Reader Poll: “Do You Dress Up Or Down When Flying?”

Posted by on Jan 30, 2013 in Reader Poll | 12 comments

There’s always deep, personal turmoil before I fly: “What should I wear?” I know I’m a dude and some would say, “what’s there to think about?!” Well, plenty for me.

I like to be comfortable when traveling, but I also don’t mind dressing up a bit. You know  - being presentable. Back in the day, everyone dressed up while flying. It was more of a privilege to fly. It seems to me, that people outside of the States still make the effort to look goooood while flying.

Jordan grew up in an aviation family. Her grandfather was a commercial pilot and her mom was a stewardess, so she flew a lot as a child. She tells me the horror stories of having to dress “up to the nines” as a little girl – as if she was going to a wedding. She hated it, but she still dresses up while flying today, and insists that I do too.

I don’t mind throwing a sports coat on for an international flight in a premium cabin.

 

Sporting the jacket.

Sporting the jacket.

 

I may or may not have worn a pair of sweat pants on a Southwest flight (hopefully Jordan isn’t reading this). Hey, don’t judge, it was a “nice” pair of sweat pants. They were more expensive than some of my jeans and even had back pockets. I was rockin’ a nice athletic look.

Anyway, that’s about where I’m at. I like dressing up for international flights, and I prefer to dress down a bit for domestic flights. From what I’ve noticed, it seems like people enjoy going the casual route. I even sat next to a guy yesterday who was wearing a white undershirt, shorts, and black socks with sandals. But hey – not judging, only observing. He was comfortable!

How about you guys?  Obviously, if you’re traveling for work – then you will need to be in your work duds.  Otherwise, do you dress up or down when you have the option to choose? Answer the poll and let me know!

 


 

 

— Noob Master

  • http://twitter.com/PatMikeL PatMike

    For some people on domestic flights, not showing their butt-crack is dressing up. Mike usually wears a sport coat in International premium cabins. For me, it depends on if it’s a red eye (which I love) or not. We have the Southwest companion pass, so domestically I’d say better than the average Southwest customer.

    • http://www.NoobTraveler.com/ Noob Traveler

      Lol, butt-crack is a big no, no. I find that’s the case with Jordan and me when we travel with Southwest too. You’re right about catching a red eye – that makes a big difference.

      • Ethan

        If you think Southwest passengers are interesting, fly Spirit Airlines sometime. :)

  • DavidS

    I like to strike a balance between comfort and presentation. This is usually a nice pair of jeans, oxford or other dress shirt, and then just the biggest pair of shoes I’m bringing (to save space in my luggage)

    • Ethan

      I’m surprised we’re not seeing the “wear as much as I can to save luggage space” response! :)

  • Jamie

    I always dress really casual. No jewelry, slip-on shoes (sandals, flats), no belts. I just want to make the security line as easy as possible and my flight as comfortable as possible!

    • http://www.NoobTraveler.com/ Noob Traveler

      I’m with you on the slip on shoes. I try to always wear shoes that don’t have laces, and always always wear socks.

  • http://twitter.com/PatMikeL PatMike

    On a BA First flight from Vancouver (old, pre-Avios days…when the only way you could fly BA on AA miles was through Canada…) we were both complimented by an elderly British woman regarding how well dressed we were. “Not like these young people nowadays” !!! I still think of that when we fly international – especially to Europe… also – NO makeup for me on flights that I will sleep on. If it’s a jeans destination, Mike avoids blue in favor of black or brown, that can double as semi-dress pants. Looks “classier” …and remember, the NOOB is all about traveling “classy”

    • http://www.NoobTraveler.com/ Noob Traveler

      I’m glad I’m not a woman and don’t have to worry about makeup. I can see how that would need to be managed on a longer flight. I’m thinking the next poll should be on “wearing the issued p.j.’s.” I like to, but I know a lot of people don’t.

  • Randall

    I’m with Jamie. Given all you have to take off at security – I’d just as soon go minimal, without being sloppy.

  • Richard

    I love to wear my crocs when I travel – comfy and easy on easy off.

  • Jon

    Just got done flying to Cambodia. Asiana F outbound and Cathay Pacific F return for long fligjts. I was a bit out of place in old navy cargos and 8 year old JC Penney button up shirt :) …..but I was comfortable.

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