Airports are great place for people watching. There are hundreds and thousands of people from all over the world, in all their different styles, and they could be just about anybody. Flying interstate from Adelaide Airport the day after the Big Day Out, I literally bumped into Dizzy Rascal as he was looking for the loos. And I once stood behind Tony Abbott in the security queue.
As much as I love travelling, I find long flights boring and uncomfortable, and I don’t really enjoy being in such close proximity with people I don’t know. A flight Australia to Europe takes up to 30 hours including transit and I’ve done it enough times to to know it sucks. I just try to sleep and dream of flying first class.
I don’t think it’s particularly acceptable for people to wear pyjamas on flights. There might be sleeping involved, but you’re not at home in bed, you’re in a public area. It’s like wearing a ugg boots to a wedding - dressing too comfortably for the occasion. I wonder how the flight attendants feel, when they have to remain smartly dressed and fresh looking and then have to serve people so dressed down. I’m not a huge fan of tracksuits on flights either, but they verge on the edge of acceptable, while I feel wearing pyjamas just takes it a step too far.
I’ve worn jeans onto a long flight before, then changed into tracksuit pants whilst on the plane, and changed back into jeans before landing. I just can’t bring myself to be seen dressed down in the airport. Especially upon arrival, when you walk out of the departures gate and there’s all those people waiting waiting with signs, watching all the departing passengers. On my last flight to Europe, I dressed comfortably, but yet still what I considered to be acceptable for out in public : black leggings, a grey tank dress, a black/cream stripe viscose top, and a black cashmere cardigan (all from The Iconic). With black plimsoles that were easy to get on and off and my favourite chunky gold necklace. I also brought a big black coat in my hand luggage knowing it would be freezing when I landed.
I also like to spy on what kind of hand luggage people bring onto a plane. I always admire people who have just a small handbag. I usually have as big a carry on bag as is allowable, usually overflowing, as I am in constant battle with checked baggage allowances when I travel. Currently I have a black Crumpler tote bag designed specifically for this task, it fits a week’s worth of clothes however fits neatly in the overhead compartment. It’s well designed and sleek looking, however I find when filled up, quite heavy to carry, resulting in walking/limping whilst leaning to the side to compensate for the weight. I’d always thought tote bags looked more stylish than those mini suitcases on wheels for carry on luggage, however to prevent possibly developing curvature of the spine, I think I might be investing in one for my next trip.