Pass travel footwear

[stopsquawk]

My partner was nearly denied boarding at YVR yesterday for wearing "athletic footwear". He was wearing black leather casual "Sketchers". The gate agent finally relented after giving him the gears over the shoes and letting him sit for a while to think about the error in his ways. I was wondering if anyone has had similar problems. I know how he was dressed, and there definitely wasn't an issue with what he was wearing, or with his attitude.
I've worn similar shoes on pass travel many times without a problem. In short, if these are an issue, the only shoes I can travel in are my black oxfords.

[Inverted2]

Thats just plain stupid. AC needs to fire all those old grouches. Seeing how they treat fellow employees (and travel partners), imagine how they treat the common public when it comes to other things.

[tonysoprano]

The dress code when traveling as a con are pretty clear and have been around for decades and haven't changed much. It's up to us to follow the rules or risk the consequences. Having said that you'll find most agents wouldn't have had any objections or even noticed those sneakers. Unfortunately there are still some that bring their miserable life from home to work. Pretty sad.

[mattedfred]

sad to say but those shoes don't cut it. you can't wear hiking shoes or running shoes or any shoe that could be considered athletic wear. women can't even wear open toed footwear. i don't agree with it and it would be nice if they paid more attention to the size of everyone's carry on baggage rather than the footwear of some CON.

does your partner wear those shoes to the office if he/she works in an office where the dress code is business casual? if i would feel comfortable wearing something to a business meeting where a suit wasn't required then i would feel comfortable wearing it on any airline as a CON.

[whiteguy]

I would just wear different shoes to save a confrontation. There are agents out there that think we should still be wearing a suit and tie but the bottom line is they can deny you boarding.

On the flip side there are employees that push the limits of the dress code. An employee tried to get on a flight a couple weeks ago wearing shorts, t-shirts, hat, and runners. The in-charge denied him and made him go change. Funny how he had clothes to change into! He then came back still wearing the runners claiming his good shoes were at his parents house. The in-charge finally let him on once the tears started flowing.

[whiteguy]

sad to say but those shoes don't cut it. you can't wear hiking shoes or running shoes or any shoe that could be considered athletic wear. women can't even wear open toed footwear. i don't agree with it and it would be nice if they paid more attention to the size of everyone's carry on baggage rather than the footwear of some CON.

The whole "open toed" footwear is up for debate. In the rules it talks about beach wear and flip flops but doesn't actually say "open toed shoes" but some agents think it does. There's nothing wrong with a pair of open toed dress shoes, it all depends on the agent you get.

But again why create a confrontation.

[mattedfred]

my mistake. i just reread the dress code and realize that i must have been remembering either an old code or one from another carrier. my wife will be happy.

[whiteguy]

my mistake. i just reread the dress code and realize that i must have been remembering either an old code or one from another carrier. my wife will be happy.

Just be careful and carry a spare pair of shoes because some agents will say no open toed shoes.

[Crackberry]

Sure have was denied in YWG had to use WJ to get out. Thanks WJ. I took it higher once in YYZ and they agreed the shoes were okay. Called her boss and mine. Stirred plenty of crap. You need to report these kinds of people, or they will always get away with pushing you around. The key to the policy is it says what cannot be worn, not what can be. I would agree they are okay ccording to the policy.

[Inverted2]

Compared to what some people wear I think we dress pretty good. Any paying passenger should be thrown off for wearing neon pink crocks or fat chicks wearing skin tight jogging pants......gross!

[Clyde River]

You are not going to get a J seat if it is available if you wear:

Dress code: business and business casual is acceptable travel attire for Air Canada. Please note the following are not permitted:

* Any type of sports attire
* Any type of provocative attire
* Very casual attire
* Any type of denim or chambray clothing

I could not find the dress code for general pass travel, but safe to say that casual business attire is the best bet. I've seen people denied, and I've seen people (kids of employees especially) that should have been denied. Gone are the days when we had to wear a jacket, but being on the conservative side, I don't believe there is any need to travel in your jeans. Flip flops are definitely out. The policy of sandals for women was changed a while ago, but they must have a back strap. If you go to Barbados, you might as well get used to wearing something conservative, or you will be left behind, as I have witnessed many times. Dockers, golf shirt and oxfords are pretty safe. Bite the bullet and don't fight the system. I do the same on other airlines out of respect, and knowing that I will not be bumped for attire if nothing else.

[Stick-Shaker]

Overall, I think that most of us follow the dress code well, and put up with some of it's dated restrictions. But women not being permitted to wear open toed shoes or sandals unless they have a heel strap...That's old!! Jesus wore sandals, they were good enough for Him and I doubt he painted his toes.

[ringworm]

Jesus wore sandals, they were good enough for Him and I doubt he painted his toes.

Yes, however Pontius Pilate certainly never upgraded him.

[mduffy]

My 2 cents is that those shoes are not appropraite. Those would only be 'business casual' at an on-line gaming convention. However, if they were paired with a pair of slacks and an ironed dress shirt... I'd probably let them slip. Usually, they'll be worn with equally questionable cargo-style kahkis and a wringled, left open, casual buttoned shirt with a print and a coloured t-shirt underneath. And sometimes that's even the fellow asking for a flight deck seat!

[C-FABH]

Vancouver employees. 'Nuff said.

Although I've always worn dress shoes, only time I had to make an exception was winter boots flying YZF-YYC-YVR.

[Jastapilot]

Rules are rules, and this isn't the first time I've heard of Sketchers being refused(not just YVR). Regardless of what you think of the rule, Sketchers don't fit the profile. Oh well. Educate yourself or accept the consequences when you don't get to where you want to go! Simple stuff!

[Swerved]

We watched someone have a confrontation with an agent in Vancouver while on our way to San Diego a couple of months ago... the shoes he was wearing were quite similar to what you're referring to...might have been the same grouchy female agent!! She actually called her colleague over to check (humiliating the passenger in the process), and he stuck up for the guy. He got on, but not without the original agent making quite the face at him as he walked past... so sad!!

Anyway, that said, as a few people have mentioned here...why push it? The policy leaves room for discretion, so why play with fire? As for the open-toed shoe thing, that was in fact from an older version of the dress code, and it has been removed. There is NO problem with PROPER open-toed footwear...expecting women to wear closed-toe shoes with sundresses and such is ridiculous, and finally someone realized that...(my wife did a little happy dance that day!). Just be careful...still no beach-wear or flipflops!

Happy traveling...

Swerved.

[mbav8r]

Someone told me, that sometime last year a bunch of cons were denied boarding out of a hot destination, I believe Acapulco, they were all arguing that the clothes were exactly what they wore to get there and didn't have anything else to change into. This person got on the flight and the others had to spend an extra night, go shopping and try again the next day. The plane even left with empty seats. Moral, I always over dress because one agent might be okay but the next may not. Dress shoes always...

[Inverted2]

Someone told me, that sometime last year a bunch of cons were denied boarding out of a hot destination, I believe Acapulco, they were all arguing that the clothes were exactly what they wore to get there and didn't have anything else to change into. This person got on the flight and the others had to spend an extra night, go shopping and try again the next day. The plane even left with empty seats. Moral, I always over dress because one agent might be okay but the next may not. Dress shoes always...

That surprises me, I brought the wrong kind of U-write tickets with me (paper tickets for family affair travel) and they still let me on the plane in Cancun to come home!

[Hyster]

Guys, seriously, what is wrong with your airline (AC). I dread having to travel them when I come home, I started buying tickets on Westjet to avoid being treated like a piece of crap. How can you employees deal with it day in a day out. It drives me nuts and I only do it a few times a year. I feel like faxing the head agents a picture of my shoes to see if they find them acceptable before I buy.

[tonysoprano]

I'd say your shoes are the least of your worries.

[Red1]

Stupid shoes....

Driving out to the airport one day in Halifax to get back to Toronto to start a paring, in probably the worst snow storm of the year. Only to get on to the highway in a complete white out, and while on the way out, find out the airport is closed.. but can't turn around because it's probably the worst snow storm of the winter.. what was I thinking. Somehow make it to the airport with out going in the ditch, only to hit a small snow bank in the parking lot. Get out to dig myself out wearing my nice dress shoes... stupid i know.. but it was a crazy snow storm and I was happy to be alive. After getting myself out of the snow bank in now soaking wet dress shoes, changed into my sketchers (should have worn those first... but like I said I was really happy I was alive). Get to the AC check in counter, only to have the CSA give me grief about my shoes.. like there wasn't better things to worry about..like the worst snowstorm of the winter. Sat there all day and finally manged to make it out on the last flight out.. luckily no one noticed my shoes when I boarded.

[Dilbert Pickles]

What a fucking joke,

Is this conversation really still taking place? More proof how effed up this industry is. Jesus christ!

[looproll]

Had a problem with a lady in Grande Prairie. Was dressed business casual but the shoes, even though they were nice, didn't meet her approval. Had to get a cab back into town and buy new shoes. Haven't worn them since then. All that just to ride a dash 8!

[captainsweaty]

It doesn't end at the shoes, My fiancee's "capri " style pants weren't ok with a YOW gate agent although she was in high heels... Bottom line, a great colleague said to me once, " if you want to travel in business, you'd better look business" .