I’m a big traveler, and I get excited every time I head to the airport. I get a rush from the anticipation of heading to somewhere different from the scenery of my everyday life. Every once and a while, though, I hit speed bumps that put a damper on my trip, and most of those speed bumps tend to involve rude TSA employees and airport patrons.
On my way from San Francisco to San Diego, I tested out a casual look: almost no makeup, un-styled hair, and a super-comfy outfit. In the security line, two attendants were looking at identification and boarding passes. The woman who had no line and was free to help me just sat there looking at me with a blank stare on her face. She didn't even bother informing me that she was available. I had to ask if it was okay to approach her; she nodded. As my carry-on items were being checked, a TSA agent asked me to empty my pockets three times, despite my telling him that I had already done so. He seemed like he didn't believe me, so I showed him that my jeans didn't have pockets. At the gate, people kept bumping into my luggage, and one man even stepped on my foot. There was a lot of commotion because of Hurricane Irene, and the stress level was so thick you could cut it with a knife.
On the way back from Sand Diego to the Bay Area, I wore false lashes, curled my hair and wore heels. I was asked where I was headed off to looking so dressed up and I smiled and replied that I was heading to work. Doors were held open for me when I needed it (which was a nice change—I actually have a scar on my right arm from a businessman who wasn't willing to keep a door open for me while my hands were full at JFK airport) and a TSA agent was kind enough to call me "Miss" and inform me that it wasn’t necessary for me to put my camcorder and DSLR camera in a separate bin for scanning, then proceeded to help me put it back into my luggage. At the food court, I dropped a napkin and a young man stopped to pick it up for me so I wouldn’t have to get out of my chair.
I have to say that based on the way both travel days turned out, looking more put together and polished seems to make traveling much easier and less stressful.
Image courtesy of pinterest
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Feb 22, 2013
Sabrina S.
This is such an interesting topic! Whenever I'm out and about throughout town, if I look more polished and put together maybe even wear my "high end" brands, I will get more attention and respect! Which happened to me recently at Nordstrom. I was looking for a pair of shoes and that particular day I was wearing "high end brands". While I was looking for shoes, my dad just stayed by my side and observed the area like always. (My dad is very protective). While looking at a pair of Steve Madden sandals, my dad whispered to me that he noticed I caught a lot of sales associates attention because of the "high end brands" I was wearing. I though this was kind of ridiculous because the sales associates should help any customer! And not on whether they own expensive items! I feel like a lot of people these days judge others by how they look, or what their own, which is so materialistic.
Sep 11, 2012
Aret O.
It's kinda sad if your appearance is attached to the service that you'll be rendered. People should be accepted as they are.... Being biased because of one's look isn't right.
Aug 27, 2012
Hannah M.
Wow, this is really interesting yet extremely sad. Everyone should be kind to everyone else, you never know how much they might need it at that moment, despite what they're wearing.
Jun 08, 2012
Andrea T.
I noticed something similar. When I wear make-up people smile more at me and shop assistants are a lot more friendly. When I don't wear it (which is a lot tbh) I don't get any of that.
Dec 18, 2011
Brenda R.
i might go on a trip in a week or two , to hawaii , and if i do end up going it'll be my first time out of california and on a airplane, which is kinda sad but this could definetly help so i don't have to go through a bad experience now and if i ever travel via plane again
Oct 23, 2011
Carli P.
So sad. It's not just us ladies who get treated differently though. My curly-haired surfer skater fiance has to dress all business like for work and business trips. I've noticed a massive difference in his treatment when he's in baggy jeans skate shoes a tee and hoody versus being smartly dressed. Gets treated like a stoner bum one day (and searched at the airport), then an executive the next!
Oct 22, 2011
Jessica R.
This is good to know! I love dressing up for the airport but have never noticed being treated better than my sisters who always dress down lol
Oct 14, 2011
Isabella W.
Oh my gosh! I have to go to San Diego in about a month, so I'm trying to stock up on travel tips... This is great!! Thanks!
Sep 28, 2011
Whitney H.
I don't see the point of dressing up while travelling, there's more important things to fixate on, like bringing the right documents and not missing your flight. Unfortunately, people at the airport are judgemental. My atire is always sweatpants or yoga pants, a tank top and a zipped jacket (due to the air conditioning on airplanes) as for makeup, a tinted moisturizer with concealer, blotting powder and chapstick. My hair is usually in a french braid, ponytail or bun, paired with sunglasses.
Feb 22, 2013
Sabrina S.
Sep 17, 2011
Wafi A.
Good idea.