Originally Posted by
OlderGeek
Once upon a time, flying was a treat. I would always wear a jacket and a good shoes. I usually got a hot meal - even in coach.
Now, in 2009, flying is no longer a pleasure and being Platinum on a few airlines, and usually being upgraded, merely makes it tolerable. Gone is the jacket and nice shoes - since I have to take shoes off anyway, sneakers or casual shoes are the order of the day.
It's this sort of attitude that creates a positive feedback loop further degenerating all aspects of civil society. Think of it as a "tragedy of the anticommons." The golden olden days may be long gone, when F pax were in suits and dresses and the FAs were Audrey Hepburn look-alikes, but we still have the ability to "class up the joint" a bit by looking and behaving civilized.
I make it a point to wear a sportcoat and look smart when flying. I fly 100% for pleasure, never business, so I do this out of respect for myself and those around me.
I also believe it gives you a definite advantage when op-ups are a possibility, so I'm not totally altruistic!