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People who dress "nicely" to travel through airports, why? (lemmy.world)
submitted 3 weeks ago by to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml
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I get that some people have business waiting at the pickup and wanting to look professional, but why everybody else?

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[–] 80 points 3 weeks ago (8 children)

Human bias. People tend to treat you favorably when you dress a bit nicely. You don't have to over-do it, but you also don't want to appear "rough". I've travelled both ways, and can tell you for a fact, you get hassled more if you look like you just rolled out of bed, as opposed to someone who's at least trying to look presentable.

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  • [–] 14 points 3 weeks ago (6 children)

    You nailed it. When I wear a T-shirt and have my tattoos visible, security treat me like shit and I always get pulled aside for extra checks and drug swipes. If I wear a nice suit, I get smiles and no hassle.

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  • [–] 3 points 3 weeks ago (4 children)

    Isn't strange, that not to be pulled aside for extra checks me, as woman, I have to look bad,not to be interesting for security, opening luggage ect, where males can check. If I come with nice dress and makeup, hair done, I am wwwaaaayyy likeli going to be stopped for extra check. Even if later female officer comes to check if I am bot bringing anything, males will stand and watch me during ... so, bunny tail, oversized t-shirt and something sloppy usually doesn't attract their attention.

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  • [–] 4 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) (3 children)

    If I come with nice dress and makeup

    I can't help but wonder: a test scenario missing here is what if you wear a boring ‘professional’ suit and hairdo like men do.

    Of course, a case of a dude in a dress also remains to be checked.

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  • [–] 2 points 3 weeks ago

    It's funny because in my country, the airport security would prefer you to wear light clothes so it doesn't mess with their metal detectors. If you wear a formal dress with coats, belts, etc., then it makes their work harder and unless you are Muslim or Sikh they will probably ask you to remove the extra clothes.

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  • [–] 10 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

    When I fly long distance I always make the effort to go in the (plane) bathroom and freshen up, brush my hair and such before I get there because I feel I get less hassle from immigration when I'm looking fresh as opposed to when I'm a red-eyed mess.

    Despite the fact it should be perfectly expected for people to look like shit after a long-haul flight.

    As you say, It's just human bias and people are affected by their biases even in roles where they should try not to be.

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