I always try to dress cleanly when traveling, even on pleasure--no shorts or T-shirts. Even on pure leisure travel I generally try to wear some of the more clean-cut (and more durable) clothes which I am taking. On business, even if I'm not planning on going directly to a meeting, I have been caught unawares enough times by surprise meetings and/or less turnaround time than expected on arrival. Since I'm young, dressing well also helps to build respect and credibility (anti-youth age discrimination is alive and well, especially when it comes to getting that last aisle seat or the exit row). Now that I'm back to being a student I find it to be even more imperative, to counteract the instant prejudice from lugging around a massive backpack.

I think a suit for men might make some difference in on-board service; I have definitely been treated very professionally by the FAs on all occasions (one was in C on BA, but others were Y on US/USShuttle).

As another line of inquiry, has anyone else noticed that fare basis seems to make any difference? My greatest mis-treatment by agents has always come when flying on bargain-basement fares (esp. UA and CO Express, though not CO); they seem to be completely unwilling in these cases to do anything which requires any special effort.

IMHO, wearing sweats, warm-up suits, etc. on an airplane (F, C, or Y) is inappropriate; I would barely go further than the local convenience store dressed like that, let alone first class on an airplane. Comfort is fine, but one is also out in a public place for an extended period of time, and should look like one did more than just roll out of bed.



[This message has been edited by chalf (edited 05-31-2000).]