I know that back in the day if you looked real nice you would get upgraded a lot easier. Premium cabins also had a standard.
With so many different types of people traveling now with all sorts of status does attire have any effect in upgrades? I always dress kind of nice in intl C (not really in domestic F) and I was wondering if @ UA the csr and gate agents still notice things like dress when giving upgrades to premium cabins?
With UA selling upgrades now at check (on some routes) to anyone, I doubt there is any standard anymore...
[This message has been edited by anc-ord772 (edited Dec 22, 2003).]
With so many different types of people traveling now with all sorts of status does attire have any effect in upgrades? I always dress kind of nice in intl C (not really in domestic F) and I was wondering if @ UA the csr and gate agents still notice things like dress when giving upgrades to premium cabins?
With UA selling upgrades now at check (on some routes) to anyone, I doubt there is any standard anymore...
[This message has been edited by anc-ord772 (edited Dec 22, 2003).]
There are a few threads -- if I remember correctly -- on this very topic over in TravelBuzz. Look, I found some for you:
Dressing Up When Traveling
http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...ML/001629.html
'Young' and Flying J/F
http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...ML/011069.html
Dress code
http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...ML/002252.html
As for myself, I always tend to dress "snappy casual" -- partly because of my nature, partly because I believe I do get better service and respect. That, combined with my wit and charm, has helped me numerous times. YMMV.
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"There are those who travel, and those who travel well."
Dressing Up When Traveling
http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...ML/001629.html
'Young' and Flying J/F
http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...ML/011069.html
Dress code
http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...ML/002252.html
As for myself, I always tend to dress "snappy casual" -- partly because of my nature, partly because I believe I do get better service and respect. That, combined with my wit and charm, has helped me numerous times. YMMV.
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"There are those who travel, and those who travel well."
For op-upgrades, dressing up can help more than it can hurt. 
However, it can hurt:
Back in college I took part in a learning group that met at the USC. I often flew home on the 2:00 pm 744, LAX-ORD (R.I.P.
). This was back when domestic biz had printed menus & hot towels. Ahhh, those were the days. 
Anyway, as a college student, I often just dressed comfortably, and during the summer that meant a pair of decent cargo shorts & a polo. (This was also pre-luv handles, when I actually RAN marathons, not exhausted my way to the finish line, and I could eat anything I wanted without the visual effects. Ahhh, those were the days.)
I was waiting at the gate for an u/g on UA104, as a 2P with 500 milers. I approached the bench before they had called ANYBODY, and asked the agent how my chances looked. She was younger, about my age, and cute...after a quick lookup and a bit of flirting she said, "hmm, your chances don't look good, but let me try something." I left there with a biz BP, 15A, and I saw numerous people lingering around who did not clear--certainly one (or more) of them had to be 1P or higher.
In this instance, I think the GA "fancied" me as my appearance appealed to her style, so she was probably happier to give someone of her age group an upgrade rather than the stereotypical businessman.
I've also noticed on various flights that being younger and casually dressed can get you better service from the younger FAs (again, you're on the same 'level' as them--so to speak). But now, with the furloughs and layoffs, there haven't been many younger UA FA's...so it's best these days to dress a little nicer for the matrons!
And finally, if your u/g is confirmed, dress comfortably!!! No need to impress in a plane, IMHO.
However, it can hurt:
Back in college I took part in a learning group that met at the USC. I often flew home on the 2:00 pm 744, LAX-ORD (R.I.P.
). This was back when domestic biz had printed menus & hot towels. Ahhh, those were the days. Anyway, as a college student, I often just dressed comfortably, and during the summer that meant a pair of decent cargo shorts & a polo. (This was also pre-luv handles, when I actually RAN marathons, not exhausted my way to the finish line, and I could eat anything I wanted without the visual effects. Ahhh, those were the days.
)I was waiting at the gate for an u/g on UA104, as a 2P with 500 milers. I approached the bench before they had called ANYBODY, and asked the agent how my chances looked. She was younger, about my age, and cute...after a quick lookup and a bit of flirting she said, "hmm, your chances don't look good, but let me try something." I left there with a biz BP, 15A, and I saw numerous people lingering around who did not clear--certainly one (or more) of them had to be 1P or higher.
In this instance, I think the GA "fancied" me as my appearance appealed to her style, so she was probably happier to give someone of her age group an upgrade rather than the stereotypical businessman.
I've also noticed on various flights that being younger and casually dressed can get you better service from the younger FAs (again, you're on the same 'level' as them--so to speak). But now, with the furloughs and layoffs, there haven't been many younger UA FA's...so it's best these days to dress a little nicer for the matrons!
And finally, if your u/g is confirmed, dress comfortably!!! No need to impress in a plane, IMHO.
Dress business casual. It's a subtle but significant difference. Keep in mind what must be going on in the mind of UA employees.
I know that they'd like to think that they treat everyone the same, but here's two things that shape the discrimination that UA employees use everyday with just about every passenger they encounter:
1. Because of the marketing systems that divide customers into status groups, the overall mentality of any line employees is that some passengers more worthy of help and generous service than others. That basic mentality of legal discrimination is why I think that anything you can do to conduct yourself within the profile of what appears to be top tier will give you a slight edge in the long run with any matter in which UA employees have discretionary powers.
2. UA employees have a dress code that they must adhere to when flying standby on UA. I think that this has a subtle affect on their mental picture of who deserves special treatment and who should be ignored or refused.
I almost always fly with tie and jacket. I have no way to prove it of course. It could be that I'm superstitious, but I know that I've been given extra consideration in a lot of small ways. It's not always upgrades. It's things like extra checking to explore options to protect me on other airlines when I've misconnected because of weather. Or responding to a kind request on board to adjust the temperature on a freezing airplane. Or the baggage claim people offering to have the late bags delivered even though the check-in agent wrote a comment that I had checked in late. Or an LH agent giving me my choice if I wanted to use an SWU or a miles voucher for my upgrade (when strict policy required her to collect the voucher).
May I stress that the most important thing to put on is an attitude of kindness, cheer and respect. The easiest way to have the worst possible journey is to approach airline employees with an aggressive, demanding attitude of entitled supremacy.
I know that they'd like to think that they treat everyone the same, but here's two things that shape the discrimination that UA employees use everyday with just about every passenger they encounter:
1. Because of the marketing systems that divide customers into status groups, the overall mentality of any line employees is that some passengers more worthy of help and generous service than others. That basic mentality of legal discrimination is why I think that anything you can do to conduct yourself within the profile of what appears to be top tier will give you a slight edge in the long run with any matter in which UA employees have discretionary powers.
2. UA employees have a dress code that they must adhere to when flying standby on UA. I think that this has a subtle affect on their mental picture of who deserves special treatment and who should be ignored or refused.
I almost always fly with tie and jacket. I have no way to prove it of course. It could be that I'm superstitious, but I know that I've been given extra consideration in a lot of small ways. It's not always upgrades. It's things like extra checking to explore options to protect me on other airlines when I've misconnected because of weather. Or responding to a kind request on board to adjust the temperature on a freezing airplane. Or the baggage claim people offering to have the late bags delivered even though the check-in agent wrote a comment that I had checked in late. Or an LH agent giving me my choice if I wanted to use an SWU or a miles voucher for my upgrade (when strict policy required her to collect the voucher).
May I stress that the most important thing to put on is an attitude of kindness, cheer and respect. The easiest way to have the worst possible journey is to approach airline employees with an aggressive, demanding attitude of entitled supremacy.
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Quote:
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by WayMaker:
May I stress that the most important thing to put on is an attitude of kindness, cheer and respect. The easiest way to have the worst possible journey is to approach airline employees with an aggressive, demanding attitude of entitled supremacy.</font>
This is the most important. What your mother taught you when you were little is right - being nice first to someone goes a LONG way. Sure, it is the job of CS employees and FAs to be courteous to passengers, but it is much easier to be nice first. For everyone but a select few, it's harder to mean to a nice person than it is to be mean to a mean person.<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by WayMaker:
May I stress that the most important thing to put on is an attitude of kindness, cheer and respect. The easiest way to have the worst possible journey is to approach airline employees with an aggressive, demanding attitude of entitled supremacy.</font>
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Thank you for flying and staying UNITED. Your business and support is highly appreciated. Enjoy your flight and spread the word!
The views expressed here are not necessarily supported by United Airlines and its subsidiaries, nor do I represent the views, aims and/or opinions of United Airlines.
Quote:
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by UnitedSkies:
This is the most important. What your mother taught you when you were little is right - being nice first to someone goes a LONG way. Sure, it is the job of CS employees and FAs to be courteous to passengers, but it is much easier to be nice first. For everyone but a select few, it's harder to mean to a nice person than it is to be mean to a mean person.
</font>
Took the words right out of my mouth!<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by UnitedSkies:
This is the most important. What your mother taught you when you were little is right - being nice first to someone goes a LONG way. Sure, it is the job of CS employees and FAs to be courteous to passengers, but it is much easier to be nice first. For everyone but a select few, it's harder to mean to a nice person than it is to be mean to a mean person.
</font>
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"I just wanna wish you good luck, we're all counting on you"
-Dr. Rumack
I never dress for flights. I almost always where what I wear for work, jeans or cargo pants and a polo shirt or casual button-down shirt. Occassionaly a flannel shirt in winter. I dont think it matters. I have read in European magazines that it matters a lot on some European airlines but not at all on American ones. The reason being that the upgrades are strictly based on a status/fare formula and kicked out by the computer before the GA even sees you. Thats not to say there isnt the odd exception here and there but it is VERY rare.
People are just not that aware of attire (within a reasonable range) anymore. I see people wearing everything from jeans to white tie at the opera for instance. Ive worn everthing from dockers to black tie to the opera myself. It just doesnt have the association it did even a few years ago.
On the other hand I am very polite and respectful of people and typically make a point of saying a polite hello, or good morning or such before asking them to check a seat or what ever. As people said above, this may help and I think it is likely to help a lot more than how you dress. This is true even if I am having a problem caused by the airline and am upset. I dont take it out on the employee. As in one time I got bumped from an upstairs aisle to a downstairs middle seat on an NRT-JFK 744 a few years ago. I showed the information with the old seat assignment and dates it was made etc to the CSR and politely said I know that it wasnt her doing but I was very disappointed this would happen to a 1K flyer and would appreciate anything she could do to help resolve this. She moved me first to a window as it was available, then a downstairs aisle, then op-ugraded me to first as I was boarding. I was wearing jeans but I was being polite and respectful. I think that is a lot more important.
People are just not that aware of attire (within a reasonable range) anymore. I see people wearing everything from jeans to white tie at the opera for instance. Ive worn everthing from dockers to black tie to the opera myself. It just doesnt have the association it did even a few years ago.
On the other hand I am very polite and respectful of people and typically make a point of saying a polite hello, or good morning or such before asking them to check a seat or what ever. As people said above, this may help and I think it is likely to help a lot more than how you dress. This is true even if I am having a problem caused by the airline and am upset. I dont take it out on the employee. As in one time I got bumped from an upstairs aisle to a downstairs middle seat on an NRT-JFK 744 a few years ago. I showed the information with the old seat assignment and dates it was made etc to the CSR and politely said I know that it wasnt her doing but I was very disappointed this would happen to a 1K flyer and would appreciate anything she could do to help resolve this. She moved me first to a window as it was available, then a downstairs aisle, then op-ugraded me to first as I was boarding. I was wearing jeans but I was being polite and respectful. I think that is a lot more important.
I always dress business casual or better to fly. I know it's silly in this day and age, but I still do it. It's probably a throwback from when I was a kid (I'm only 26) and my parents instilled in me that you didn't dress like a slob when flying. But even then (early/mid 80s) I don't think there was a dress code.
My "official" reasons for dressing better are always 1) during irregular ops it might help to look/act like a business traveler 2) If I lose my luggage the clothes I'm wearing would be at least acceptable for the meeting/presentation/event at the destination. That was my Dad's reason--he lost a lot of luggage in the 80s. But (2) is kind of bogus for me because I never check bags and I still dress up on the way home.
I have seen dressing poorly help someone get an op-up. On a badly oversold IND-DEN flight on a Saturday in June, I was op-upgraded. From looking at the crowd few (if any) others had status. The guy who ended up next to me in F was no-status, non-MP-member, ratty looking, and wearing a truly obscene T-shirt (he was going to a business meeting in Canada, so I'm sure he had packed better clothes). The GA told him he was op-upgraded because of his "unique" t-shirt. Neither I nor the FAs appreciated it though, as the guy got completely drunk, spilled his drink on my seat, told me his life story, and IMO sexually harassed two of the FAs for the majority of the flight.
[QUOTE]Originally posted by GadgetFreak:
People are just not that aware of attire (within a reasonable range) anymore.
I disagree! I'd rather sit next to nicely dressed and nicely smelling people. With some charm and a kind demeanor. Rather than sit next to hairy smelly oafs in shorts, armless t-shirt and flip flops, who stick their dirty feet up on the bulk-heads!
People are just not that aware of attire (within a reasonable range) anymore.
I disagree! I'd rather sit next to nicely dressed and nicely smelling people. With some charm and a kind demeanor. Rather than sit next to hairy smelly oafs in shorts, armless t-shirt and flip flops, who stick their dirty feet up on the bulk-heads!
[quote]<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Peter M:
Please note the term in my post that you quoted: "within a reasonable range"
Quote:
Originally posted by GadgetFreak:
People are just not that aware of attire (within a reasonable range) anymore.
I disagree! I'd rather sit next to nicely dressed and nicely smelling people. With some charm and a kind demeanor. Rather than sit next to hairy smelly oafs in shorts, armless t-shirt and flip flops, who stick their dirty feet up on the bulk-heads!
Originally posted by GadgetFreak:
People are just not that aware of attire (within a reasonable range) anymore.
I disagree! I'd rather sit next to nicely dressed and nicely smelling people. With some charm and a kind demeanor. Rather than sit next to hairy smelly oafs in shorts, armless t-shirt and flip flops, who stick their dirty feet up on the bulk-heads!
Quote:
</font>
</font>
Please note the term in my post that you quoted: "within a reasonable range"
FlyerTalk Evangelist
From The Speech link that gleff gives above:
Quote:
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">- Dress nice. When giving "The Speech" you are basically doing a sales job. They are more likely to upgrade you if we don't look like the slobs we all know we are.</font>
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">- Dress nice. When giving "The Speech" you are basically doing a sales job. They are more likely to upgrade you if we don't look like the slobs we all know we are.</font>
Look good feel good !!I believe that if you are well dressed ,comfortable and groomed you will sail a smoother course that the alternitive . I find slip on shoes these days are a must for ease of removal so I wear my deck shoes or black loafers Khaki pants or the quivalent and a silk shirt and jacket .. This way I can move on to a meeting if my plane is delayed and be properly turned out .. My 2 cents Cheers Jane
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UA PremEx AA Plat *wood Plat
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UA PremEx AA Plat *wood Plat
Ahhh yes, a dress code thread. I love these. Time to put on my elitist hat.
[quote]<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Peter M:
Is my mother one of the few who would, even to this day, slap me upside the head for putting my feet on the wall?
Quote:
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">
And finally, if your u/g is confirmed, dress comfortably!!! No need to impress in a plane, IMHO.
</font>
Yeah, but when it comes time for downgrades guess who's on the list. Always dress like it matters.<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">
And finally, if your u/g is confirmed, dress comfortably!!! No need to impress in a plane, IMHO.
</font>
Quote:
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by WayMaker:
Dress business casual. It's a subtle but significant difference. Keep in mind what must be going on in the mind of UA employees.
.
.
I almost always fly with tie and jacket.
.
.
May I stress that the most important thing to put on is an attitude of kindness, cheer and respect.
</font>
Waymaker, you tore a page right out of my travel bible. I couldn't agree more. <font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by WayMaker:
Dress business casual. It's a subtle but significant difference. Keep in mind what must be going on in the mind of UA employees.
.
.
I almost always fly with tie and jacket.
.
.
May I stress that the most important thing to put on is an attitude of kindness, cheer and respect.
</font>
[quote]<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Peter M:
Quote:
Originally posted by GadgetFreak:
People are just not that aware of attire (within a reasonable range) anymore.
I disagree! I'd rather sit next to nicely dressed and nicely smelling people. With some charm and a kind demeanor. Rather than sit next to hairy smelly oafs in shorts, armless t-shirt and flip flops, who stick their dirty feet up on the bulk-heads!
Originally posted by GadgetFreak:
People are just not that aware of attire (within a reasonable range) anymore.
I disagree! I'd rather sit next to nicely dressed and nicely smelling people. With some charm and a kind demeanor. Rather than sit next to hairy smelly oafs in shorts, armless t-shirt and flip flops, who stick their dirty feet up on the bulk-heads!
Quote:
</font>
Preach on brother Peter. I am very aware of bad attire, and have no problem looking down on those conduct and dress themselves in such manners.</font>
Is my mother one of the few who would, even to this day, slap me upside the head for putting my feet on the wall?