Pls advise. Flying first class tomorrow but am a slob. What to expect

[avacadojam]

Ahhh pls help. Dh left flight booking so late we are now flying first. I am dreading it. We usually fly economy but had to fly on a certain day so had to take what was left. I know I shouldn’t dread it but I really am!

im currently sitting here with straggled half dyed hair, nails that look like they’ve been used on a cheese grater and clothes that would shock a medieval peasant. Do I need to go and put some effort in?!

Everyone I know who doesn’t have two pennies to rub together has immaculate nails and hair.

The multi millionaire I previously worked for had scraped back hair and bare nails.

You deserve to be there as much as anyone else and the staff on board couldn’t care less what you look like so just enjoy!

don't forget your free goody bag normally has nice bits like lotion and perfume sewing kit and stuff like a comb. The super luxury planes that have a shower on board come with free pyjamas and slippers.

Just enjoy going first class, my own experience is that no one takes any notice of what you look like. Have fun x

That made me laugh. Why wear a dress and put your hair in a bun? So random.

Wear something comfortable OP, that's all you need to do.

I've been lucky to fly First Class a few times and wear comfortable clothes .. sweat pants, hoodie etc. Nobody cares, honestly. Have a lovely flight.

@xboxforlife , a sewing kit? In an amenity bag thats something I have never ever seen, the amenity kits that get given out vary so much from airline to airline,

Ok i think might be showing my age and a relative brought one back from a cruise or a holiday in the eighties.

I fly business class for work. 50% of the people changed before takeoff and put their PJs on. Those were daytime flights too, but 11 hours, so a lot slept.

Hey @avacadojam, you will absolutely love it and as someone pointed out, you'll find it hard to go back to a cheaper seat afterwards. You absolutely don't need to go out and buy new stuff but there is something 'celebratory' about flying first and being pampered a little so at least make sure you are clean, your hair is presentable and do something with your nails. And I'm saying this more for your own sake!And a good moisturiser is essential although lots of first-class seats provide high-end care packs etc.

I've flown first long-haul with Emirates and it was joyous! On a longish flight I normally wear flipflops and then change into comfy socks. Wear comfortable tracksuit bottoms/leggings and something loose and comfortable on top too.

You'll love it! Which airline?

Has anyone bothered to dress for flights since the 1950s? It sounds like the sort of thing my grandmother would have done. Let alone worrying about nails and hair. Who for? Literally (and I mean it literally), next to no one gives a toss what anyone looks like or is wearing, whatever class you are sitting in. And if they do, it's a them problem!

But then, I don't see manicures and hair appointments as self care, more self-imposed torture and society driven beauty standards! You'll be more likely to find me out running or cycling. I am old though.

Glad you got your nails done. I hope you feel better after reading all these replies. Enjoy your flight, but please come back and let us know how it went. I would love to hear about it.

One and only time we flew first class. My advice would be don't go mad for the free food at the airport as the plane offered much nicer food, but we were too full to eat it!!!
It's a great experience, enjoy x

Oh I thought the opposite! The BA first class lounge in T5 has great food.

Seat sale! First class is often the same price as business, so around £1000. Economy can be £500-700 long haul. So not always ridiculously extravagant.

I’ve only flown first class once, when we were emigrating with a small baby, and given the extra baggage allowance it was better value than business.

drape a cardi over your shoulders, and get hubby to sling a sweater over his. If it's an over nighter then they will probably hand out pjs and slippers. Get changed and everyone will be wearing the same!

Absolutely dress for comfort. I wear yoga pants, tight longline vest, loose t- shirt and a cashmere hoodie. I also take a cashmere travel wrap.

On my feet I wear socks with Birkenstock mules. depending in airline /route you’ll get PJs and slippers but I prefer the more robust sole of my Birkenstocks when using to look.

It’s true no one dresses up (unless they’re on staff travel when they have to) but I’d say generally people are, to use the MN cliche, “expensively dressed”. Which makes sense if you’re paying five figures for a flight ticket.

Don’t forget you’ll have a much more generous baggage allowance!
I wear Lulu Aligns for long haul travel

Never understand this MN thing of 'i look a scruff cos I have kids' millions have kids and don't neglect themselves, no need to be a martyr, buy clothes, get a haircut, life is for
enjoying.

Only ever flown business - several times - and honestly people look no different. Perhaps the chaps wear shirts rather than t-shirts. But the women? Nope, not much different.

Enjoy it!

@Kelly51 ha I did think that as I posted it. But I like that excuse. Tbf I was an immaculately preened career woman once upon a time but no longer. Don’t really miss it that much tbh but times like these I realise I probably have let myself go a bit

I am failing to find sympathy for you

Similarly millions of people don't give a shit about fancy haircuts, beauty treatments and the latest fashions. It isn't about being a martyr. It's just having different priorities.

Enjoy it, pretend you’re so rich that you don’t even need to give a damn about your appearance!

They give you pjs to wear so i wouldn't worry

@Saschka I fly long haul at least twice a year and you don't get great deals like that even on sale. I've paid 1200 for premium economy . Just checked first class for my upcoming route on sale on BA and here it is