Qantas to enforce dress code at Qantas Club airport lounges
By David Flynn, February 12 2015
Qantas is clamping down on poorly-dressed passengers at its airport lounges, with the airline announcing it will be more rigorous in enforcing "minimum smart casual dress guidelines" at Qantas Club and Qantas Business Lounges.
From April 1, travellers visiting Qantas lounges at Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Perth and Adelaide airports will need to ensure they're suitable togged up, or risk being turned away at the front desk.
"Entry may be refused at the discretion of the lounge staff if visitors do not meet the appropriate standard", the airline says.
"Lounge staff will use their discretion to determine if a visitor to the lounge meets our smart casual dress guidelines.
A Qantas spokesperson told Australian Business Traveller that customers entering these lounges "will receive a friendly reminder about the smart casual dress guidelines that apply."
Qantas has always listed a 'smart casual dress standard' in its terms and conditions, with singlets, bare feet, rubber thongs "and clothing with offensive images or slogans" in most cases considered unacceptable in the capital city lounges.
“The dress guidelines for our lounges are the same as most restaurants and clubs" the Qantas spokesperson said.
"The vast majority of our members meet and exceed the guidelines, but we have had some feedback from customers that they want to see those guidelines apply to everyone."
Until April 1, signage will also be displayed at the entry of each lounge reminding travellers of the guidelines.
Workers wearing high-visibility vests will not be affected by the dress standards.
So what is 'smart casual'?
It all begs the question: exactly what is 'smart casual'?
Wikipedia describes it as "an ambiguously-defined dress code that is generally a neat yet informal attire," and what constitutes 'smart casual' can depend on "the locality, type of event, context or culture... therefore the designating of certain clothing pieces as smart casual is disputed – for example, jeans."
In the hierarchy of dress codes smart casual is a notch down from business casual, which in turn sits one rung below business formal.
“The key look in this dress code is a chic, put-together ensemble,” suggests Darlene Price, author of Well Said! Presentations and Conversations That Get Results.
"It fashionably combines elements from the other dress codes, such as a nice pair of dark slacks, with a coordinated dressy blouse, jacket, and scarf, or a nice pair of trousers with a button-down shirt and sport coat."
So for blokes: think of the baseline as smart-looking pants (including dress jeans or chinos) topped by a simple polo shirt or dress shirt sans tie.
More AusBT articles on Qantas lounges
Expert tips: make the most of the Qantas first class lounge
Your intro to the luxe lounge, the best things to eat and drink, getting a booking at the free day spa and much more. Think of this as The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Lounge Lizards. Read more
Pre-flight bliss: The Spa, Qantas first class lounge
Get set for some preflight pampering in the day spa of the Qantas first class lounges in Sydney and Melbourne. Here's a rundown of the treatments and how to make your free booking. Read more
Photos: Inside the exclusive Qantas Chairman's Lounge
Take a sneak peek beyond the frosted glass doors and inside Qantas' invitation-only Chairman's Lounge, which has often been called Australia's most exclusive club! Read more
Follow Australian Business Traveller on Twitter – we're @AusBT
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Aug 2014
Total posts 23
The FIFOs in Perth are NOT going to be happy! Is a high-vis vest considered smart casual?
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
15 Aug 2012
Total posts 171
Colster, I thought exactly the same thing!
14 Jun 2013
Total posts 354
Hi-viz will be exempt, the article says.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
19 Nov 2011
Total posts 244
High vis vest was a fashion in the 80's right?
Equivalent to fluoro? ;)
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Aug 2014
Total posts 23
Yes, I saw that.. but is hi-viz considered smart casual now?
13 Sep 2013
Total posts 117
Of course Hi-Viz is exempt.
How else would Tony Abbott be let into the QC then?
11 Mar 2012
Total posts 313
No, it's considered work uniform.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 Apr 2014
Total posts 35
Do they know how to a knife and fork and what a table is
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
29 Jul 2013
Total posts 207
Why cant the FIFO's wear appropriate travel attire and then change into their work clothes when they get to work?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
20 Sep 2011
Total posts 24
Tailored shorts, shoes, and open neck shirt are ok?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
15 Jan 2015
Total posts 5
I'm actually more offended of seeing people use tables and chairs as their own personal 'feet seat'. Like seriously you are not in your own living room plus we eat off those tables. I'd rather see Qantas staff enforce etiquette policies in their lounges.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer - Chairmans Lounge
01 Sep 2011
Total posts 413
You have that right as well.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Oct 2013
Total posts 114
FIFO in high vis and workwear allowed over someone in shorts and a Tshirt - money talks!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 Apr 2014
Total posts 35
Money can't buy class and breeding
22 Jun 2013
Total posts 4
And for the ladies?? (Not that I need the information, I just find it odd that this article only addresses the blokes)
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2555
Darlene Price already lists some women's clothing items in her quotes in the article: "It fashionably combines elements from the other dress codes, such as a nice pair of dark slacks, with a coordinated dressy blouse, jacket, and scarf, or a nice pair of trousers with a button-down shirt and sport coat."
In my experience, too, women travellers dress up more than men and have a better sense of 'appropriate style' into the bargain; that, plus the comments above and AusBT's audience being 80% male, means I felt it better to call out a few specific notes for the blokes.
And if you'd like to suggest here in the comments what you'd feel might be suitable 'smart casual' for women, that'd be great to see.
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3021
David,
Defining a dress code is acceptable. Not defining what is acceptable is unacceptable! Who is the arbiter of smart casual???
This ambiguous approach, where enforcement is left to the discretion of staff may be open to abuse and accusations of unfair treatment.
I'm quite concerned by this....
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Mar 2014
Total posts 206
High Vis is a safety requirement, QF would lose lots of business if they didnt allow it.
Interestingly Darwin isnt Included, its my favourite qantas club since the refurb!
12 Jun 2013
Total posts 738
Hi-Viz clothing is certainly a safety requirement when you're on a mine site. I've never been sure why it's necessary at the airport, or on a plane.
(I used to have a job that required high-viz. I wore it, too, for about three days, before I realised that none of my coworkers were bothering to do so...)
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Mar 2014
Total posts 206
Because they get transferred straight to the site by bus on arrival at the aiport, or helicopter transfer in some cases to offshore
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
12 Feb 2015
Total posts 1
About time I say! And I think Hi Viz should still have to be clean and tidy with shoes on.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Mar 2012
Total posts 214
seems the 'little' things cause the greatest consternation. I agree it would be better if they worried about behaviour in the lounge than what folk are wearing. After all what people wear has no impact on anyone but the wearer.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 Apr 2014
Total posts 35
Obviously you wear glasses or blind , the world is full of visual pollution and in some special places I don't need to see it , go to a Westfield for some optical stimulation
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Aug 2014
Total posts 506
I like this especially because I just saw some people at the Customs at Melbourne and some barely wear anything appropriate and wear stuff they probably would wear when watching TV late at night.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Feb 2013
Total posts 45
About time, overdue - witnessed thongs being utilised as footwear in Sydney First lounge at the end of last year!
12 Jun 2013
Total posts 738
So? If I'm going on a quick jaunt to Thailand should I pack extra shoes just for the Qantas Club?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum
07 Feb 2013
Total posts 553
You should take the bogan bus jetstar sounds like you'd fit in
12 Jun 2013
Total posts 738
Snobbery is for those who are terrified of being confused with being lower than themselves because they're only just on the *edge* of the group they see themselves as belonging to.
People who call people "bogans" are generally barely a shade above being lower-middle-class themselves. Often they're the first generation in their family to attend university.
It's a bit like the eight-year-olds beating up the seven-year-olds. I can understand it but I'm not gonna join in.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Sep 2014
Total posts 21
Yes exactly. I don't want want to see nasty feet in a lounge, a grocery store, a cafe, or anywhere near where food is seen. Except for my house and the beach.
16 Feb 2015
Total posts 4
Thongs in the first lounge - shock horror!!!! *world ending in 3...2...1...*
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3021
Where can we find the list of forbidden items to wear?
I wonder if a burqa is on that list?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Aug 2014
Total posts 506
Probably not, they will instantly brand you a terrorist and hand you over to the AFP to look after.
12 Jun 2013
Total posts 738
Rishi: More likely the burqua will become compulsory, to go with the porkless meals.
12 Feb 2015
Total posts 3
Surely t-shirts will be okay, otherwise what will Qantas board member Todd Sampson wear?
12 Jun 2013
Total posts 738
My guess is that the *actual* meaning of the policy is "no shoes, no shirt, no service" but that they don't want to say this so they set the stated bar a few inches higher. I'd be shocked if they actually start complaining about people in t-shirts and shorts (despite neither of these counting as "smart casual" in anyone's book).
I've worn shorts and a t-shirt in the Lufthansa F terminal at FRA and the SQ Private Room at SIN. If shorts and a t-shirt is good enough for those places, it's good enough for the bloody Qantas Club.
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3021
The RACV Club in Melbourne has a smart casual dress code policy. They further define "smart casual" to mean, "...Smart casual does not include: Thongs, torn jeans, tracksuit pants, beachwear, ugg boots, moccasins, singlets, tank tops, sport shorts, torn tee-shirts and baseball caps. T-shirts with inappropriate slogans are also not acceptable."
Why can't Qantas provide the same level of transparency?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 Apr 2014
Total posts 35
I've been in both never seen a German CEO in short or the same in SQ was it summer vacation time
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Jan 2013
Total posts 701
That sounds most sensible to me Hugo, no need to go over the top, just clean clothes (can't go in encrusted with dust, dirt, oil, etc), mostly enclosed footwear (thongs more beach wear, that appropriate for a lounge), no tank tops or mid-riffs (no armpits or guts uncovered). Nothing with highly offensive language or imagery on display. Just common sense stuff when sharing enclosed spaces with a large number of people.
16 May 2014
Total posts 99
Might have to leave the baby in a nappy and a singlet just outside the door.. lol
04 Nov 2012
Total posts 218
Looks like my mining friend will no longer be in the Q lounge wearing his dirty safety shirt anymore, but he can still fly in J with it on as he did last week from Perth.
In the lounge last week was a guy with big hairy armpits they burstng out of his tank top, poor fellow, he must have been doing it tough of late as his thongs were all worn out, but his ruggers were fine.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 Apr 2014
Total posts 35
Thank you for the great update OMG what the rest of the world must think of us
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 Apr 2014
Total posts 35
Thank you for the great update OMG what the rest of the world must think of us
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
12 Feb 2015
Total posts 1
In this article is says dress code restrictions are for major airports? Adelaide Airport is actually under the Regional Airport title by Qantas? Can anyone clarify this?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 Nov 2012
Total posts 95
How silly. This is Australia and its 2015 and the QANTAS lounges are not the Savage or RACV Club, not even QF First.
Getting on a plane is like getting a bus these days, so what's the big deal? I personally am never offended by other people's clothing and find bogan-wear particulalry amusing, but I'm happy to live and let live.
If other people's clothing offends you, you have bigger I S S U E S, although I do draw the line at feet on the table as per Joe's comment.
Get a life.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Mar 2012
Total posts 214
Couldn't agree more!
23 Nov 2012
Total posts 24
Qantas have much more to worry about than passenger attire. i.e. Keeping exisiting customers happy and attracting new ones.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
20 Mar 2014
Total posts 133
about bloody time!!! This is how it used to be many moons ago :)
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
19 Feb 2014
Total posts 446
So Qantas is saying, if you have money to spend on premium classes, then you should dress like you have money. What a joke. Luckily it says rubber thongs are forbidden, since I wear leather ones.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 Apr 2014
Total posts 35
None needs to see your feet
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Sep 2014
Total posts 21
Amen.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
06 Feb 2014
Total posts 8
I think this is a good thing. This is not being elitist - the Qantas Club is a *club* that offers entry to those who achieve a certain level of airline 'status' based on the amount of flying they have done, or alternatively those who pay for membership. If you want to wear your thongs and singlets, you can sit outside in the normal gate lounge. I have also seen bogans with their bare feet on the tables (BNE) which I found completely repulsive. I decided not to renew my membership as there were more cashed up bogans inside than outside.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Dec 2014
Total posts 44
Hope Kids are exempt as well, imagine a 7 year old getting dressed up when he is going from the Gold Coast to Sydney in 40 degree heat. Next thing limits on food and banning kids and guests.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 Apr 2014
Total posts 35
Gold Coast has never had 40 degree heat
12 Jun 2013
Total posts 738
False! Broadbeach (for instance) recorded a record high of 40.5 on the 21st of February 2004.
https://weather.mla.com.au/climate-history/qld/broadbeach
(I don't know why I felt the need to look that up)
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 Apr 2014
Total posts 35
ha le lu ya it's about time , no more thongs , singlets and board short , come on Australia it doesn't happen in any buisness lounge in the world and let's not talk about first class lounges globally , NOT Kewl , not fashionable , GROW UP! Put some clothes on the world is waiting, more like leaving us behind , huge disraspect to qantas investment in giving us world beating decor , service, food and space ...seriously would you turn up to the dinner table in swimwear ,,,, No further coment
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 Apr 2014
Total posts 35
So being on a contract to fly in fly out, or lack of any social etiquette makes it right to be sloppy and have not dress effort . No problems most qantas airport have great food courts hang out there , or actually the virgin lounge is far more less restrictive actually more excepting of a lesser dress code, I know as I am platinum with both , virgin Fluoro excepted , qantas shoes , shirt , long pants are the norm ,,,,,.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 Apr 2014
Total posts 35
Who care dress up grow up
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Mar 2012
Total posts 214
It had been fun reading the comments. Amazing how such an unimportant thing in real terms garners so much heat. Oh well, fist world problems I guess. :)
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Mar 2012
Total posts 214
First even....now something that does annoy me is bloody predictive text. I know you should always read something before hitting send, but really, it is very annoying when you get caught out.
21 Feb 2012
Total posts 40
As long as my dress shorts (dark denim), Birkenstock sandals and a t-shirt/baseball jersey are allowed in, I'm good.
Qatar Airways
04 Apr 2014
Total posts 26
If it is to be enforced on April 1st, I wonder what attire we may see on the 31st March.
QF
13 Feb 2015
Total posts 4
Great. About time! If the bogans don't like it, they can get back out into the terminal where they belong.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer - Chairmans Lounge
01 Sep 2011
Total posts 413
BRAVO! WELL DONE QANTAS! Its about darn time. I have been on this point for ages. Now also make sure its extended to the international lounges in places like Singapore and Hong Kong etc where the scruffiness of some passengers is unacceptable. And take it a step further and carry it through with regards to the front cabins of the aircraft as well.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Oct 2014
Total posts 8
about time.
c'mon MOGANs, make an effort...
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Mar 2013
Total posts 175
Jeez, this has got the rabble writing!
It (the statement) is more than reasonable. It's not that hard to look smart, just takes a little effort. You can still be casual and look good.
If entry (and the volume of people now at Plat) is an issue just raise the bar of qualification....and this will get the rabble writing again!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Sep 2014
Total posts 2
Travel animal class, expect thongs, t shirts, runing shorts, pyjamas that bogans tend to wear, jump out of bed, jump on a plane.
We tend to dress reasonably in any instance but have to put up with bogans and idiots and from time to time that has not been pleasant.
travel business class we expect to have a bit of decorum in dress sense, do not believe it is too much to expect. On long flights a decent track suit or si milar for comfort is reasonable.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Dec 2012
Total posts 16
Sick to death of paying close to 14K for my return flights to NYC and home to Sydney only to find I am seated next to a thonged board short yahoo that flouted the dress rules.....and got away with it!
Please extend this RULE to the cabin.
Lay down with dogs and you get up with fleas.
05 Aug 2011
Total posts 16
So what effect did that have on you?
Did you need counseling after that you poor thing?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Dec 2012
Total posts 16
Of course I did not require counseling why would I?
I could have sat down the back with the rest of the thong brigade but choose to work harder and sit nicer and be treated with respect and not contempt.
You clearly have a problem Spaz; maybe a ride on Scoot or Jetstar would make you feel more justified to what you feel so entitled to, as there are plenty on those flights that do not care.
QANTAS is a full service carrier, your sense of entitlement to do what ever you please where ever you please and not obey any rules is exactly what is wrong with most of todays society.
12 Jun 2013
Total posts 738
I love all the snobbery in this thread. Like most snobbery it comes largely from the people who have the least to be snobbish about, or perhaps are very insecure about their own place on the social totem pole.
When your airline status is your *only* status, you get a little insecure when it's threatened.
You do realise that many of the "thong brigade" no doubt work harder and make a lot more money than you do, right?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Dec 2012
Total posts 16
Buddy?You make one too many assumptions.
There is nothing wrong with standards and there is nothing snobby about agreeing with them and taking them on board as a way you would like things to be.
You disagree and I understand that.
Might I suggest, (respectfully so I do not upset you any further) that you read the other threads here.
Most are in agreement, and also mention poor hygene, and bare feet of passengers sat in the premium section of the plane.
I work my freakin butt off for my trips up the Pacific, and I respect QANTAS as a premium carrier and choose to fly with them because I know my hard work gets paid off with their comfort and service.
Nothinfg snobby about me I can assure you.
Iam as downt to earth as thongs and stubbies, but my differance to you is I understand when it is appprorpritae to wear thongs and shorts and when NOT to.
I will think of you next time I clean out my garage, or wash out the garbage bins (in my thongs and stubbies) and reflect on this style of dress is your choce of how you want the world to see you.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Sep 2014
Total posts 21
@jeff makes the point I've been trying to put in words. I like his comment. I'm not a snob. I live on the "edges" of have and have not as you've said a few times. So when I pay big bucks for great service, I want to see others who respect the journey and level of service they're in!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Dec 2012
Total posts 16
Thank you,
Only people that have issues with them selves throw around the word 'snob' when they perceive another may have standards, a corporation or buisness may have standards.
Spaz just needs to calm down.
If he were seated next to me in his shorts and thongs, I would not say anything, I would not request a change of seat. He would never know my disgust for his appearance.
However I would write QANTAS a letter and ask them about their standards.
10 May 2018
Total posts 3
"Those who work harder". truth is that the hardest workers are normally the most exploited and underpaid at the bottom of the corporate joke they call commerce.
05 Aug 2011
Total posts 16
So what effect did that have on you?
Did you need counseling after that you poor thing?
16 Feb 2015
Total posts 4
What a pretentious generalising comment. What difference does the thonged board short-wearing 'yahoo' you refer to make to your flight? Wait.....is it his feet smelling because of the thongs? Yours do too mate when you take off your crocodile skin leather shoes in the cabin. What else could offend you from attire alone? Snobbery at its worst. "Lay down with dogs, get up with fleas..." HA HA HA what sort god-like figure are you
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer - Chairmans Lounge
01 Sep 2011
Total posts 413
Bingo. Exactly my thoughts. on twitter i had a woman from Surfers refer to me as a c*** thinking i had that much power to push QF into this policy having raised the issue months ago. it was followed by another tweet from her using the f*** My response was "if it keeps uncouth people like you out then the policy is working" and she was blocked. Keep it up QF and as mentioned before apply it to Singapore and Hong Kong lounges. As someone above mentioned, feet up on coffee tables needs to be stopped as well. What the heck is wrong with these people. These places are NOT your personal domain or your homes.
10 May 2018
Total posts 3
Anyone who pays that much to fly dressed up or not has some real issues
05 Aug 2011
Total posts 16
Qantas wake up!!!
I pay to fly with you First class & Buisness and im a Platunim one with you every month @ a cost of $10,000 a round trip.
Also my company spends over $300K+ a year on flights with Qantas.
Now Qantas are telling CUSTOMERS what I can wear in your lounge, get real Qantas.
I WANT to ware my thongs & shorts on the flight as I the CUSTOMER that is keeping Qantas afloat.
Stop dictating YOUR CUSTOMERDS QANTAS.
Just another reason to PISS QANTAS OFF....
NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER QANTAS...........
12 Jun 2013
Total posts 738
Boy, for that kind of money you'd think that your company could afford to hire someone who knows (a) how to spell, and (b) how to use the Caps Lock key.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Jan 2014
Total posts 114
Seems pretty well versed on how to use the caps lock key :D
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
16 Jun 2011
Total posts 70
If you pay attention to the article, you may have noticed that it makes no reference at all to the First Lounge.
Not only that, they are not dictating what to wear, they are just giving some guidance on what not to wear...
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Sep 2014
Total posts 21
Get your own plane then Bazza! Then you can wear your edible crotchless undies that your Shazza cashed up wife must love licking up. Money never bought you respect. Respect others with your dress sense and better yourself as a person in general.....
04 Dec 2013
Total posts 151
At risk of continuing the flame war - the airline makes an effort to create create a certain standard in its lounges and cabins. It's disrespectful to their staff (who are always well presented) and your fellow passengers if you blatantly ignore that.
The era of hat and gloves to fly is well and truly over, but you'll find most people sitting up the front of a plane are reasonably smartly dressed. It's a mark of respect for the staff and the experience they are trying to offer. Anyone who takes the view that "I'm paying $10k for this flight, I'll dress how I want" is showing a pretty unpleasant level of arrogance.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
29 Jul 2013
Total posts 207
This is GREAT news!! Though the concept of "smart casual" still baffles me, just as much as "business casual" does.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
06 Feb 2014
Total posts 8
Qantas has clearly done this for a reason. And that reason is that business travellers are often preferring to travel on SQ, CX, EK etc instead of QF to avoid the bogarazzi. Losing business revenue to your competitors is a great motivator.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
06 Jul 2014
Total posts 22
Well done Qantas. The negative comments in these threads reflect the unfortunate, increasing attitude in today's society - it's all about ME; stuff everyone else. I look forward to Qantas enforcing the rules.
23 Aug 2012
Total posts 30
A dress code for the lounge - enforced as business casual. So no singlets, shorts and thongs for the blokes. Simple. But then, girls will be allowed to wear thongs, since they are designer stuff, a singlet is renamed to a spaghetti strap and shorts will be designer hot pants. Here we go...
Plus: Who is offended by someone's dress in a lounge? There are people from around the globe travelling on any possible mission, wearing whatever is appropriate for this: Would someone be offended by a kippah? Is a caftan business casual? Offensive, since it might show religious beliefs?
Is it business casual for a crossdresser to walk in on high heels, wearing a skirt? Would Conchita Wurst, the famous female singer winning last years Eurovision Song Contest (Oz is participating this year!) who hasn't always been female and wears a beard appropriatly dressed for the lounge?
Who are we to judge by dress? In a very liberal, free and open country are we allowed to deny access based on dress? Especially to such a unelaborated place as a lounge is? It's nothing more than a bit more private waiting room at an airport.
It's a mere stop on a journey, it's relaxation, it's sometimes sophisticated. But it is not - as the article argues - similiar to a restaurant or club. They are the destination of my travel, not a "time filler" on my way to my destination.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
06 Feb 2014
Total posts 8
Don't overthink it dude.
16 Feb 2015
Total posts 4
Loving the enevitable snobbery on this particular article, relating to FIFO workers. Somehow if you are wearing traditional 'business' attire, you consider yourself in an elite class of citizenship who shouldn't have to mingle with the grubby mine workers. Keep in mind, that it's these mine workers who probably saved the Qantas domestic fleet from becoming extinct over the last few years. They have earned the status credits, or paid for club membership just like you.
Agree that all clothing should be clean and hygenic, but get a reality check if you think that Australia's biggest commodity export isn't going to dictate 'typical' dress in the lounges.
17 Jun 2011
Total posts 65
I am in the club on a regular basis in jeans, tshirt and thongs. I am presentable, clean and polite and will not change due to this silly rule.
There are way too many important things on my mind at any one time than to worry about who is wearing dirty hi vis gear in the lounge...
18 Feb 2015
Total posts 1
How silly! Who looks at the way anyone else is dressed in the lounge or for that matter on the plane? If I want to wear thongs that's my business - avert you eyes! If I'm too fat or too old please look away!
Good grief does it matter? God forbid one of those cashed up bogans have to look at someone not up to scratch!!!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 Feb 2015
Total posts 1
I would extend this to people displaying a tattoo, and lip/tongue piercings.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
27 Feb 2014
Total posts 6
Hi Ross, I do not often walk around with my tongue hanging out for all to see my piercings. Especially NOT in the Lounges. Does my tongue piercing take away from my professionalism and what i do for a living? Am i not entitled to peace and quiet and a work space before boarding my flight because i have a hole in my tongue? My clean and pressed business suit, post grad degrees and high level job are all for naught because of a little piercing? I agree with the smart and neat casual, but policing piercings to keep in line with someone predjudices and character misjudgements are a little ridiculous. I believe its more about behaviour than piercings.
Meanwhile, the drunken corporates in their crumpled business suits with shirts half hanging out, stinking of BO, slobbering on the female ground staff and flashing around their "platinum One" status all over the place... can still dress and behave like animals... buts that okay, as long as those wretched tongue and lip piercings are kept WELL hidden!
24 Feb 2015
Total posts 1
I have personaly complained to Qantas on 3 occassions regarding the dress standard within the lounge. Singlets, hairy armpits crumpled mining work attire - no excuse for this as a standard. QANTAS are tardy in taking so long to address the situation. Bet you they will not set a proper standard.
09 Mar 2015
Total posts 2
Happy to read about dress standards, however let's put this discussion into perspective.
first allowing ground staff to have an overriding discretion based on a subjective test is problematic
secondly I would rather have a seated passenger wearing a tank top and flip flops rather than an elegantly dressed individual who has bad body odour that is only noticeable and recognizable to those around the individual.
should an airline carrier implement a policy to capture these travellers or are the powers to be so stuck on visual matters above other matters in order to make trips and in some instances trips of 15 hours plus unbearable.
i know I would rather sit next to someone who may have shorts and a tshirt than a body ordour which only fumigation will correct and no place to move.
but hey we are potentially visual and shallow people so who cares right!
09 Mar 2015
Total posts 2
Happy to read about dress standards, however let's put this discussion into perspective.
first allowing ground staff to have an overriding discretion based on a subjective test is problematic
secondly I would rather have a seated passenger wearing a tank top and flip flops rather than an elegantly dressed individual who has bad body odour that is only noticeable and recognizable to those around the individual.
should an airline carrier implement a policy to capture these travellers or are the powers to be so stuck on visual matters above other matters in order to make trips and in some instances trips of 15 hours plus unbearable.
i know I would rather sit next to someone who may have shorts and a tshirt than a body ordour which only fumigation will correct and no place to move.
but hey we are potentially visual and shallow people so who cares right!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
19 Feb 2011
Total posts 53
It should be but not with those want to have their shirt buttoned up with cable ties or using the big cable ties as a belt!
But Perth's lounge is a basket case anyway, its too small and there needs to be a massive business class lounge so that mine workers and the general public can have a good lounge service without needing to be dressed in a 3 piece suit.
12 Dec 2012
Total posts 1013
This is policy is complely unneeded. It does not address the real problem, behavour.
If someone has an issue with someone else's appearance, the only person with a problem is the one who has the issue.
This only leads to discrimation.
Quantas
07 Apr 2015
Total posts 1
I agree completely.
The issue is not dress attire; I enjoy travelling in tracksuit pants. I do not do this to offend anyone, nor should it. Dress Code is simply easier to police than behaviour.
I m never offended by the amount of skin that anyone wants to reveal with clothing, their money is as good as mine. What I do detest is loud unacceptable behaviour that could reasonably be found in any public bar at 6pm on any week day; Suits included.
Etihad - Etihad Guest
14 Mar 2019
Total posts 1
I have different personalities when I fly on Qantas. I am a crossdresser and appreciate the opportunity to either relax or work in a civilised environment. As Jeannette I always make the effort to dress smartly. I don't really care if bogans or others are checking me out. For work, I fly around the countryside wearing hi viz. The reality is that checking in is the start of my work day at 6 am. When you land it's straight to work. On the way home it's usually at the end of a 12 hour shift and there isn't always time to change into civvies, so I apologise if there is red dust on my clothes and I'm a bit hot and sweaty. If I'm on holidays it's jeans and a t shirt. No rips or holes, with either sneakers or slip on leather shoes. I have no need to act as a snob, have nothing to prove to anyone, and just want to get to my destination as quickly and calmly as possible. I welcome at least some basic dress guidelines, but more importantly the egalitarian and accepting culture of qantas, no matter how seriously you take yourself.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
18 Aug 2014
Total posts 74
Well said darling.
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Qantas to enforce dress code at Qantas Club airport lounges