Debate over a dress code for air travellers

Readers debate dress code for air travellers, Other topics: debt, summer jobs, extortions

Readers debate whether airlines should have a standard for clothing. Gero Breloer / AP Photo

In reference to your editorial Dressed to fly? (August 17), I do believe it should be a requirement that airline passengers at least bathe within 24 hours of departures. I have sat next to the most unholy of smells. Most airports have free showers and even a quick wash at a sink can make the journey for those next to you on the flight vastly more comfortable. A change of T-shirt on long haul multiple stops goes a long way. I have done it myself.

Daniella How, Dubai

Passengers should only be clean and tidy so they do not inconvenience co-passengers. I don’t think there should be any dress code.

Jannah Victoria Abdul, Dubai

I don’t care what people wear, but I do think that on a large aircraft half the seats in the business class should be allocated to families only and the other half to business people or solo travellers who do not want to spend hours listening to whining children, crying babies and children who cannot stay seated even as the plane takes off and lands. Even flight attendants are afraid to discipline those children.

Name withheld by request

Am I reading this correctly or is it a joke? I am beginning to fear for the future of humanity as we seem to be devolving, not evolving. Who cares what another person wears?

Tanya Milbourne, UK

I think all passengers should be told to wear casuals. Anyone wearing a buttoned-up shirt, tie and leather shoes should not be allowed to board.

Nadim Karmoussa, Abu Dhabi

I don’t care what people wear as long as they are clean. I can’t bear to sit for hours next to someone who smells bad.

Farah Khan, Dubai

I spend my money travelling, so I will wear what is comfortable for me. This is nonsense.

Shannon Lett, Dubai

Be responsible when borrowing

Regarding the debt-panel verdict Dubai banker can't find a way out with five credit cards outstanding (August 17), it's great the individual is confronting his problem now, but where was accountability when they were taking out all these credit cards?

Unfortunately he/ she is one of the thousands of people who borrow beyond their means. There certainly needs to be stricter controls on lending to these individuals, but personal accountability must be the first level of due diligence.

James Holmes, Dubai

I agree that one needs to borrow responsibly, but it’s easier said than done. There are many people with low salaries who have to pay six months’ or a year’s home rent in advance as soon as they arrive in this country. Is this the way to start life in a new place?

That is not all. They also have to deposit money for utilities and children’s school admissions. I guesss the salary of this person concerned is low. It’s just sad.

Manoj Nathani, Dubai

Why summer jobs are crucial

Summer jobs are really helpful for young people (A summer job opens door of opportunity, August 17).

There is evidence that workers who undertook these jobs when they were teenagers suffered less unemployment as adults, while those who never experience a teenage job often have a hard time getting going on the track to full employment later in life.

These jobs can teach a young person responsibility, punctuality, courtesy and teamwork. And these are lessons that, if learnt early, last far beyond a monthly pay cheque.

Every successful professional can look back at their first job and remember some valuable lesson it taught them. So it’s essential for young Emiratis to get a job wherever they can find one.

Name withheld by request

I participated in the first Yes to Work initiative.

It was a very good opportunity for young Emiratis to learn about working in customer service.

I wish the best of luck to those who are going to participate in this programme.

Mustafa Al Aidarous, Abu Dhabi