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-   -   First class passenger - what to wear? (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/first-class-passenger-what-to-wear-625410/)

marksalot256 Jun 21st, 2006 03:02 PM

First class passenger - what to wear?
 
is a black sweat suit outfit acceptable? does it matter what i wear?

lizziea06 Jun 21st, 2006 03:08 PM

I don't think it matters in the eyes of the airline crew how you'll be dressed. If it's a plane full of business travellers, you might feel self-conscious. If that doesn't bother you, then I would dress to be comfortable.

escargot Jun 21st, 2006 03:09 PM

the only thing that matters to me is if the person sitting next to me, whether I'm in first, business or coach, is that they are clean, their clothes are clean, and if they have smelly feet that they keep their shoes on ! Be comfortable. It's a personal choice.
If the black sweat suit was the kind I'd wear cleaning out my garage, I wouldn't wear it anywhere else - if it's a nice, black sweat outfit, and you are comfortable, that's all that matters.

I don't dress differently when I travel first, business or coach - I have a black Chico's pant & top 'travel outfit' I wear on longer flights, - I wouldn't happen to wear it anywhere else, it's one of those travel outfits that doesn't wrinkle, has hardly any waistband, etc - and on shorter ones where the 'comfort' factor isn't such a consideration, I tend to wear more fitted clothing.

FainaAgain Jun 21st, 2006 03:12 PM

I think only leather suites are allowed, black for men, pink for women. Or is it vice versa?

If you don't wear the above, you'll be downgraded to the cattle class with the difference mailed to you in vouchers to be used within a year.

mah1980 Jun 21st, 2006 03:20 PM

Are you serious? Wear what you want as long as you don't smell.

Who cares what you wear whether you are in First Class, Economy, or in the cargo compartment?

emd Jun 21st, 2006 03:50 PM

where, oh where, is muffin when we need her.

djkbooks Jun 21st, 2006 04:03 PM

You will see anything and everything of First class passengers, so wear whatever you like.

jetset1 Jun 21st, 2006 04:23 PM

With f.f. miles, you just about see everything, well, just like Las Vegas, now that I consider it.
Just don't do the giveaway "lucky me, I'm special and you are not" look as others make their way to the netherworld..
I find the frequent upper crust either avert their eyes entirely when the cattle come through the shoot, or maybe sip the Perrier thoughtfully as the few, the proud, and the survivors squeeze their bulging carry-ons by.
I have seen maybe just a few sort of openly stare with sort of a malicious glint in their eye, commanding the lesser tube travelers to wince with shame.
Then they will pointedly remind the apple and hip sections that they need not saunter forward to the first class lavatory. That's what the empty milk jug and the small funnel are for..

callalilli Jun 21st, 2006 04:30 PM

jetset1 -- that is hillarious !!! but so dang true!

jetset1 Jun 21st, 2006 04:41 PM

callalilli~ how about the days when they would share with the entire plane what gourmet treats were in store up front?
"After Bridgette hand dips your strawberries in chocolate, Philippe will serve a nice Pinot. We will then provide hot lemon hand towels for your pleasure, massage your rotator cuffs, and offer a selection of veal, lobster and pepper steak, or all three if you wish, because with the crazy fare codes, those dolts behind you paid a small country ransom just to breathe in your aftershave and Prada shoes."

"Those of you seated in other sections will enjoy a COLD bean quesadilla. Microwave fees are $5. Please use correct bills."

nytraveler Jun 21st, 2006 04:46 PM

As long as you're fully clothed no one cares.

(I did fly back from Japan some years ago when some of the local businessmen removed their suits - jacket AND trousers - apparently to keep them from being crumpled. Very odd to see all these little men wandering around the plane in their boxer shorts.)

BayouGal Jun 21st, 2006 06:26 PM

Just please don't be like a guy we saw in 1st class as we were hustled on towards the rear. He wore an all white suit, LOTS of gold necklaces, sunglasses (it was dark outside), and talked at the top of his lungs on his cell phone to his "agent" about his "upcoming concert."

Methinks thou toots thine own horn too much!

BayouGal Jun 21st, 2006 06:46 PM

I saw this on the Europe board just now . . . hilarious, Gardyloo!
<b>Author: Gardyloo</b>
Date: 06/21/2006, 07:57 pm
First-class passenger attire on select trans-Atlantic services - guidelines:

(Note - not all airlines offer first class any more, some offer &quot;upper&quot; class or business class as their premier cabins.)

American Airlines - Consult reruns of &quot;Dallas&quot; for outfitting guidelines. EXCEPTION - on LAX-LHR service (contract carrier for SAG), torn jeans and sunglasses. Two-day growth of beard on chiseled chin for male pax; velour track suit and YSL tote for females.

United Airlines - That &quot;Sunday Best&quot; outfit you hid during the visit from the bankruptcy court's auditors.

British Airways - Business casual, befitting of BA Executive Club members (average age = pischer) who are riding in FC because they used miles to upgrade business class tickets bought by their employers. Or using American Express 2-4-1 coupons obtained through serial shopping at Tesco.

Air France - Something suitable to go on strike in upon arrival. Must have sweater/jumper/scarf tied around neck. Gibberish/Franglaise leather coat is okay but awfully 20th-Century.

Lufthansa - Utilitarian and practical. Black is only permitted color.

Iberia - We don't care what you wear. Sit down and shut up. We'll bring you some food when we get around to it.

Air Canada - See United.

Virgin Atlantic Airways- Nothing that clashes with our cabin colour scheme. Oh wait - everything clashes with our colour scheme. Care for a massage? Ever met Sir Beard? Oh I have.

Swiss International Airways - Beige.

KLM - Wear what you like. Rimless glasses required, though. You'll have to wait till you're in the Jordaan before you can smoke that, though.

Northwest Airlines - First class? Northwest? Hahahaha.

Delta Airlines - See United.

Air India - Bare feet are allowed but passengers are cautioned not to step on under-seat mousetraps with unprotected toes.

Alitalia - It may be &quot;Magnifica&quot; class, but we know you only paid $33 for your ticket. No matter what you wear we will still be better looking.


bob_brown Jun 21st, 2006 07:00 PM

If its legal for the street; it's legal for the airplane.

Why the concern?

Of course if you are female, young, shapely, most men could make some suggestions.

jetset1 Jun 21st, 2006 07:02 PM

Faina~ Did you ever experience Aeroflot in it's heyday? Are the stories true? Do tell!

sylvia3 Jun 21st, 2006 07:54 PM

I like the quote (not verbatim), a little bit applicable here, because you seem to care about what other people think acceptable (not necessarily a bad thing at all--wish more people cared or looked in a mirror before trotting out to meet the world). Anyway, it was said by a famous retired quarterback about the silly posturing and prancing in the end zone after a touchdown: &quot;oh please, just don't act like you've never been there before!&quot;

djkbooks Jun 21st, 2006 08:00 PM

We flew Aeroflot from Munich to Moscow on a ticket booked with Lufthansa. I swear the pilot was drunk - or something. The landing was the worst, by far, I've ever, ever, experienced, and the weather was just fine.

wow Jun 21st, 2006 08:49 PM

Of course it matters what you wear! Everyday, Everywhere. &quot;A black sweat suit
outfit&quot; should not be worn Anywhere, Anytime. You're funny, Marksalot256... Have a great flight!

jetset1 Jun 22nd, 2006 07:26 AM

In olden times, one would practice a move known as &quot;craning&quot;, whereby the upper body elevates ever so slowly, and the eyes sought out the covered wagons laden with the goodies.

It was considered bad form to make eye contact with an attendant before &quot;your row&quot; was finally the chosen one.

One must never appear greedy or over anxious for the gift of the delicious offering.

I once had marveled at how proficient the soda cans were opened, the small metal tabs never breaking a perfect polished nail of the sophisticated expert disensing them.

How clever were the hairstyles, how impressive the wedding bands and coordinated bracelets. I felt inadequate for certain, being young and not experienced with mattifying makeup and humidity reducing hair products.

Years later, I do admire the professionals for their daily tasks and what must not always be a glamorous and stress free career, but still, I miss the days when it all seemed so magical..

jetset1 Jun 22nd, 2006 07:38 AM

Sometimes, a wee bit of envy ocurred, when a seatmate chose an entree which was inferior to your own. This was usually followed by a slow collection of small interesting bottles on their tray table.

Later, before the shrapnel from all meals were retrieved, one could begin airplane math. This meant careful calculation and a 90 degree head turn to ascertain how many others might be using the facilities.

I became somewhat adept at a mini makeover, emerging with a confidence that a good lip color could provide, and the relief that my hands might be germ free for an hour or so.

As I returned to my seat, I offered a benevolent smile to those who seemed surprised that my frazzled twin had seemingly disappeared.

Maybe they didn't understand that only 90 minutes prior, I had misplaced a bag(once almost leaving it in the rental car), and the experience of the &quot;delivery after security&quot;, &quot;aw, another girl traveler, everyone.&quot;
&quot;Put your shoes on and move forward please&quot; was behind me until the next journey.

chelseaM Jul 4th, 2006 08:28 AM

My parents just made their Hawaii reservations and were able to use f.f. miles for an upgrade.

Last night, I was reading some of this to my mom. I thought it was worth a rerun today and maybe someone would add either some of their true experiences up front, or just carry on with the comedy. Chelsea

annesherrod Jul 4th, 2006 08:45 AM

Jetset1 - you crack me up!!! :)

chelseaM Jul 4th, 2006 02:28 PM

annesherrod, I agree. If she ever let it be known that she'd be at one of the gtg events, I'd have to go. I think Kathy Griffin is funny, but jetset has that sophisticated travel wit thing down pat. I wonder if she sits up front or in the back so she can plan more material for her posts.
I have friends who go to Alaska and I really think I'm going to plan my trip there now. She should be easy to find, weaving around on her bicycle!

annesherrod Jul 4th, 2006 03:52 PM

ChelseaM -
LOL :)

JAGIRL Jul 4th, 2006 04:32 PM

<i> does it matter what i wear?</i>


I daresay but I do wonder what <b>m_kingdom2</b> would have to say?

Perhaps something along the lines of :

<i>For a crime as grievous as that, solitary confinement is the only punishment suitable :)</i>

Binthair Jul 4th, 2006 04:35 PM

It doesn't matter what you wear because after they draw that curtain, the secret is that everyone sips the bubbly in their birthday suit.

chelseaM Jul 4th, 2006 05:43 PM

Binthair, uh oh.. this opens up an easy way for some to run away with opportunity:).

What is the best drink to have next to a nude person anyway?

chelseaM Jul 4th, 2006 05:47 PM

I just found out what the answer is.

Please return your &quot;jiggy&quot; to it's upright and lcoked position.

chelseaM Jul 4th, 2006 05:47 PM

locked.

AuntAnnie Jul 5th, 2006 07:29 AM

jetset: Are you a writer??! Because I would read your book!

GoTravel Jul 5th, 2006 07:39 AM

Wear an air of superiority and you will fit in just fine.

Make sure you pity the poor steerage class en masse.

chelseaM Jul 5th, 2006 07:48 AM

AuntAnnie,

I think she is entertaining some relatives. I have questions about Alaska and I am waiting for her to return.
The part about how the first class act is so funny. It is true that people used to be excited about the food service, and now, you have to pay for the privelege of reheated, salty tasteless food.
I have been buying food to bring aboard and more fruit and water. For whatever reason, even the bottled water tastes bad. Chelsea

steviegene Jul 5th, 2006 08:29 AM

I dont think sweatpants should be worn outside of the house...EVER.


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