Resolving the debate over whether dressing nice at the airport can earn you VIP treatment

A lady on social media began an interesting debate about what to wear at the airport. In a satirical post on Instagram, model Geena Sandhu published a video on January 25 with the caption: “Me with my Prada sunglasses, LV bag, Dior bag and Rimowa hand luggage, about to head to seat 29C.”

Sandhu sparked a heated discussion in her comments section about “designer decorum” while flying in economy class.

However, one comment that stands out comes from a lady who stated that dressing in a single’s finest is common amongst air travelers.

“Funny! But remember when people actually dressed for travel,” the user asked.

As a proud millennial, this is not the first time I’ve heard travelers dress in a different way than previous generations. I used to be recently in Sierra Leone for work, where I talked to a lady from Zambia who remembers dressing up for the airport as a baby. She said flying is taken into account a luxury, so people dress accordingly.

Sabrina Rowe, a retired customer support agent at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport — often called the world’s busiest airport since 1998 — also remembers people dressing in almost “Sunday attire” to the airport.

“Many years ago, people traveled with etiquette, dignity and composure,” says Atlanta Black Star. “That changed at some point. Before boarding a plane, people put on everything they need to travel, including pajamas, tank tops and almost nothing.”

Rowe, who has worked at the airport for greater than a decade, said there may be a superb line between respectability and attractiveness. She witnessed firsthand how crossing the border can make traveling unattainable.

“The pilot saw a group of white exotic dancers wearing clothes that were too small and told them they couldn’t fly the plane,” Rowe adds. “I didn’t know pilots were qualified to do this and it shocked me.”

The stars step in as Pajamas and bonnets are taking over the airport

The airport dress code controversy got here to a head when comedian Mo’Nique shared her thoughts on black women wearing bonnets and pajamas in public.

In 2021, “The Parkers” shared that while traveling through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, she noticed several women wearing bonnets, scarves, and slippers in public areas.

“I saw many of our young sistahs wearing head bonnets, scarves, slippers, pajamas and wrapped blankets, and this is how they showed up at the airport,” she said in a video posted on Instagram. “I saw it not only at the airport, I saw it in the store, in the mall… and I ask you a question, my sweet children, when did we lose the pride of representing ourselves?”

Despite the backlash and being told to mind her own business, the comedian doubled down with one other post a couple of black woman at the airport with a plastic bag over her head.

“This was sent to me as an example of what we are talking about, what is happening in our community. However, if this is not your BEST solution, do BETTER,” she wrote in her Instagram caption.

The actress’ fans took offense to Mo’Nique’s second attempt at shaming travelers, calling her Instagram post “harassment.”

“This is HARASSMENT, Auntie. And whose standards of “The Best” are we attempting to emulate? White supremacy will not be my standard for what’s “best” or higher for me. Unpack your respectability policy. If you really ‘love’ us,” one commenter said.

Are there any advantages to dressing up while traveling?

The topic of airport clothing has been happening for a very long time. Beyond just being attractive, many individuals consider that dressing well while traveling has additional advantages.

“Anyone traveling in economy or premium but hoping for a free upgrade will dress smartly because they are more likely to be upgraded to business if they look like they belong there” – Quora User he suggested.

George Hobica, founding father of the travel website Airline ticket guardsaid The New York Times that “everyone believes that no one will be upgraded based on appearance anymore, but it happens” after which we noted the case where United Airlines upgraded him to top notch despite having no status on the airline just because that he believed he was the only person in the lounge wearing a suit, while the others were wearing gym clothes and sandals.

“Wearing a jacket and tie will have a different effect than flying around in your pajamas,” says business etiquette expert Sharon-Frances Moore, who says she has certified higher dressed and polite passengers receive upgrades and freebies from airport staff and cabin crew.

However, despite the theory that fashion selections have additional advantages, there isn’t a definitive evidence that clothing guarantees higher service. In fact, you could have a greater likelihood of getting an upgrade if the cashier notices it is your birthday.

As more airlines expand their loyalty programs, they’re ensuring that the increases go to those that fly the most.

“You know, two decades ago, people told you that it’s good to dress nicely on an airplane because you never know whether the airline will take care of you, for example, upgrade you to business or first class because you look nice,” Change reporter Brian Sumers tells The New York Times. “But it doesn’t really happen now. Airlines know who their best customers are, and that’s who they will attract if there is a seat available.”

Are there dress codes at airports?

Although there are not any official guidelines on what you can wear on an airplane, airline staff may deny passengers boarding in the event that they consider the outfit to be inappropriate.

So does the Transportation Security Administration has guidelines about the dos and don’ts of fashion when going through airport security. The list includes wearing slip-on shoes and socks and leaving any gun-like accessories at home.

All hope will not be lost for individuals who like to decorate well at the airport.

According to Wall Street Journall, wearing nice clothes can increase your self-confidence, make you think more abstractly, and influence how people perceive you. Other studies show a direct link between dress higher and feel higher. Traveling through an airport can be a stressful experience, so if research shows accurately, dressing appropriately can improve your mood and overall travel experience. In this case, it’s price dressing as best as possible.