Further evidence of why I am a misanthrope....people are a bunch of judgmental jerks that think they are somehow better than others if they have a card or certain fashion.

I guess I missed the part where they passed out castes as a kid.

Idiots.

I have to admit, I'm one of those people that likes to dress up a bit when traveling, whether in coach, business or first. For a very long time I wasn't able to travel, so it's still fun, and a special experience for me.

I guess I shouldn't care what anyone else wears, but I do get surprised at the variety of ways people dress on planes. I can understand why a flight attendant would think someone was not in first class, but as you've all said, you can't tell any more who flys in what cabin based on how they're dressed.

I say you should be comfortable when you fly, but if you are putting your flip flops on the back of my armrest, then I might have a problem. I personally wouldn't care if you're sitting next to me in shorts and a t-shirt as long as I don't see anything (if you know what I mean) and you're not reeking of BO. We all know how tough it is to stay fresh when traveling but I try to make sure I smell decent even if I don't look that great.

I'm on a college campus right now, so I'm constantly reminded how the younger set dresses these days, lots of underwear showing and sometimes more (from both men and women). If I have to see your "anatomy" on a plane, I won't be happy.

I look like I'm in high school (kind of preppy clothes, long hair, iPod surgically attached to my ear, messenger bag, etc.) I never get harassed by TSA. I'm in college so I guess it's not too far of a leap anyway.

The hair's here to stay for a long, long time, so I'll probably still look like a high school sophomore when I'm 35. And possibly get that "that spoiled brat" look. Except I'll be flying business class on business. I don't want to grow up. The prospect of being older than 30 scares me....a lot.

If I ever have to go straight from a meeting to the airport, I'm changing at the airport.

I occasionally dress up a bit for travel, other times a jumper, a simple t-shirt with jeans thrown in. Don't think I'll ever wear sandals or flip flops on board. So far, no harassment whatsoever whenever I fly on First or Business on Malaysia Airlines.

While some F passengers would just stare at the 'young thing with his messenger bag and earphones in ear' they normally come from rich old ladies or slightly overweight men way past their middle age. The others just act normal.

On occasion I bring my backpack as carry on, and while it may annoy some passengers, with the transgression of a crummy backpacker where rollaboards should reside, the air stewardesses are always welcoming. Sometimes, they make the occasional joke.

Most common: "Corporate backpacker? Blazer, jeans, hiking boots and a backpack? What are you planning?"

Sometimes, dressing up a notch when travelling brings back the golden days of elegant travel. Sometimes, mixing and matching looking like something from Supernatural and sitting in the front reading the IHT shows how much times have changed.

By all accounts i probably look like biz traveler, even when on leisure. I don't find jeans comfortable to fly in, so I'm usually wearing slacks and I love the convenience (think pockets), and quite frankly the look, of a sport coat and open throat button down--it suits me (no pun intended). For overnight flights, I usually pack pjs in my carry-on.

I remember, as a kid, my dad telling me that someday I'll discover that nice, properly fit "dress up" clothes are the most comfortable thing around. He was correct.

Regarding other comments about dress being irrelevant to the conduct of business...there are far too many variables to make such a statement. Perhaps in your particular line of work, at your level and/or with whom you deal, that is true , however the sentiment is not universal.

Edited to add:
I tend not to make serious value judgments on one's attire, however it does enter the calculus that makes up ones entire demeanor. I've encountered perfect arses that were dressed to the nines--the clothes do not make the person; tis the other way round.

I've learned from an early age not to judge people on what they wear to try to figure out who is sitting if F/C/Y (even though it can be a fun game at the gate while waiting for the Red Carpet to open)...

Last trip I was on, I saw at least four gentlement dressed in suits. I figured chances are I'll be sitting next to one of them. All were in Y. I was wearing jeans and a mock turtleneck. Its slightly dressy and its comfortable. I'll be sporting the look tomorrow for my transcon...in....gasp....Y!

Shrug, I learned a long time ago that the 'rich' people tend to be the least dressed up. They just don't care.

On a flight from Montego Bay to Miami my boyfriend and I were flying biz class. We were NOT dressed up and we are both young (I was wearing a jean skirt and tank top, he was in shorts and a polo) and GA told us they were boarding FC pax only. We didn't budge from line. He told us again, not what I would call nicely and I gave him my coldest look ever and mutely handed him my boarding document. He flushed red and ushered us on to plane.

Sigh...

When I first managed to escape from coach and started flying business and first, I sometimes felt like I didn't belong there. I kept waiting for someone to kick me out. I still have to remind myself to use the premier lines for check in. I'd probably do the same thing, as I do like having fun with people. If you belong in a cabin it's annoying for someone to assume you don't belong there.

Play your cards right in your 20's, and your 30's will be some of the best years of your life. Ever.

stupidhead writes:

Oh dear, stupidhead, I don't even know you and the prospect of your not getting older than 30 really scares me, as I am sure it would your parents.

Actually, if you play your cards right, every age of your life should be the absolute best. I loved being a little kid, thought being a teenage was the most exciting thing I could imagine, and could not possibly have had more fun than I did as a young person in SoCal in the early 60's. Woo Hoo! My 30s and 40s were spent loving being a wife and Mom, as well as building our business. My 50s and early 60s have been spent enjoying my career, staying healthy, dancing, traveling extensively and loving life. I can't wait to see what comes next--hopefully, retirement and another 40 years of good health to enjoy the fruits of our labors.

Life is very good.

I feel the same way...I want to be 23 like now forever. The only problem I've had with an airport employee was at SJC twice and usually other elites playing the upgrade game and lining up is always a problem .

I wear north face jacket with jeans...and i love north face stuff its so comfortable...when my mom travels with me she wears north face jacket, shirt and these cargo pants...and we travel in business.

And i always travel with a backpack...and maybe an addition of a messenger bag for my laptop.

Upgraders wear suits. Paid F fly comfortably.

really?

For me that means I'm going to be a 1L for the rest of my life. I think I want to be 28 forever. That way I'm a 3rd year associate some big slave law firm pulling in $250k a year.

Well said,Punki. I have had a great time all the way through. It is still getting better. It is sad to hear of 20 and 30 somethings desperately afraid of life as it simply is. Maturity is beckoning ... choose!