jeans on a long flight can cause DVTs. Terrible advise from a former FA, Brad.
It doesn't matter to me where in the plane I sit...at least so far. (I doubt I'll ever fly in "International First.") I dress the same in (domestic) F, (international) J, or Y: clean, comfortable clothes. That might be blue jeans, a polo shirt and a zip-up jacket or perhaps sweatshirt (like a Virgin American sweatshirt if I'm flying Alaska), or it might be "business casual" if I have to "hit the ground running" and...
It doesn't matter to me where in the plane I sit...at least so far. (I doubt I'll ever fly in "International First.") I dress the same in (domestic) F, (international) J, or Y: clean, comfortable clothes. That might be blue jeans, a polo shirt and a zip-up jacket or perhaps sweatshirt (like a Virgin American sweatshirt if I'm flying Alaska), or it might be "business casual" if I have to "hit the ground running" and go straight to work upon arrival. (Of course, my business casual is pretty casual, considering a work in the wine trade...)
Not if you’re an American businessman! You can wear a poorly-fitting polo shirt, hideous 90s cargo shorts (or, worse, pants) and ugly Asics dad shoes.
I used to swear by black tie for J or F, but these days I've been dressing down by wearing a smoking jacket.
Ben, having been very lucky to have traveled in FC many times, I go by a simple rule of thumb similar to yours:
1. Lululemon sweats
2. Wool hoodie with a wool t-shirt underneath. (Wool is my favorite material as it does not stink)
3. Comfortable shoes.
On TATL or TPAC flights, you are given PJ's so nobody is expecting you to wear an Armani couture suit.
First and foremost avoid the now popular unbathed, slovenly, I never wash my clothes look. The number of people that show up to an airport like they haven't laundered their clothes or bathed in a couple of days is utterly shocking.
Other than that no tank tops (unless you're young and in very good shape) or hoochie shorts. Tight clothing does not hide fat, it only makes fat look like fat.
If the airlines want me to look good, they wouldn't treat me like cattle
my two cents:
I'm flying a wild long haul mix of first, business, eco+ and eco while dressing exactly the same in all classes.
My experience is that in first, nobody does even blink an eye, while i sometimes get very steange looks in business class.
That been said, it's usually not the crew but other passengers....
Usually I’m one to wear a suit due to work. However, on one occasion I got on a flight out of the MOG in a swimsuit and felt horrible to everyone around. Extenuating circumstances do happen
I am an English learner, please explain "out of the MOG in a swimsuit". Thank you.
Native English speaker, no idea what MOG means
I'm a native English speaker, and I don't know what "out of the MOG" means either.
No inkling here either!
Is MOG the airport code for Mong Hsat (Burma)? That might make sense since the area is apparently affected by monsoons.
Honestly, as long as you’re not wearing flip-flops or heels, you should be fine.
With the exception of basic safety precautions, it all just comes down to personal comfort. Personally, I’m nearly always running hot on planes so I just wear a T-shirt and then have a few additional layers I could throw on if absolutely necessary.
Multiple pairs of socks on long haul is a must for me though.
I hate having the hood of a hoodie against my neck while I’m sitting in an aeroplane seat. In fact I think it’s an awkward piece of clothing fullstop.
I fly long-haul and transcon F regularly -- a dozen or so times a year. If your everyday clothes are clean and not objectionable, wear them. If you meet this simple standard, you will not be judged . . . and you should not judge. The word "rustic" might be used to describe my appearance and I've never had a problem. Of course, consider your destination -- weather and social norms.
Stretch khaki hiking pants for the win- good ones are super comfortable and last forever while still looking the kind of ‘smart casual’ that blends in almost everywhere. My current favorite pairs are made by Kuhl.
+1 for Kühl pants
I've gone back to flying with bare legs and short sleeves. Planes are so warm now that I'd rather stay cool than worry about burns in a crash or evacuation. If there's an accident, I'll use water from my bottle to cool down.
But if you are NOT in F and you dress up, you will be mostly likely upgraded, no?
Dude I was about to say the same thing xD
You will NOT be upgraded based on dressing up. Upgrades will be based on elite status, etc.
Last I checked you're guaranteed to be upgraded if wearing a full tux
In F passengers are sufficiently far apart that it doesn't even matter if someone smells a bit. I paid $7K for a F seat a few weeks ago and I will damn well dress and smell how I want for that price.
Love it!
Polar bear missed the irony.
Safe landings
Read this week somewhere that a certain travel blog type "is always upgraded, without exception, if wearing nice expensive clothing" !
A lie that would make even Donald Trump gasp in incredulity.
My understanding always was if you give chocolate to the flight attendants then you will get an auto-upgrade.
It depends…as always.
If it’s a shorter flight, dress for your destination.
If it’s a longer flight, still dress for your destination unless you’re planning to change clothes onboard.
I used to bring pajamas or sweats for sleeping on transatlantic and transpacific flights, but as I don’t normally wear proper pajamas, doing so meant carrying around pajamas in my suitcase for the sole purpose of sleeping on airplanes. That just seemed dumb....
It depends…as always.
If it’s a shorter flight, dress for your destination.
If it’s a longer flight, still dress for your destination unless you’re planning to change clothes onboard.
I used to bring pajamas or sweats for sleeping on transatlantic and transpacific flights, but as I don’t normally wear proper pajamas, doing so meant carrying around pajamas in my suitcase for the sole purpose of sleeping on airplanes. That just seemed dumb.
Now I have a few pairs of what I like to call “travel slacks”. They’re the Lands End (of all places) FitFlex Performance Chinos and they’re soft, stretchy, reasonably well tailored, and lightweight. For a week or two, I’ll wear these on the plane and usually bring a second pair and/or a pair of the matching shorts. If needed, they can be washed in a sink and dry overnight hanging.
I have returned to doing “the dangerous”: flying with mostly bare legs and short sleeve shirts.
The planes have increasingly been so ridiculously warm at boarding and even during the flights that I would rather do my part to be cool than worry about the risk of burning in a plane crash or slide burn during an evacuation. In the case of an accident, I’ll probably pour water from a water bottle onto my body anyway.
There was a very nice British man in the Cathay Pacific first class lounge LHR wearing a full suit and tie apparel! Hopefully he changes into the pajamas before going to bed.
Good to know we British are still maintaining some standards! ;-)
Setting the fashions for all we colonies!
Life changing: Lululemon 5 pocket ABC pants. I'm a guy who used to hate on Lulu and not understand the hype, then I finally got pair of these. Could fool someone into thinking you're wearing dress pants, but they're comfy and super light for those warmer-kept cabins/hot destinations
I found some Tommy Bahama "Island Zone Performance 5-pocket" pants that are incredibly lightweight, comfy, and look classy. Slept in them more than once on long flights that didn't offer PJs, and they hold their appearance well.
Flew Frankfurt- Washington last Sunday in Lufthansa First. Everybody was dressed for comfort, including me!
You should always dress for a trip down a canvas evacuation slide - no bare legs, no skirts. Don't remove your footwear until the seatbelt sign is off, and put it back on at the top of descent.
I’ve started wearing a hoodie on long haul flights following your recommendation in a previous post. I like the fact it feels cosy, the hood can make you warm if the plane is cold and my head isn’t touching the seat fabric. What’s your go to brand for smarter looking sweatpants? ( not that I’m trying to turn myself into you!)
A simple search on the web will show all lux, lux , top brand designers going from Gucci, DG, DSQ2 , YSL; Saint Laurent, Balmain, Balenciaga, Ford, star collabs for Adidas, Armani, ..... have been creating sweatpants any Nyc, Milan, Paris fashion season since 2005/2010 more or less.
And you ask the blogger (German) that so many times said he has no idea about fashion??? where do you live Nikojas?
I wear one as well. Jeans, clean inoffensive tee, and a hoodie. Sometimes I get looks when boarding BA/JL/AA F wearing that, but I don’t care.
On my last JL F flight, a guy in business suit boarded. Took off his suit coat, tie, and shirt at his seat. Folded them up neatly. And then put the pajama / sweater top on.
I think you’ve summed it up , wear what you feel comfortable in, it’s your choice but, bicycle pants and active gym wear , leave it at home I don’t need to see your in-between bits