Seat 2A

I don't think the airlines had a First Class dresscode so much as social norms of the day enforced one. It was simply expected that if you were going to go out into public for a formal event (air travel definitely qualified as such back then), you dressed accordingly. And most people complied, even those traveling in economy class.

I never heard of any airline deying boarding or involuntarily downgrading a revenue First Class passenger, though an "improperly" dressed passenger might incur a few glares and even comments from fellow passengers.

Starting back in the early 1950s, United introduced "Executive Flights" featuring complimentary cocktails, steaks, business publications and cigars on board. These flights were available to men only, though female flight attendants were always available to light your cigar. I believe these flights ended in 1970.

Dresscode onboard airlines has eroded at the same pace as societal views on what's considered proper dress for various situations. Look at old pictures from the 40s and 50s. Men wore coats and ties to baseball games! People dressed up to go out to a movie. As for flying, it's no longer the novelty it once was and many people these days dress no differently than if they were just running down to the corner store.

Times have certainly changed.

Some restaurants still enforce dress codes. I recall reading that Ex-President Jimmy Carter was once denied service at a prestigious Boston eatery because he wasn't wearing a tie and refused to wear one proffered by the restaurant.