I Fly all the Time: Enough with Pajamas in Airports

Article by guest author Peter Brooker

I was glad to hear the US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy telling his fellow yanks that US air travelers need to 'smarten up their wardrobes when flying the friendly skies.'

It's gotten way out of hand. And we can blame the Netflix generation. We can blame David Gandy for releasing his loungewear range. The truth is people are getting equally lazy and selfish at the same time. Shopping for short term gains. What do I mean?

Let's break this down. People wear athleisure and pajamas to airports because they want to sleep on the plane. They want to sleep on the floor at the gate because they can't afford the lounge. But it's not just poor people that dress like crap. I travel business all the time, and always get disappointed when I see people, mainly women, travel in their Lululemon pants or their tracksuit.

We've lost all sense of self pride. We're not considerate to other people and mostly, we're starting to go beyond caring what people think about what we are wearing. So long as we're comfortable. The Yanks actually have it the worst because the majority never get out of their board shorts and crocs, even on a good day. So the bar is low.

“I think it’s great advice, because when you feel good about how you look, you’re treated better and you treat people better,” traveler Tamaya Garcia, 48, said, agreeing with Duffy — who begged travelers on Monday from Newark Liberty International Airport, “Let’s try not to wear slippers and pajamas as we come here.” NY Post.

The main reason why I travel smart is because I respect my wife. People need to look at me and not think poorly of her. Personally we all need to start with this question, ahead of any flight, 'What are you wearing to the airport tomorrow?'

If you're other half answers by showing you their nike hoody and slippers, give them a slap and tell them to iron a shirt. It's not hard. And guess what, do you think you'll ever be upgraded to Business class dressed in all the crap you bought at Disneyworld?

Now you don't have to dress like you're going to the Met Gala. But you can easily get an outfit together for a few hundred quid and make it look like your making an effort.

Any shirts from my personal site, Hawkins and Shepherd, and elasticated waistband trousers from Mr Marvis. Swap out beat up crocs for some Oyster Suede trainers from the same brand. Maybe a merino pullover and you'll start looking like you own the plane. Ok maybe that's going too far.

Ensure your sports jacket has plenty of inside pockets, if not get your tailor to make some extra. Preferably zip pockets. Pockets are essential when traveling.

BTW the flight always comes with a blanket so you don't need to pack a onesie.

Let's start getting it together people. If not for yourself then for your other half. They have to look at you all day and night in your crappy clothes at home, give them a day off and smarten it up for the airport.

People will actually treat you better. I personally can't stand talking to people whilst they're dressed like crap. You might get a free pass to the lounge, maybe an extra free drink on the plane. But if you're dressed like a slob, you deserve everything that's coming to you. Which is hopefully a bunch load of judgmental and disapproving looks.

Photo by Marco López on Unsplash