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People who dress "nicely" to travel through airports, why? (lemmy.world)
submitted 2 days 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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[–] 78 points 2 days ago (2 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 1 day ago (2 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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  • [–] 2 points 23 hours 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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  • [–] 3 points 1 day ago (1 child)

    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 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 child)

    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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  • [–] 10 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day 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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