Though many people prefer to dress for comfort on an airplane, Christopher Elliot of the "Houston Chronicle" recommends dressing up just a bit. "Most of us are stuck in economy class, but not all of us stay there. How do people snag upgrades? Well, one of the secrets of frequent travelers is to look the part," he writes. Wearing a jacket, dress or other better-than-average garb can actually help your chances of getting an upgrade to First Class. Elliot writes, "I've spoken with several airline folks who have admitted they'll pick someone who looks like he belongs in the forward cabin." In fact, United Airlines has an official dress code for employees' family members, who automatically fly First Class. Jeans, sneakers, boots, shorts and baseball caps are all off limits. Avoid those items, and you may get the upgrade, increasing your comfort level even more than a baggy pair of sweats would.
The Transportation Service Administration has helpful guidelines for travelers who don't want to get hung up in security screenings. Heavy jewelry, keys, loose change, even underwire bras can all set off metal detectors. Rather than be subjected to a pat-down, remove all metal items from your pockets, take off your jewelry, and wear clothing that contains no metal. Joe Brancatelli at MSNBC has his own strategy: "I switched the brass buttons on my blue blazer for plastic ones. I bought a plastic Swatch watch specifically for road trips. I've even gotten rid of my belt." You will also need to remove your shoes and coat for the screening. Wear slip-on shoes and a coat that is easy to fold in the security bins provided at the screening point. If you have a baggy sweatshirt or other bulky clothing, you may be patted down; choose clothing that fits well.
Sitting through a long flight can be uncomfortable. Wear clothing that has some stretch to it. It may also be colder or warmer on the plane than you expect, so wear a layer or two. Being able to add or remove a jacket can help alleviate your discomfort. Avoid wearing short skirts or pants, and choose natural fabrics over manmade materials. In the very rare case of an emergency, fabrics like nylon could burn your skin.
