Is it acceptable to travel in shorts and sandals?

I feel if I was in a position to upgrade people I’d choose the ones who looked like they could afford it the least.

Though I am amused by the idea of airline staff getting their kicks by staging impromptu Nicest Linen Trousers fashion shows for upgrades, OP, your friends are deluded.

Though it does explain to an extent the ongoing idea in some circles that you need a new ‘travelling outfit’ to go on holiday in.

Unless some of you are frequent (business+ class) fliers in a loyalty scheme with the airline you are flying, I'd say your chance of an upgrade is zero. 🤣

You should secretly pay for an upgrade and wear your scruffiest shorts and sandals, then pretend you’ve been upgraded at the check in.

Back in the early 200s on my first NYC trip we got upgraded to business there and back on a overbooked BA. In trackies. We were there early that’s why and not because we were ‘put together’. There was a few upgrades and i’d say 90% were in trackies. I’m unsure if the rare upgrades are because of how people are dressed?

I just wear what’s comfy tbh. I would judge people in shorts or silk trousers. I wouldn’t wear shorts cos it can get chilly. But i’m not aiming for an upgrade either. I’m

lol

True, hopefully that's how it works...

I was maybe trying to head off any idea that if an upgrade is needed due oversales any staff get moved up before the frequent flyers...

As you rightly mention there are different classes of staff tickets, and if you're on a basic ticket of some sort you'll (probably) not get moved..in fact if it's really oversold you're.not even getting on...😱

Wear whatever you’re comfortable in, so long it’s decent. I’d be freezing in shorts, planes are always cold, but you’re not me.

DH has Platinum status with BA as he travels frequently with work. Last time we flew we were in economy as we were paying for it ourselves, and we did get upgraded. I assume this was because of his status as we were told when checking into the lounge.

Unfortunately no upgrade on the return flight, but they did bring us a glass of champagne and serve our meals first, much to the confusion of the passengers around us. Was a bit awkward!

I’ve been upgraded with BA several times. Once with my family of five. I always wear sports leggings and trainers. Status with the airline is what matters.

I got upgraded once on a long haul flight from Auckland to Santiago. I was three months in to a year long backpacking trip, and dressed like one. Harem pants, flip flops, you get the picture. I still to this day have no idea why I was upgraded (maybe they needed a solo traveller) but it certainly wasn't because of the way I was dressed!

So am I (and usually in business where they'd never ask) - but I can still see/hear others being asked.

This^

I've flown from/to Paris CDG this week and there were a lot of bum cheeks on show. Normal shorts and sandals will be absolutely fine.

Fair enough. I’m pretty high tier in all the airlines I fly so never been asked!

If you’re flying economy BA from T5 Heathrow, you’ll be using the self service bag drop, so won’t see anyone anyway. If one of your group has BA Executive Club Bronze or higher, they can bag drop at the Business Class desks, but you’ll probably still have to do the self service. So it still won’t matter what you are wearing.

BA do offer paid upgrades on flights, but that’s usually either cash or Club points.

I’m past short wearing age now but travelled long haul frequently in the past.

I would never wear shorts on a plane from a hygiene point of view! Anything and everything has been spilled on those seats and cleaning turn around time is fast. Also they use chemicals to clean.

And personally, I would only wear shoes that were easy and practical to wear and could easily take me down an escape chute.

Always take a light thin wool wrap with me to use as a pillow or a blanket.

I always try and dress smart casual when travelling. Comfort is key. Pack as light as possible!

Wear what you’re comfortable travelling in, you won’t be upgraded, and it won’t make a difference to bags checked, wear what you want to travel in

Just saw you are on a BA flight to Mykonos. Yeah you aren’t going to get an upgrade. It’s a fairly small short haul Airbus. They move the curtain according to how many business seats they sell. There are none to be upgraded to. Even if they were you would be last on their upgrade list I’m afraid.

I think people can wear what they feel comfortable in.

Personally, I dress nicely for travel. I mean it wouldn’t be silk trousers. 😂 But I do dress work casual, not like I’m off to Ibiza. That’s a personal choice.

Not really. It happens.

Staff who have bought upgrade eligible tickets would certainly be upgraded before frequent flyers who haven't paid for the privilege.

They think the nicer you’re dressed the less likely you are to be asked to check your bag at the gate etc.

These people are delulu. Have they flown much recently?!

It's not completely OTT..

You look at how some folks dress and wonder what state their backsides/legs are going to end up in in the ( highly unlikely etc) event they have to use the slides......

They won’t have room to upgrade a big group anyway. Wear what you want.

@paulinespecial - The kind of flight you could get upgraded on is not asking anyone to check in bags at the gate.

Not true. I've been on many flights with 2+ classes where, since the flight was full and many people had carry-on, they asked/forced some people to gate check their roll-on cases.

Your friends sound very innocent. Have you been in business class? Tech bros who look homeless is more the look.