Sitting in the airport today, I looked around and noticed the hundreds of people walking by. Everyone lugging their belongings and hurrying to their gate. From little toddlers to grandparents, there is always a wide variety of people at the airport.
I cannot help but notice how grungy people dress when flying. My mom told me that "flying used to be a privilege" and that now "people take advantage of the whole system". She always expects my brothers and I to dress very nice. Meaning I will wear a dress and my brothers will wear blazers. I always thought this policy was a little ridiculous. People will look at you. I used to feel self conscious about dressing so nice, but have realized that people can think what they want. They may think that I am a stuck- up, rich kid but in reality I am not. I am flying with my family and enjoying my time at the airport.
When I was flying home to Chicago for Thanksgiving, I was very flustered and a little nervous, considering it was my first time flying alone. I know. Can you say sheltered? Anyways, I was going through security, struggling to take off my many bracelets, my belt, my shoes, and any other accessories that might have caused the detector to go off. The man on the other side of the metal detector, noticed I looked like I was having a rough time. He stopped and said, "You don't know where the American Airlines gate is, do you?" Looking at his big grin, I shook my head timidly. He soon directed me where to go and was a huge help.
My mom told me that dressing nicely helped my cause. Presenting yourself in a sophisticated matter definitely helps your situation. Earning respect of the security, elders, and authorities is very important. People are always watching.
3 comments:
I also spent my fair share of time at the airport this holiday season, but I was definitely one of the "grungy" people you talked about. I have never seen the point to dress up when I flew because my nice clothes would get wrinkled from sitting on a plane for a couple of hours. I mean I definitely don't wear sweats or anything, but I do wear jeans, and a cute t-shirt.
Though I will definitely keep in mind your story the next time I fly alone and see if I have the same luck as you do.
I'll never forget watching an old surfing documentary and watching beach boys put on ties and blazers to fly from the US to Africa as the dress code of the days was a formal attire. I think the "grungy" look comes these days from people constantly looking for comfort in the necessities of life. In a world much more on the go than it was years ago, traveling has become as much a necessity as a privilege. Which could help explain the change in social norms that we see at the airports these days. For me my favorite part of the airport is picking up my luggage and watching loved ones see each other again and hug and be greeted by family regardless of their look. As I fly home for our winter break however I'll be on the lookout for those dressing well and may even follow suit myself.
I agree no matter where you go in public someone is always watching. I agree with your mother completely looking your best especially when flying is always important because you as a travel do wish to have the respect from elders and other personnel in charge. I feel that how you present yourself to the world is a direct correlation to how much respect you have for yourself and your reputation.
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