With a woman being denied access to an airline’s business class lounge due to her footwear, designers opine on whether there should be an airport dress code
Air travel in recent times has become a glamorous affair. With our globetrotting celebs providing plenty of style inspo and giving rise to the term #airportlook, one’s attire while flying has come under scrutiny. But can an airline screen you based on your sartorial choices? Recently, Joanne Catherall, a member of the British synthpop band The Human League, wasn’t allowed in the Qantas Business Class lounge for wearing UGG boots. The musician tweeted about her experience, “Denied access @Qantas business class lounge in @Melair Melbourne Airport. Apparently, UGG boots are deemed sleepwear by the lady working there although no problem in any of the other lounges so far. Helpfully she suggested I go to one of the shops and purchase some shoes.”
The airline reverted that they have strict dressing guidelines for their lounges that don’t include beachwear, gym wear, sleepwear, and rubber thongs. The footwear brand though, is a popular choice of stars, as it combines comfort with style. A few months ago, United Airlines, too, had banned two women dressed in leggings from a Minneapolis-bound flight explaining that they were “pass travellers” (relatives of the airline’s employees), and hence can’t wear form-fitting spandex pants.
DRESS CODES NOT NEEDED
Airport dressing should be practical and not ruled by dress codes or trends. However, one can look smart by layering up with a trench or puffer jacket in a neutral colour or accessorising with scarves and stoles, explains designer Shruti Sancheti. She says, “When travelling, one must be comfortable.”
If one chooses business class and pays extra, it is for the comfort factor and extra services which are offered, the main being the lounge, so it is ridiculous that one should be stopped for casual dressing. UGG boots protect the feet from the cold and leggings are cosy enough to sleep in and make for travel-friendly attire,” adds Shruti.
EASY STYLE
Designer Maheka Mirpuri, who travels quite a bit, feels one doesn’t have to compromise on style with comfort. “I’m against this medieval mindset of discriminating against someone based on their attire. As long as the person isn’t indecently dressed, no one should be barred entry into any place, be it even the business class lounge,” she says. When asked on what she recommends for airport dressing, she adds, “Avoid flying in leggings, rather wear relaxed jeans with a shirt or a knit. Always carry a pashmina or a woollen throwover. A lightweight denim jacket is also good as it’s always cold on flights. Opt for closed shoes, loafers or moccasins. Sporty rubber soles and plush quilted uppers marry comfort with luxury. With simple tweaks, one can look stylish with ease,” she adds.
COMFORT WEAR IS ESSENTIAL
Most flights tend to be long and tiring, hence passengers prefer easy silhouettes and styles. In fact, athleisure wear is immensely popular currently. Designer Amy Billimoria says dress codes and uniforms are appropriate for airline staff, but shouldn’t be applied to passengers. “The fashion game at airports is real for celebrities as the paparazzi captures their look from top to toe.
You can dress up a dressed down look with a statement bag or sunglasses.” Designer Amit Aggarwal emphasises, “When you are paying for a ticket, be it economy or business class, you should be allowed to wear what you will be comfortable in. I don’t think anything should be banned, the traveller should be able to dress as he or she likes.” For designer Anavila, comfort dressing is of importance while travelling. She adds, “I personally like to wear relaxed clothes and shoes while flying. However, airports are a public place and cultural sensibilities should be taken into account.”
B-TOWN’S BEST DRESSED
DEEPIKA PADUKONE
Dippy’s airport look is always on point. She’s a layering pro and her travel look is super sleek. She often sports bold red lips to add to the glam quotient. A statement tote and a pair of sunnies add to a great finish.
RANBIR KAPOOR
The actor opts for relaxed athleisure wear for his flight time. He’s often snapped in hoodie pullovers and denims, high-top sneakers and a baseball cap. He occasionally layers with a bomber jacket
PRIYANKA CHOPRA
PC is every bit the diva that she is at the airport. From her statement bombers to her sunglasses, she often adds an edgy touch to her travel style.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Gigi Hadid and Chrissy Teigen")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}