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AIBU?

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Is it acceptable to travel in shorts and sandals?

334 replies

sevenwonde · 27/06/2026 10:47

Help! The friend group is split on this one and it is largely tongue in cheek

We’re off on a girls holiday soon. Half the group thinks it’s fine to travel in shorts and sandals (Birkenstocks), the other half thinks you need to look put together in the airport and dress in a nice outfit (linen, silk trousers etc), in case of an upgrade. They think the nicer you’re dressed the less likely you are to be asked to check your bag at the gate etc.

So, is it acceptable?! They’re not tiny shorts that show my bum cheeks!

OP posts:
SilverPink · 27/06/2026 10:52

Upgrade 🤣 presumably you’re not flying RyanAir

Imlyingandthatsthetruth · 27/06/2026 10:52

Where are you flying? 'Cos there ain't no upgrades on flights to Europe...

Marwoodsbigbreak · 27/06/2026 10:52

I would be too cold in shorts and sandals so it’s a no brainer for me.

IamSmarticus · 27/06/2026 10:52

Shorts and sandals all the way!

I only ever go on package holidays so no chance of getting an upgrade with Tui or Jet2 no matter what I wear though.

MagnesiumBathSalts · 27/06/2026 10:52

I can’t think of anything worse then being overdressed at an airport! Especially if travelling to a hot country!

Clearinguptheclutter · 27/06/2026 10:51

in summer I always travel in Birkenstocks

the one time I got upgraded I was in Birkenstocks!

however these days I don’t travel on airlines where there is an upgrade option. Even if there is I don’t think you stand a chance unless you are part of the frequent flier club. Think about it, people check in online these days so at what point do the airline look at how you’re dressed to decide who to upgrade, if anyone? They look and see who has “status”.

your friends are daft. Wear what you like (as long as it’s decent), it will make no difference

SqueakyFromme · 27/06/2026 10:51

Why would you be suitable for upgrade? Is one of the group crew or ex crew?

CeeceeBloomingdale · 27/06/2026 10:51

As airline staff I can confirm they won't be looking for big groups of linen wearers to give out free upgrades. If they need to upgrade anyone (if they have oversold economy for instance but have seats available in a higher cabin) there is a set procedure. After airline staff on upgrade eligible tickets it would be frequent flyers in their loyalty scheme. Therefore wear what you want.

Sirzy · 27/06/2026 10:48

Travel in whatever your comfy in!