Sometimes getting a flight upgrade isn’t about the right timing or knowing the right people. Sometimes, it’s all about having the right outfit.
There’s one way you can score a free upgrade to first class without having to do very much, flight attendants told Who What Wear: just pick the perfect ensemble. And the good news is, you don’t need to be a fashion icon to do it.
The Best Travel Pants for Women Who Hate Flying in Jeans
While many travelers prefer to wear sweatpants and sneakers (or even blankets) when they fly, these seasoned cabin crew members say that putting a little more effort into your appearance can go a long way.
“When we fly, we have a strict dress code to follow. No jeans or trainers — so I always go for tight black trousers and a blazer or a dress. For men, chinos or trousers and a shirt are worn,” one flight attendant told Who What Wear.
Another flight attendant elaborated that you don’t have to be on trend or wearing designer clothes. “Smart but understated. You should look like you travel often…it helps; someone who is potentially due to get an upgrade can be knocked back if they aren’t dressed suitably.”
Essentially, you can still be comfortable, and elevated basics will take you far. Think casual workday chic. Dirty sneakers, flip flops, leggings, old shirts, jeans, and other “comfy” but generally too casual clothes will probably keep you in your economy seat, while a classic turtleneck, wrinkle-resistant trousers, and knit loafers might just do the trick.
Luckily, there are lots of comfortable, business-casual sweaters and stretchy slacks out there, as well as protective face masks that you can easily wear for hours on end while traveling. Keep reading for our favorite comfortable yet stylish travel clothing and accessories. Wear these next time you board a plane, and they might just help you snag a free first-class upgrade.
Summersalt ‘The Packable Everyday Pant’
Courtesy of Summersalt
To buy: summersalt.com, $80
Everlane Pima Micro-Rib Turtleneck
Courtesy of Everlane
To buy: everlane.com, $40
Lauren Ralph Lauren Double Breasted Cotton Blend Trench Coat
Courtesy of Nordstrom
To buy: nordstrom.com, $220
Quince Cashmere Wrap
Courtesy of Quince
To buy: onequince.com, $100
Rothy’s ‘The Loafer’
Courtesy of Rothy’s
To buy: rothys.com, $165
Nxtstop Travleisure Bamboo Face Mask
Courtesy of Nxt Stop
To buy: amazon.com, $14
Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Sometimes getting a flight upgrade isn’t about the right timing or knowing the right people. Sometimes, it’s all about having the right outfit.
There’s one way you can score a free upgrade to first class without having to do very much, flight attendants told Who What Wear: just pick the perfect ensemble. And the good news is, you don’t need to be a fashion icon to do it.
The Best Travel Pants for Women Who Hate Flying in Jeans
While many travelers prefer to wear sweatpants and sneakers (or even blankets) when they fly, these seasoned cabin crew members say that putting a little more effort into your appearance can go a long way.
“When we fly, we have a strict dress code to follow. No jeans or trainers — so I always go for tight black trousers and a blazer or a dress. For men, chinos or trousers and a shirt are worn,” one flight attendant told Who What Wear.
Another flight attendant elaborated that you don’t have to be on trend or wearing designer clothes. “Smart but understated. You should look like you travel often…it helps; someone who is potentially due to get an upgrade can be knocked back if they aren’t dressed suitably.”
Essentially, you can still be comfortable, and elevated basics will take you far. Think casual workday chic. Dirty sneakers, flip flops, leggings, old shirts, jeans, and other “comfy” but generally too casual clothes will probably keep you in your economy seat, while a classic turtleneck, wrinkle-resistant trousers, and knit loafers might just do the trick.
Luckily, there are lots of comfortable, business-casual sweaters and stretchy slacks out there, as well as protective face masks that you can easily wear for hours on end while traveling. Keep reading for our favorite comfortable yet stylish travel clothing and accessories. Wear these next time you board a plane, and they might just help you snag a free first-class upgrade.
Summersalt ‘The Packable Everyday Pant’
To buy: summersalt.com, $80
Everlane Pima Micro-Rib Turtleneck
To buy: everlane.com, $40
Lauren Ralph Lauren Double Breasted Cotton Blend Trench Coat
To buy: nordstrom.com, $220
Quince Cashmere Wrap
To buy: onequince.com, $100
Rothy’s ‘The Loafer’
To buy: rothys.com, $165
Nxtstop Travleisure Bamboo Face Mask
To buy: amazon.com, $14
Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.
