It’s likely your go-to airport outfit is a Comfy co-ord, or perhaps, a tracksuit and hoodie.
Obviously, being comfortable is top priority. But have you given much thought to what colour you should be wearing? Might we suggest red?
Apparently red is a powerful and stimulating colour that can give you an edge when going through security lines and catching the attention of airline staff.
And, it can make for a much more pleasant flight.
That’s according to travel blog Airplane Tips, which shares advice about flying.
Their recommendation to wear red comes from research that shows the colour stands out among others, which could mean preferential treatment onboard.
The blog claims that passengers who wear red hues during a flight might become more noticeable and memorable to airline staff.
But it doesn’t mean you’ll stand out in a bad way (unless you’re behaving badly of course).
The blog looked at a study conducted by researchers at the University of Potsdam in Germany, along with collaborators in Munich and the U.S.
The study found that women who wore red were perceived to be more attractive than women who did not.
It’s not just attraction that the colour is good for, but can mean the difference between winning and losing.
A study by the University of Durham found that sports teams that wore red kits were more likely to win than those that didn’t.
Red is also associated with dominance and power as it’s easily noticeable.
So, Airplane Tips suggests, consider wearing red on your next flight to be more noticed and have your needs met (no one wants to spend ages waiting for a flight attendant to come to them).
They write: ‘Airline staff may subconsciously perceive passengers in red as more important or of higher status, leading to enhanced customer service experiences. So, if you want to receive top-notch treatment during your travels, consider incorporating red into your airport attire.’
Despite its positive connotations, don’t force a colour on yourself, the website adds.
‘It’s important to note that while red can have a positive impact on how others perceive you, it’s always essential to dress comfortably and appropriately for your journey.
‘Experiment with incorporating red accents or accessories into your airport outfit to take advantage of the psychological benefits this vibrant colour offers.’
Of course it’s not just wearing red that you can do for a smoother flight. There are some tried and tested methods which might ensure a better journey.
How to get upgraded on a flight
‘As far as travel tips are concerned, my number one tip for those looking to get upgraded (and treated like royalty) on a flight is to be lovely to the cabin crew,’ Hannah Murphey, former flight attendant and director of Globe Fit Ltd told Metro.co.uk.
‘A smile and eye contact upon boarding goes a long way. Chat to the crew and ask them about their job. I used to love it when passengers showed an interest in me and were kind opposed to demanding. I wanted to then go out of my way to ensure that they have the very best flight, so I would move their seats if there was a better one available – and I would give them extra drinks etc. purely because they had showed me kindness.
‘When passengers are rude and expectant it has the opposite effect.’
So, a little kindness really does go a long way.
Choose the best seats
If you’re in a position to choose where you’re sitting on the plane – make sure you think about that decision.
‘Go for a seat just forward of the wing for a comfier flight and don’t sit near the toilets or galleys – because it can be smelly and noisy,’ suggests Daisy White, a former flight attendant.
Sit at the front of the plane for your choice of food
If you can choose your seats, opt for the front of the plane. Not only do you tend to feel turbulence less at the front compared to the tail of the plane, but there’s also a perk during mealtimes.
Kamila Jakubjakova, a flight attendant, told Metro.co.uk: ‘The food service usually starts from the front of the airplane, so you’ll get to dine first if you sit in the very first rows of an aircraft. Sitting in the front rows also means you’re more likely to get your preferred choice of meal if two options are available.’
This article was first published on January 17, 2024.
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