Once upon a time, airline passengers got dressed to the nines when flying internationally. Suit and tie was the norm. If you had your passport in hand, it was a special occasion.
How times have changed. Nowadays you're more likely to be seated in Business Class next to a blokein jandals scratching his belly beneath his black singlet than a dapper gent in a trilby. More's the pity.
While I understand the appeal of comfortable casual clothing on long haul, I can't help but think that as sportswear has gone from the gym to the streets, we've left a little too much elegance behind.
I bumped into some mates in the Air New Zealand Koru Lounge at Auckland recently. The place was crowded and it's fair to say some of the punters were dressed as if they'd just ducked out to buy a bag of ice to keep the beer cold during a barbecue.
"They'll let pretty much anyone in here these days," said one of my friends with a roll of her eyes.
Over at Qantas, they've had enough. The Flying Kangaroo said last week they will be enforcing a dress code in their lounges in Australia. There's no word on whether they'll bring the policy here.
"Smart, casual dress standards apply at all times," says the Qantas website.
Failure to comply is more likely to bring a polite reminder rather than eviction. But it's a well-tailored step in the right direction.
