What is the dress code for your airline?

Passrider Dress Code 59 Comments


 
What is your airline’s dress code?

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

 

A popular question I get is about dress codes for various airlines. It seems quite varied from airline to airline.

Generally, the rule of thumb is to err on the side of caution and dress in business casual attire. So no tennis shoes (sneakers, trainers), no shorts, no open toe shoes, no exceptionally short skirts, no jeans and wear a collared shirt. So be conservative and professional if you’re unsure.

Most airlines’ dress code today is much more relaxed than business casual. 

I remember years ago Delta used to make the men wear suits and ties except to Hawaii. Also, no jeans were allowed in First Class. Times have changed though as United now allow shorts.

I can’t bring myself to wearing shorts on a plane even when I buy my own ticket much less as a passrider. Besides, the airplanes are cold!

What is the dress code for your airline? What’s been your experience as you travel?

Please leave a comment below.

Comments 59

  1. I fly for Era Aviation (soon to be known as Corvis Aviation of the parent company Ravn Alaska…Not misspelled). Our dress code for jump seaters is minimal blue jeans and a collared shirt…no frills just don’t look like you just got off the buss from bum town.

    As far as riding on other companies I have always dressed in my uniform and haven’t had any problems.

  2. I fly for Era Aviation (soon to be known as Corvis Aviation of the parent company Ravn Alaska…Not misspelled). Our dress code for jump seaters is minimal blue jeans and a collared shirt…no frills just don’t look like you just got off the buss from bum town.

    As far as riding on other companies I have always dressed in my uniform and haven’t had any problems.

  3. We are flying Delta in June of 2014 going from Sacramento CA. to Billings MT. We are going coach and I want to know if it is ok to fly in Jeans, no holes or cut offs, with a T-shirt new and clean with a logo of fishing on it. He will be wearing his vans.

    1. Hi M. Toone,
      Thank you for your note. I know that Delta has relaxed its dress code and will find out for you.
      The logoed T-shirts are usually a no-no by airlines, so I’d stay away from that.
      When in doubt, dress conservatively.

      Kerwin.

  4. We are flying Delta in June of 2014 going from Sacramento CA. to Billings MT. We are going coach and I want to know if it is ok to fly in Jeans, no holes or cut offs, with a T-shirt new and clean with a logo of fishing on it. He will be wearing his vans.

    1. Hi M. Toone,
      Thank you for your note. I know that Delta has relaxed its dress code and will find out for you.
      The logoed T-shirts are usually a no-no by airlines, so I’d stay away from that.
      When in doubt, dress conservatively.

      Kerwin.

  5. Hi M. Toone, you will be fine wearing jeans and a t-shirt on Delta. Delta even allows shorts and flip flops, even in first class. Sneakers are fine as well. Wouldn’t worry about the fishing t-shirt as well. Just don’t show up in pj’s or offensive clothing and you will be fine.

  6. Hi M. Toone, you will be fine wearing jeans and a t-shirt on Delta. Delta even allows shorts and flip flops, even in first class. Sneakers are fine as well. Wouldn’t worry about the fishing t-shirt as well. Just don’t show up in pj’s or offensive clothing and you will be fine.

  7. In fact Delta’s dress code states; “if the attire is appropriate for a revenue passenger to wear, then a non-revenue passenger can wear the same attire.”

    It is always wise to wear or pack a pair of business casual clothes in the event that you have to fly another airline.

  8. In fact Delta’s dress code states; “if the attire is appropriate for a revenue passenger to wear, then a non-revenue passenger can wear the same attire.”

    It is always wise to wear or pack a pair of business casual clothes in the event that you have to fly another airline.

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      1. Do I need to wear solid colors or are prints , patterns OK ? Wedge sandals are out ?

        Thank you Kerwin.  This helps a lot,good  to know .

  10. Hi my 4 kids under 15 years and I are flying non rev from Lax – BTR on united airlines next month. Anyone know what the dress code is for myself and my kids? I fly for Hawaiian Airlines and our dress code is pretty casual so I just wanted to check. 

  11. Hi my 4 kids under 15 years and I are flying non rev from Lax – BTR on united airlines next month. Anyone know what the dress code is for myself and my kids? I fly for Hawaiian Airlines and our dress code is pretty casual so I just wanted to check. 

  12. Air Canada Strictly enforces our dress code:

    Air Canada understands the appeal of wearing comfortable clothing while traveling. We also know that styles have changed, making certain trends more mainstream than they used to be. However, a balance must be struck between comfort, fashion and the image we need to uphold as employees of Air Canada. The following dress code is designed to preserve comfort, while also ensuring that anyone traveling on our passes reflects our company brand.

    Acceptable Attire:

    Basic jeans (bootcut/straight/skinny), Dress pants/Chinos/Capris, Polos/Sweaters/Button-down shirts/ Blouses, Dresses/Skirts
    (knee-length and longer), Closed-toe shoes.

    Unacceptable Attire:

    Any jeans other than basic
    (i.e.: ripped, dyed, embellished, autographed, studded, neon-colored, crumpled, ill-fitting, etc. if it isn’t basic, it isn’t allowed!)
    , No Shorts, Bermuda’s, Cut-offs, Yoga pants, Sweatpants, No Tank tops, T-shirts, Strapless tops, Undershirts, Sports shirts, Hoodies
    ,
    No Mini Dresses/Skirts
    (above the knee and shorter), No Flip-flops, Sandals, Running shoes, Work boots, Rain boots.

    **Overnight flights**:

    After take-off, you may change into something more comfortable, such as yoga pants or loungewear. Whatever you change into must be clean and appropriate for public areas nighties, pyjamas, and other sleepwear are not permitted. Please note however, you must change back into your pre-boarding attire before the plane lands.

    Children Ages 12 and under: We recognize that children’s clothing is generally more casual than what is worn by adults. As long as they are clean, neat and in good condition, the following items are permitted for children in addition to what is permitted in the adult section above:
    •Shorts
    •T-shirts
    •Running shoes
    •Hoodies

  13. Air Canada Strictly enforces our dress code:

    Air Canada understands the appeal of wearing comfortable clothing while traveling. We also know that styles have changed, making certain trends more mainstream than they used to be. However, a balance must be struck between comfort, fashion and the image we need to uphold as employees of Air Canada. The following dress code is designed to preserve comfort, while also ensuring that anyone traveling on our passes reflects our company brand.

    Acceptable Attire:

    Basic jeans (bootcut/straight/skinny), Dress pants/Chinos/Capris, Polos/Sweaters/Button-down shirts/ Blouses, Dresses/Skirts
    (knee-length and longer), Closed-toe shoes.

    Unacceptable Attire:

    Any jeans other than basic
    (i.e.: ripped, dyed, embellished, autographed, studded, neon-colored, crumpled, ill-fitting, etc. if it isn’t basic, it isn’t allowed!)
    , No Shorts, Bermuda’s, Cut-offs, Yoga pants, Sweatpants, No Tank tops, T-shirts, Strapless tops, Undershirts, Sports shirts, Hoodies
    ,
    No Mini Dresses/Skirts
    (above the knee and shorter), No Flip-flops, Sandals, Running shoes, Work boots, Rain boots.

    **Overnight flights**:

    After take-off, you may change into something more comfortable, such as yoga pants or loungewear. Whatever you change into must be clean and appropriate for public areas nighties, pyjamas, and other sleepwear are not permitted. Please note however, you must change back into your pre-boarding attire before the plane lands.

    Children Ages 12 and under: We recognize that children’s clothing is generally more casual than what is worn by adults. As long as they are clean, neat and in good condition, the following items are permitted for children in addition to what is permitted in the adult section above:
    •Shorts
    •T-shirts
    •Running shoes
    •Hoodies

    1. Just rode JetBlue Mint (First Class) the other day. It was fantastic. Dress code is business casual (no jeans, t-shirts, sneakers, or open toed shoes). Well worth the $75.

  14. Can i ask what is the point of this dress code? U would not make passengers adhere to such dress codes, so why does it matter what airline staff wear on flights when they are off duty… Its not like ppl are gonna go berserk, where they go “hey u are airline staff, how dare u wear shorts?”

    I fail to understand the point of this policy. Hope someone can explain cheers

    1. Hi Jerry,

      Thanks for the note.
      The dress code dates back to the early days of the airlines when people would dress nicely to board planes. It has relaxed for most airlines over the years. Typically is business casual although some airlines allow shorts and flip flops.

      It was a way to ensure that the employees looked good when they flew and could also sit in First/Business class. Believe it or not poeple used to dress fashionable and not sloppy when they flew years ago :-).

      Kerwin
      http://www.Passrider.com
      http://www.Facebook.com/Passrider

  15. I’m a child riding on my mothers buddy pass on United. I have purple and pink hair but I can style it very nicely. I have not flown on a buddy pass in years so I am unsure if my hair is unacceptable or should I invest in a good wig.

    Rosie

  16. I’m about to be going to the schooling in las Vegas for training for allegiant air. Does anyone know what the dress code is during the training?

  17. Pingback: United Airlines Says Women May Be Denied Boarding for Wearing Leggings - View from the Wing

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