The era of donning your Sunday best to board a plane may be a distant memory, but turning up to the terminal looking dishevelled is unlikely to earn you any favours. While complimentary champagne upgrades based purely on a smart ensemble are largely a thing of the past due to automation, experts confirm that presenting a polished appearance can still lead to subtly better treatment, especially in chaotic airports and on overbooked flights.
The Power of a Polished Appearance
Heather Maguire, owner of Slate Private Aviation, shared insights with the Daily Mail on what signifies a first-class passenger to discerning cabin crew. She noted that their premium clients frequently choose coordinated athleisure wear from brands like Alo Yoga, a favourite among celebrities including Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and Margot Robbie. This trend has made Alo sweatsuits an almost ubiquitous sight in airport lounges and on planes in recent years.
For those seeking a more elevated look than a standard sweatsuit, Maguire suggests swapping to pieces like Alo's Sway Bootcut Sweatpants (£102) paired with a Wool Cashmere Classic Crewneck Sweater (£238). The underlying message is clear: comfort doesn't have to mean sloppiness.
Luggage: The Ultimate Accessory
When it comes to making an impression, your baggage speaks volumes. 'According to our cabin attendants, Louis Vuitton luggage continues to rule,' Maguire divulged. She also reported an influx of high-end carry-ons from Rimowa and Nobl, particularly among women aged 35 to 50.
The Nobl carry-on, a luxury item featuring a phone mount and cup holder, typically retails for around £675 but can be found on sale for approximately £223. For handbags and jewellery, attendants frequently spot Birkins, Chanel bags, and Van Cleef & Arpels pieces, especially among passengers flying to destinations like Palm Beach.
Respect in the Cabin Crew's Workplace
New York-based lifestyle influencer Greta Louise Tomé, who is married to a major airline captain, emphasised that dressing appropriately shows respect for the flight attendants' workplace. 'People just treat you with more respect,' she stated, advising against printed pyjama pants and hoodies.
Tomé's own travel uniform consists of a button-up shirt, loose-fitting trousers, and a thick sweater for layering. While she carries Louis Vuitton and Tumi luggage herself, she stresses that looking put-together doesn't require a colossal investment. The key is choosing simple, matching pieces that look sleek.
For savvy travellers, more affordable options like the £198 Away Weekender or the £208 Dagne Dover Landon Carryall offer a professional and chic aesthetic without the designer price tag. Ultimately, as the debate on airport attire continues—prompted even by Vogue's Anna Wintour and government figures—the consensus is that a little effort goes a long way. So, before your next trip, consider leaving the duct-taped suitcase and flip-flops behind.
