While flying as a passenger in the business class cabin from London to South America via New York, “What I really feel like doing is having a shower in the Flagship Lounge at JFK, change into my Lufthansa pyjamas (I’d much rather change in a spacious shower room than in an airplane toilet), and walk down to the gate in that and slippers, with a view toward drifting into sleep soon after takeoff”, FlyerTalk member Passmethesickbag posted in this discussion, which is now closed to new content. “But I’ve never seen anybody do that, so even though I’m reaching an age when I don’t really care that much, I’m hesitant about this plan. Thoughts? Too much?”
Is Changing Into Your Pajamas in an Airport Lounge Prior to Boarding the Airplane Okay?
With the implication that passengers should show some decorum while traveling, FlyerTalk member enviroian opined that “It’s an airport departure gate, not your bedroom.” People — such as FlyerTalk member TemboOne — believe that the minimum dress code should be elevated from casual wear to a semblance of professionalism, as was done decades ago: “Gentlemen wore shirts and ties and jackets while ladies actually wore dresses or skirt and jacket suits.”
Other FlyerTalk members generally believe that if Passmethesickbag does not mind being subjected to stares and glares, then go for it — even if they would not do it themselves…
…but passengers are permitted — for the most part, anyway — to board airplanes in sweatsuits, sandals from which feet overflow out of them, yoga pants, T-shirts with vulgar messages, holes in frayed blue jeans, and leggings. Why not board the airplane in pajamas — especially as they cover the entire body, unlike shorts which are too short and halter tops? Is there a different between changing into pajamas aboard the airplane versus prior to boarding?
Does the type of pajamas matter? Does the fact that the airline supplied the pajamas change anything — especially if the duration of the flight is expected to last through the overnight hours?
Summary
Scott — who is a reader of The Gate — posted in the Comments section of this article pertaining to how you should dress as a passenger aboard an airplane that “Having worked first/ biz class, and economy, I don’t care how you are clad (except for those pajama bottoms and flip flops that young women board the plane, and think its appropriate (but they are young and stupid). I think you wearing jeans and nice shoes, and polo shows class at least to me.”
Although I am a firm advocate of being as comfortable as possible when traveling, I personally would not wear pajamas to board an airplane simply out of preference and for no other reason — but I would not outright criticize someone for changing into pajamas in an airport lounge and then boarding an airplane while wearing them.
Photograph ©2016 by Brian Cohen.
