A special "dress code" for air passengers: an unusual idea causes heated debates online

Christopher Elliott, a resident of Seattle, Washington, USA, is a frequent traveler, and he writes about it in his op-ed for the Seattle Times. In one of his recent articles, he called for the introduction of rules regarding the clothing of airplane passengers. The introduction of a special "dress code", according to the columnist, will help make people on board "more respectful".

Thus, based on personal observations, Elliott concluded that many airline passengers could use some improvement in their manners during the flight. He is particularly frustrated by neighbors who take off their shoes and socks in the cabin. The American shared his proposal to introduce a "dress code" in a Seattle Times column.

"It's time to introduce a dress code for airline passengers. Seriously. There has been a sharp deterioration in manners on board. Passengers and some psychologists believe that if people dress up before a flight, they will be more respectful and less likely to be rude," the traveler wrote.

Eliot tried to explain to readers what he meant by "dress code" for airplane travel. In the end, he suggested "a lighter version of a business casual suit."

"People should wear long pants, collared shirts, dresses. Please, no bare feet or T-shirts with offensive logos. Dress modestly and respectfully. Remember that you are in a public place," the columnist said.

Most Internet users were unhappy with this proposal. They believe that this initiative is discriminatory. Some people tried to explain that the problem with air travel is not the passengers' clothes but the conditions of the airplanes themselves.

"Dresscodes, really? How about providing passengers with enough room to sit and not serving excessive amounts of alcohol?" one outraged commenter wrote under the article.

Other users commented, "He is just dreaming about what flying would be like if poor people were not allowed on the plane", "This guy needs to get his own plane where he can make all the arbitrary rules he wants and leave the rest of us alone."

A whole debate erupted online. There were also those who welcomed Elliott's idea, "An enthusiastic YES to the requirement to wear long sleeves and long pants. Skin-to-skin contact with strangers during a multi-hour flight? Ew", "Flight attendants and gate agents will treat you better if you are well dressed. Passengers will be grateful for that."

Meanwhile, flight attendants themselves recommend wearing loose clothing instead of tight shirts and long pants as passenger comfort is much more important than appearance. Restrictive clothing is best left in suitcases as anything that is too tight can cause cramps, swelling, and pain.

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