The days of dressing up to fly are long over, but looking like a slob won't get you a complimentary glass of champagne or an extra snack. 

Of course, it is no longer easy to get an upgrade based on your ensemble because it is all automated, but dressing well could land you slightly better treatment in packed airports and on overbooked flights. 

In fact, I once got out of checking my special edition glitter Away carry-on because the flight attendant felt bad that it could be tarnished and it was carefully placed in first class, instead. 

So, ditch the flip flops, say goodbye to pajama pants, and leave those leggings behind for your 2026 vacation, and most of all, make sure to opt for luggage that isn't falling apart at the seams because duct tape is never a good look. 

The intel comes at a time when dressing for air travel is quite controversial, especially after the Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy urged people to dress smartly for the airport, which Vogue icon Anna Wintour even weighed in on. 

To find out how to get treated like royalty the next time you fly, the Daily Mail spoke to experts about what signifies someone is meant to be flying first class. 

Heather Maguire, the owner of Slate Private Aviation, told the Daily Mail that their discerning passengers often opt for Alo Yoga athleisure.

The easy matching sets are also popular with celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, Kaia Gerber and Margot Robbie. 

In recent years, Alo sweatsuits have become a go-to travel ensemble that's seemingly inescapable on planes and particularly prevalent in airport lounges. 

While the sweatsuit still reigns supreme for pure coziness, if you want a subtle upgrade, try something a bit more elevated. 

Swap the sweats for Alo's Sway Bootcut Sweatpants ($128) and pair them with the Wool Cashmere Classic Crewneck Sweater ($298). 

And at the end of the day, accessories are everything, especially when it comes to luggage.  

'According to our cabin attendants, Louis Vuitton luggage continues to rule, while they are seeing an influx of Rimowa and Nobl carry-ons, particularly among women ages 35 to 50,' Maguire divulged. 

The Nobl carry-on usually retails for $845, but is currently on sale for $279. 

It's a luxury travel lover's dream, offering everything from a phone mount to a cup holder and bag hooks. 

When it comes to bags and jewelry, Maguire said the attendants see a lot of Birkins and Chanel bags as well as the Palm Beach passengers wearing Van Cleef & Arpels.

New York City-based lifestyle content creator Greta Louise Tomé, who is married to a captain for a major airline, Sebastian Tomé, told the Daily Mail she believes 'people just treat you with more respect' when you're dressed appropriately on flights, especially since 'you're entering the attendants workplace.' 

Her go-to travel uniform is a button-up and comfortable, loose-fitting trousers with a a thick sweater for layering, eschewing sloppy sweats. 

'Coming in printed pajama pants and a hoodie doesn't send the best message,' the influencer, who boasts 939,000 TikTok followers, advised.

Tomé carries a Louis Vuitton duffle, a Tumi carry-on and trunk, but she strongly believes you don't need pricey luggage to look put together. 

Instead, she believes it's best to invest in simple pieces that match and look sleek and chic. 

For those looking for a less expensive option, Away offers a $248 Weekender that has been praised for being the perfect personal item. 

Passengers are equally obsessed with the $260 Dagne Dover Landon Carryall which looks professional and chic but doesn't come with a Louis Vuitton price tag.