Airports And Dress Codes: What's The Deal?

While there are no set dress codes for airports, it is important to consider the attire you choose when travelling. Some airlines have clauses in their contract of carriage regarding appropriate clothing, with most prohibiting passengers from being barefoot or emitting a strong odour. It is also important to consider your comfort when travelling, as well as the practicality of your outfit when going through security.

Do airlines have specific dress codes?

While there is no universal dress code for passengers at airports, airlines have been known to enforce specific dress codes for their passengers. Most airlines have a clause in their contract of carriage (the agreement you enter when you fly with an airline) that surrounds attire. These clauses usually state that you must wear ''appropriate clothing'' and cannot be barefoot or emit a strong odour, unless due to a medical condition.

The dress code is often left vague and is largely up to the discretion of the airline staff to enforce. This has resulted in several stories of passengers being denied boarding for clothing that others may deem suitable for flying.

Hawaiian Airlines is the only major airline in the U.S. with specific descriptions of what you can and cannot wear in their contract of carriage. Their dress code policy outlines that clothing must cover the upper and lower parts of the torso, footwear is required for safety reasons unless you are unable to due to a disability or physical condition, and clothing must not be lewd, obscene, or patently offensive to others.

Other airlines, such as Southwest, American Airlines, Delta, United, Spirit, JetBlue, and Alaska, have similar policies that give them the right to refuse transport or remove passengers from the aircraft if they are barefoot, not properly clothed, or wearing clothing that is deemed lewd, obscene, offensive, or disruptive.

It is important to note that breaking the clothing policies outlined in the contract of carriage can result in being asked to cover up, denied boarding, or even removed from the plane.

What to wear to airport lounges?

While there is no universal dress code for airport lounges, it is generally expected that travellers dress in a smart-casual fashion. This means that while you can wear comfortable clothing, it is advised to avoid anything too revealing or casual, such as sportswear or clothing with offensive images or slogans.

For men, a safe option would be a pair of smart trousers or chinos with a collared shirt or polo shirt. You could also add a blazer, jumper, or smart jacket, depending on the weather. Dark jeans may also be acceptable, but it's best to avoid anything too casual or ripped. For footwear, a pair of smart shoes or loafers would be suitable.

For women, a blouse or nice top with trousers or a knee-length skirt would be a good choice. Again, dark jeans may be acceptable, but it's best to avoid ripped or distressed styles. A blazer or smart jacket and a pair of flat shoes or low heels would complete the look.

It's important to note that some airport lounges have specific dress codes, so it's always a good idea to check with the lounge you plan to visit beforehand. For example, some lounges may prohibit baseball caps, hooded tops, or sports team shirts. Ultimately, the key is to strike a balance between comfort and style, ensuring you feel relaxed yet presentable for your travel experience.

What do airport staff wear?

Airport staff uniforms vary depending on their role, the country, and the airline they work for. Generally, staff uniforms are designed to be practical and to inspire confidence in passengers.

Pilots

Pilot uniforms typically include a shirt, tie, and chevron-like patterns on the shoulder pads (called epaulets). The number of stripes on the epaulets indicates the pilot's rank. The traditional colours are often blue and white or black and white. Pilots pay a lot of attention to their dress code to mark their authority, as studies show that passengers feel more secure when the authority figure looks like they belong.

Flight Attendants

Flight attendants' uniforms are designed to be welcoming and approachable, and often incorporate the colours and styles of the airline's native country. For example, the World's Best Airline Cabin Crew 2018, Garuda Indonesia, has a uniform that is a modified kebaya: smart silk blouses with a brooch, a long skirt for women, and a suit for men, in bright colours that are representative of Indonesia.

Airfield Engineers

Engineers need to be able to move easily and stay warm, so gloves and layers are a must. High-visibility vests are also essential, as engineers work amongst a lot of traffic on the runway.

Security Officers and Customs Control Staff

Security officers and customs control staff wear very smart and sensible clothing: shirts, ties, ID badges, and boots. Their uniforms demand respect and inspire confidence, like those of pilots. Their epaulets or shoulder pads often simply read "SECURITY" or "PASSPORT OFFICER".

What to wear for comfort?

While there is no universal dress code for passengers at airports, you'll want to wear something comfortable when travelling. Here are some tips on what to wear for comfort:

Clothing

• Wear comfortable bottoms like leggings, sweatpants, relaxed trousers, or jeans.
• Opt for loose-fitting clothing like loose sweaters, long tops, or maxi skirts.
• Layer your clothing so you can easily adjust to changing temperatures.
• Avoid tight clothing, especially if you're at risk of developing blood clots.
• If you're pregnant, consider wearing compression legwear or socks to prevent leg swelling.
• Avoid clothing with offensive slogans or images.

Accessories

• Bring a lightweight sweater or jacket in case you get cold.
• Wear minimal jewellery to avoid hassle at security checkpoints.
• Carry a large purse to hold your belongings and dress up your outfit.
• Bring a scarf that can double as a blanket or pillow.
• Wear sunglasses and a hat to add style to your outfit.

Footwear

• Wear comfortable shoes like flats or sneakers that are easy to slip on and off.
• Avoid heels, sandals, or boots with excessive lacing or buckles that will slow you down at security.
• Wear socks to keep your feet warm and protected.
• Consider compression socks to improve blood circulation and prevent leg swelling.

What to avoid wearing to the airport?

While there is no universal dress code for airports, it is important to be mindful of what you wear to the airport to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey. Here are some things you should avoid wearing:

• Metal accessories: Avoid wearing excessive jewellery, especially those with small clasps that are hard to remove. Metal accessories can set off metal detectors, leading to delays and potentially embarrassing pat-down inspections.
• Belts: Belts can be a hassle at security checkpoints and may slow down your progress. It is advisable to leave your belt at home or pack it in your suitcase.
• Uncomfortable shoes: Opt for comfortable and easy-to-remove shoes. Avoid high heels, tight shoes, or shoes with excessive lacing, buckles, or zippers. Comfortable flats or slip-on shoes are ideal for walking long distances in the airport and can be easily removed at security checkpoints.
• Flip-flops: While flip-flops may seem like a comfortable option, they provide little support and can be a haven for germs. Wearing socks or closed shoes is a more hygienic option.
• Tight clothing: Avoid tight or restrictive clothing, especially during long flights. Loose-fitting clothing is more comfortable and can help prevent blood clots.
• Clothing with offensive slogans: While expressing yourself through fashion is important, it is best to avoid clothing with offensive or lewd statements. Such attire may be deemed inappropriate and could lead to denied boarding or removal from the aircraft.
• Strong scents: While not directly related to dress code, it is essential to be mindful of strong scents or odours. Strong perfumes or odours that may be offensive or annoying to other passengers should be avoided.
• Underwire bras: Similar to metal accessories, underwire bras can set off metal detectors and cause delays. Opt for metal-free bras, sports bras, or padded bras instead.

Frequently asked questions