A Dress Code The Next Time You’re In An Airport Lounge?

ByEdward Pizzarello

Gone are the days where everyone got dresses to the nines when they were traveling on an airplane, but has our dress code while traveling gotten too casual?

Qantas is ramping up enforcement of a “smart casual” dress code in their airport lounges.  While it’s not 100% clear what won’t be allowed, it seems that some folks are upset with their fellow traveler for dressing a bit too casual:

Some frequent flyers have long complained about the tendency for some passengers to wear attire such as singlets, shorts and thongs in the lounges, particularly in Perth and Brisbane.

“The dress guidelines for our lounges are the same as most restaurants or clubs,” said Qantas head of domestic product and service Helen Gray. “The vast majority of our members meet and exceed the guidelines, but we have had some feedback from customers that they want to see those guidelines apply to everyone.”

High-visibility workwear required at mine sites is also common in the lounges – and another bugbear with a certain set –  but it is classified as a uniform and therefore it will be allowed even under the stricter regime.

The stricter standards will be applied on a case-by-case basis on a customer’s overall standard of dress rather than by individual items. That means a man wearing tailored shorts and a polo shirt with thongs or a woman wearing a singlet will probably be allowed in.

It’s this last paragraph that concerns me the most.  There have been plenty of stories of passengers being removed from planes for “inappropriate attire”, not all warranted in my opinion.  When employees are enforcing things on a case-by-case basis, there will be inconsistency.
My wife still finds it hard to believe, but until about 5 years ago I had never actually purchased a pair of blue jeans.  I might have had them when I was a kid, but I don’t recall.  For the longest time, I wore khakis, suits, and the occasional pair of shorts when I took a day off from work (something that didn’t happen often).  About 5 years ago, I discovered super comfortable blue jeans and now almost never wear khakis (maybe a dozen times a year).  And, I’ve been known to wear a pair of Merrell sandals on an airplane a time or two (and, since I have no fashion sense, I’ve sometimes even worn socks with those sandals).  Does that mean I’m in danger of getting tossed from a lounge?  Doubtful, and I sure hope not.
I understand why some folks want a more consistent dress code in the lounges.  I just hope folks don’t get carried away with enforcement.  There are still a few folks that fly in a suit and tie, like my father on this recent mileage run.  But, maintaining that style can be hard work.
Qantas Lounge
Qantas Lounge

The post A Dress Code The Next Time You’re In An Airport Lounge? was published first on Pizza In Motion.

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My goal in life is to fill my family’s passports with stamps, creating buckets of memories along the way. You’ll find me writing about realistic ways for normal people to travel the world, whether you’re on a budget or enjoy luxury. I also enjoy taking us on the occasional detour to explore the inner workings of the travel industry.

5 Comments

  1. Enjoyed this post very much. I always “dress up” to fly (and to shop or go out for dinner) and I don’t care if anyone thinks it is odd. Usually it works in my favor and I am treated very well by flight attendants, waiters, bartenders, retail shop personnel and so on as long as I behave graciously. We can dress up a bit and still be comfortable. I’m tired of seeing people dressed like slobs and it only gets worse once they take us residence in an airplane seat for 7 or more hours. Those short shorts and thong panties can too easily become on board entertainment whether the wearer intends it or not. “Never lower your standards to meet someone else’s expectations.” Don’t know who said it first but I live by that mantra on a plane or off.

    Reply

    1. Think dress codes are a joke if you think a frumpy suit makes you someone. I think people can look way better in a nice pair of jeans and a nice looking t shirt than most people look in suits. I don’t trust people who wear suits in general.

      Reply

  2. Unless I’m at work, a job interview, or a funeral, I’m wearing shorts/sweats and a t-shirt. If anyone I come into contact with has a problem with that, that’s their problem.

    Reply

    1. Sounds like you might want to avoid Qantas lounges, Brian. I feel thankful to be largely exempt from the first two suit requirements on your list.

      Reply

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