Dress for First Class?

I have noticed most passengers in first class are frequently well-dressed: if they are wearing corporate business attire, or casual, they are wearing high-quality clothes in good condition. But yes, there are often people dressed like slobs there too, but usually folks there take pride in their appearance.

From the times I’ve been in first class, I have noticed that sometimes those that are well-dressed are treated better by the flight attendants than those who are in cheap ragged clothes. So dress comfortably; but yes, it is (well, used to be) a big difference in First Class and so why not dress to impress?

First class is mostly for employees who are flown around all the time on a company’s budget. Otherwise, it’s for people who don’t want to be crammed in miserable seats and be able to skip some lines and get a bit better service. Some wealthy people fly first class, but usually that’s kids of wealthy parents since most wealthy people know what their money is worth and first class is not worth it. People dress however they want, with some showing up in sweats. You’ll see more sweats than suits, so don’t sweat it.

Not to dampen your spirits, but the experience of first class depends chiefly on the airplane you are flying on, and flights on your itinerary are all flown on either the 737, A320 or other similar aircraft.

These are not really equipped with a proper first class. For most, you are looking at wider seats, some older ones may just block the center seat of the 3-3 configuration on the first few rows and call this premium / first / business.

The other perks include a fancier lounge (depends on the airport), reduced fees or extended allowances, perhaps a complementary meal or drink.

To really enjoy the perks of first class, you need to fly on a medium to long haul (or ultra long), ideally international flight.

The good news is the biggest perk you get with flying first is you earn more miles, and this is irrespective of the aircraft or airline. Pool these up and then get yourself an upgrade on your next long haul flight 🙂

I always dress well when I fly Business Class (I never fly First).

Why? Because if am flying Business Class, I am flying on a friends-and-family coupon from someone who works for the airline, and the airline (for some reason) insists on a dress code for deadheads like me. (Not that kind of Deadhead, the not-high kind.) Slacks, not jeans; button shirt; socks. Last time I did this, I was flying to a funeral and the standard for the funeral was considerably lower.

If you are paying your own way, you can fly in your boxer-shorts, if you are so inclined.

Here is a discussion of United’s dress code for us non-revs and it cites United’s policy is full (although, without a link).

Which airline?; as it makes a big difference to the service you receive. Regarding attire, I say dress up or down, however you wish, there is no rule per se, be comfortable and dress in what makes you feel confident. I’ve sat next to celebrities in jeans or sweats, and I’ve sat next to what must have been $$$$$ suits with gold and jewels dripping from every appendage; it’s the person and the attitude that will endear you to an attendant as opposed to what you are wearing. Be polite, don’t be afraid to say it’s your first time, and I am certain the attendant will make you feel right at home.

Because first class is comfortable, I like to wear pyjamas if it’s a long flight. Especially in the world of hoodie-and-sneaker millionaires, dressing up is only something to do if you really want to.

Pretty much no one dresses up to fly domestic First Class in the U.S. (and very few people do to fly long-haul First Class.)

There will probably be a few people wearing suits in First, but that’s primarily because they’re business travelers who are wearing the suit for business at the destination, not because they’re flying First. You’ll find some of those in economy, too, especially on business-heavy routes. However, most people will probably be wearing casual clothing.

Basically, if you would look under-dressed in the First Class cabin on a domestic flight, you will also look under-dressed in the economy cabin. And in almost any other public place in the U.S., aside from perhaps a pool or beach.

Nobody cares what you wear in first class. I recently flew to Barcelona in first class with casual shorts. The flight attendant kept apologising for a loud family near me, but I was fine. They had kids and kids will be kids. It’s all about attitude, not dress.

and just wanted to experience it at least once.

Dress up, dress as nice as you like and comfortably can for a flight and make it a whole experience. You want to enjoy it so enjoy it to the fullest.

Banter : Go ahead flag it

I would not bother about all these comments and answers trying to dampen your spirit oh business class is nothing in the US, oh this oh that. You paid extra for it, there is no harm dressing up nicely to feel better regardless of what others do. None of these commentators will pass a chance to enjoy a free upgrade on the same flights. If it turns out that the business class was the same thing as the economy class so what? I don’t know why the crowd here has to stress being casual all the time.

There is nothing wrong with dressing up for something you want to experience at least once.

If you’ve been on a plane before, I’m sure you’ve walked past first class; nobody cares. If you want to dress up, sure, but I’d prefer to be casual and comfortable.