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One of our fave European cities is the “AMS” (Amsterdam, Netherlands). Amsterdam is a collage of different feels-old and young. After our first visit, Luci commented: “this is the youngest oldest city I have ever been.” She could not be more right. Despite the fact that the architecture is so historic, the population of the city is decidedly dominated by the 25-35 set. AMS loads of fun at all hours. We recently did a post on great layover plans for the city.
Many travelers today taint their view of the country based on two vices: Pot and Prostitution. Unlike other “escape” locales like Las Vegas, with AMS take away the “SIN” and you are left with an amazing “CITY”. Holland has depth. Holland has a multicultural, vibrant and rich history and tradition.
In part to counter the unsavory image being projected to the world, legislation was introduced recently to prevent foreigners from patronizing the “coffee” shops. To counter the notion that all the Netherlands is good for is a “weed-cation”, the Netherlands Board of Tourism enlisted New York comedian/filmmaker, Mark Malkoff to show Americans that there’s way more to do in Holland than smoking pot in coffee shops!
Here a four short clips from youtube that are hilarious!!! Watch every one, they are sooo funny!
Another post in our Man-cation- Ideas Series
The definitive seven sacred shrines to sport: Olympia, Monte Carlo, the Old Yankee Stadium, the All England Club, the Roman Coliseum and St. Andrews. The nano-second that you step foot on the grass, pebbles, or tarmac of these hallowed sanctuaries of sport you FEEL the history ooze through your soul.
Does size mater?
Lets take a step back…what makes a sports mecca? Is it size alone? No. Of the 10 largest stadiums in the world, six are home to US college football teams (University of Texas, University of Michigan, Penn State, Tennesse, Ohio State and Alabama.) The largest stadium in the world is the May Day Stadium in North Korea, seating 150,000 people! In selection of our meccas, our first consideration was global recognition and significance.
Ok..lets take a look at each one of the meccas and why they were chosen:
Olympia, Greece is arguably the birthplace of competitive sport. Olympia boast the inspiration for the modern Olympic games. The location saw it’s sports hay day peak from 776 BC to 400AD the longest period of athletic excellence of any location on the planet. Only a decree from the Emperor Theodosius 1st ended the games after he thought they had become a paganfest.
Reaching Olympia is a little involved. It is roughly a 5 hour drive from Athens. The train service from Athens to the are has stopped. So your options are limited. As you can image, there are a number of tour companies that offer bus and overnight accommodation packages out of Athens.
Olympia offers so much more than just sport history. Due to the long history of human inhabitants in the area every stage of Greek Arctuture is on display. We understand that archaeological museum at Olympia is excellent.
The Olympic flame of the modern-day Olympic Games is lit by reflection of sunlight in a parabolic mirror in front of the Temple of Hera and then transported by a torch to the place where the games are held. When the modern Olympics came to Athens in 2004, the men’s and women’s shot put competition was held at the restored Olympia stadium. Wikipedia
Perhaps the most recognizable location on our famed mecca list is of course the Roman Coliseum. The structure was the largest amphitheater built during the Roman age. Construction started around 72 AD. It was the brain child of Emperor Vespasian. Construction was completed in the year 80 AD under the direction of Titus. At its pinnacle of operation, the stadium could hold over 50,000 people. According to legend, each citizen of Rome was granted season tickets and an assigned seat.
The Coliseum’s primary sporting event was produced by the gladiators. Men would take turn killing various wild beasts and each other to the cheers of the wine bibbing throngs. According to historians on occasion the rink was flooded with water and famous sea battles were reenacted. The venue was truly a multi purpose facility; it hosted events including public executions, plays and concerns, as well as religious services! Even today, every Good Friday the Pope leads a throng of “fans” down to the old pitch.
As they say…When in Rome! There is so much to see in Rome, with that said, any visitor must make their way to this ancient relic of sport. As you approach the structure, be prepared to be encircled by gladiator garbed goons attempting to solicit a pricy photo session with you. Take the audio tour that gives you a pretty in depth description of the form and function.
St. Andrews the town is located on the east coast of Scotland. There is much to see in this small borough. St. Andrews is home to the third oldest university in the world, the University of St Andrews. (It must drive them crazy to say GO USA!) The location is of course best known as the international home of golf. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club was founded in 1754. The rules of the game for the entire world are determined at a local pub. The Club hosts the annual Open Championship, by far the oldest major in golf.
Of all the locations, visiting St. Andrews is perhaps is perhaps the most difficult. The best way to get to St. Andrews is to fly into the Edinburgh airport and then either rent a car or take the Airlink bus to the train station. Most of the St. Andrew facilities are within walking distance of the town center. How do I play the course? First of all, there are loads of courses in the area. Find one that fits your skill set, then swing hard!
A word or warning for you duffers: “If there is one part of the game not right, no matter how you try your hardest to protect it, the Old Course will find it.”
—Peter Thompson, on St. Andrews
I know, I know, you think that the Indiana’s speedway belongs in this hallowed spot. You would be wrong. The Monaco Grand Prix is truly both the most prestigious and important automobile race on the planet. The race was first run in 1929, and was won by William Grover-Williams driving a Bugatti
The race is held on a narrow course laid out in the streets of Monaco, with many elevation changes and tight corners as well as a tunnel, making it one of the most demanding tracks in Formula One. In spite of the relatively low average speeds, it is a dangerous place to race. It is the only Grand Prix that does not adhere to the FIA’s mandated 305km minimum race distance. Wikipedia
The danger of the course, the international intrigue of the location, and the global field in the race makes the Grand Prix a mecca.
Perched on the French Riviera Monaco is truly one of those special places. Nestled near Cannes, Nice and the border of Italy, Monaco is the heart of glamor, beach and luxury. Of course no visit to Monaco would be complete without a visit to the famous Monte Carlo Casino. The entire place is just dripping with luxury. Yes, you still need to wear a jacket to enter the “special” rooms of the casino. Ferraris, Bugattis, and Lamborghinis line the front entry. Amazing yachts line the harbor.
“The House that Ruth Built.”
The old Yankee Stadium is located in the storied Bronx section of New York City, New York. It was the home of the New York Yankee Baseball team after its completion in 1923 to 2008 when it was replaced with a new monstrosity. The diamond hosted over 6000 baseball games over its 85 years of service. It has played host to a number of world series games and allstar games. It has also hosted a number of boxing matches and three Papal Masses! On June 21, 1990, a rally was held at Yankee Stadium for Nelson Mandela upon his release from prison.
Perhaps the most memorable moment in the venue’s history came on July 4, 1939, designated as “Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day”. Gehrig, forced out of action permanently by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and facing his impending death, gave a legendary farewell speech thanking his fans and colleagues for making him “the luckiest man on the face of the earth.”
A number of college football game were held in the stadium. This included the Notre Dame-Army games. One match up in particular found legendary Notre Dame coach Knute Rockne offering his “win one for the Gipper” speech. The 1946 Army vs. Notre Dame football game at Yankee stadium is regarded as one of the 20th century college football Games of the Century.
The New York Giants of the NFL played their home games at Yankee Stadium from 1956 to 1973. On December 28, 1958, Yankee Stadium hosted the NFL championship game, frequently called “The Greatest Game Ever Played”. The Baltimore Colts tied the Giants, 17–17, on a field goal with seven seconds left. Led by quarterback Johnny Unitas, the Colts won in overtime, 23–17. The game’s dramatic ending is often cited as elevating professional football to one of the United States’ major sports.
You cant. The Stadium has been demolished.
Our next to final Mecca is a mouth full: All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. It is located in Wimbledon, London, England. The storied club hosts the Wimbledon Championship. the Championship is the only tennis major to be held on grass. The club has just shy of 400 members. The patron of the club is H.M. Queen Elizabeth II, and the President is H.R.H. The Duke of Kent. The club was founded in 1868.
The facilities include 20 tournament level courts and 16 other gross courts. The gras can be used May till mid September, at which time a small number of clay and hard courts on premise can be used. For your information, the grass is cut to an exact measurement of 8mm, and is 100% perennial rye grass. Center court the largest, seats roughly 15,000 patrons.
The Club will likely be on full display at the upcoming London Olympics. This is be a great chance to see the venue and the top players in the world on display. Wimbledon has its very own tube stop, so visiting the venue is extremely easy. The Lawn Tennis Hall of Fame and museum are also on premises and are not to be missed.
By now you probably noticed that we only mentioned 6 meccas. You are sooo good! We are leaving the 7th up to you our loyal “1000 Fighters”. So where/what do you nominate? Just leave a comment below and let the fights begin.
Have you ever asked for the Honeymoon Suite? It never hurts to ask. Most hotel managers will tell you the premium suites are vacant most of the time. During shoulder seasons especially– just asking often opens the door to some really nice rooms. High inventory cities are also prone to willingness to upgrade you if it is an “off” weekend, or better yet a weekday. “Large inventory” areas like Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Miami, Paris, ect are an easy target.
Getting an upgrade at a discounted rate can be cheaper than a standard room due to the amenities that come with. Upgraded rooms often have access to free: wifi, bottled water, hospitality rooms, ect. Don’t ever expect to get upgraded…Grandma’s rules apply: a little bit a honey goes a long way.
Another place to ask for the upgrade is at the rental car desk. We have friends that always book economy and play the upgrade game at the desk. This approach can be risky if the desk is swamped, they are out of cars, or if you find “Mr. NO!” behind the counter. Always ask about your options. Negotiate a price. Most rental car companies put a ton of miles on the economy and mid-size cars. They need to put some miles on those Cadillacs and Audis. For those that are a little fearful to ask: just say…”what else do you have?”
Trust me, those counter agents get asked all the time.
If you are catching the train to the airport then you might be able to afford to go first class if you book yourself a ticket early enough. Train and air lines often have early bird deals on their website, it might take a little bit more planning as they often require you to book your ticket some time in advance but it can be worth it if you get a first class ticket for negligible extra cost.
An old Chinese Proverb goes: Empty seats make no money. Again, during certain times of the year the best seats on trains and planes go empty. There is a load of websites out there that offer great bargains on last minute travel. This is certainly not for the faint at heart. For crazy planners like Luci and I, this option would never work. The fact remains there are deals to be had on last minute travel. Give it a try.
The three words that strike fear and loathing to avid travelers: LONG LAY OVER. They are the bane of our exsisitence. How can you travel VIP if you have to sit in an airport lounge for hours on end? Enter the airline club rooms. Worth every penny for long layovers. Food? Yep. Newspaper and popular mags? Yep. Comfy chairs? Yep. A little privacy? Yep.
Back to rule one, why not just ask the desk, tell them that you have a long layover and do they ever offer discounted entry? If you happen to be female, entry barriers seem to be lessened if you find a bored gate attendant. They are often eager to help (wink).
We have found the way you start and end your trip make all the difference. If you are driving to the airport then you have a think about Airport Parking the options that are open to you. If you don’t want the bog standard park and ride service then you might be able to find a good deal on valet parking or even treat yourself to the most VIP option which is a chauffeur service. Valet parking can really add a touch of class to your journey as your own driver will meet you at the airport when you arrive, all you need to do is hand over your vehicle and your keys and they will take your car to a secure place for the duration of your stay.
On your return they will meet you when your flight arrives and have your car waiting for you right outside departures. It truly is how the other half travels. Prices are surprisingly affordable.
For those of us from the “former colonies” getting around London can be a bit formidable. With the Olympic Games just around the corner, we figured we could offer a few tips to help those first timers. We are ashamed to say, our first visit to the “Island”, we were a little naive. We though, we will just rent a car and drive around the city and see all the sites. Everything will be fine. Wrong! We learned a few things that we want to pass along to you.
1) Weather-Lets start with the basics. London has crumby weather. It rains a ton. It is cold. It can be miserable. Likewise, it can be beautiful. The key is, the weather can be extremely unpredictable. What does that have to do with getting around? It is key. Whatever mode of transport you chose, that you consider this variable. Taking the double decker bus around to see the town? Not ever bus top has a nice little heated shelter to wait in. intervals between buses can be sporadic. Be prepared.
2) The Tube—The London Underground is quite extensive, and extremely easy to use. Step one is getting a good map. Good maps are available at the airports, and in most of the tube terminals as well. Each line has its own color, each stop is clearly signed and marked.
Step 2 is buying an Oyster card. London Oyster cards can be used on all buses, trams, Tube, and nearly all British National Rail services. You can buy one in advance from the British Tourist office on the interwebs.
Oyster is an electronic smartcard ticket. Simply touch your card on the yellow reader to get through the Tube gates or board other London public transport services. It doesn’t even need to be removed from your purse or wallet to work. Cool huh?
So why do they call them Oysters? We were wondering that too. According to Andrew McCrum, now of Appella brand name consultants, who was brought in to find a name by high priced consultant Saatchi and Saatchi Design, Oyster was selected because of the metaphorical implications of security and value. There is also the connection with the hard bivalve shell and the concealed pearl; the association of London and the River Thames with oysters and the well-known travel-related idiom “the world is your oyster”. Now you know. We hear the transit card in Hong Kong is called the Octopus card. Not sure why. Ok…moving right along.
Mind the Gap– Yah…you really need to! When boarding Tube trains, you should be aware that there is generally a step of up to 8 inches (20cm), either up or down, between the platform and the train. Our advice? Mind the Gap.
A word about safety. Just like anywhere else in the world, exercise caution in using public transit. Avoid pulling a wad of cash out and begin to count it in front of a car load of passengers. After dark stick to well lighted areas and if possible stay in areas where there are other people. Common sense stuff huh? Again, purchasing an Oyster card will prevent you from having to pull out your wallet or purse each time your buy a ticket. A really good idea that Oyster thing.
Crowds—Be warnded. During rush hours there are going to be loads of people on the trains. As a prepared traveler, use these hours to visit museums and to eat.
3) Taxi—The London Taxi Scheme is the very, very best in the world. Cabs in London are all Black with a for hire light on top. They are very professional, highly trained drivers. There know exactly were everything is. With this perfection comes a cost. London Taxi’s are also some of the world’s most expensive. Be smart about your taxi use. If you are going to see one of the museums, take the underground. If you are looking for a obscure restaurant in an unfamiliar part of town. Always take a taxi.
A word about taxi prices. Fares are metered with a minimum charge of £2. Fares to and from London’s airports also have a surcharge. Most cabs take credit and debit cards, ask your driver before you to too far down the road if the plastic is going to work. Most have a minimum charge for credit cards and/or a small surcharge of a pound or less. Tips are not expected, but most folks round up to the nearest pound. If the driver is helpful with your luggage, it is typicall to add a pound per bag.
Are the taxi drivers really that good? Yes. “Before a taxi driver gets his Hackney Cab License he or she must pass a test called ‘The Knowledge’. This is a difficult test and requires the cabbie to know the streets of central London like the palm of their hand.
Taxi drivers in London undergo a demanding and arduous testing of their knowledge of the city, its daily traffic patterns and the fastest routes between locations. Estimates suggest that gathering the basic understanding needed to acquire The Knowledge involves a full-time year of study, absorbing the information provided by street maps and travelling around the city itself.” http://london-taxi.taxiblog.co.uk/
Have a great trip to London Town! Have another other really good tips for getting around? Please leave a comment below and let us know.
This Post was sponsored by our friends at www.londonnights.com. London nights can help you find a London Hotels or even tickets for a west end play. Looking for areas covered by LondonNights? Give them a try.
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Ok, the title of this post is a pretty bold claim. I can see the anger boiling in Francophile “purists” calling us names in French and waving their hands at us. But before you say ‘off with your head,’ let us make our case. The throngs of people who flock to Versailles primarily seek:
With these qualifications in mind, we guarantee that Fontainebleau beats Versailles on every count. A Palace Primer: The Palace of Fontainebleau (named after a fresh water spring in the area) is located 55 kms from the center of Paris, is one of the largest French royal châteaux. The palace is the work of many French monarchs, building on an early 16th century structure of Francis I.
The building is arranged around a series of courtyards. The city of Fontainebleau has grown up around the remainder of the Forest of Fontainebleau, a former royal hunting park. (Wikipedia) Besides being one of the most important royal palaces throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, it is also an absolutely exquisite example of French Renaissance architecture. Down with Versailles! Let the games begin!
The entry into the Palace sets the tone for the entire Fontainebleau experience. The Courtyard, called the garden of goodbyes, referencing Napoleon’s farewell message to his loyal military legions before his first exile. The art, sculpture, and design of the palace is breathtaking. The palace introduced to France, the Italian Mannerist style in interior decoration and in gardens, and transformed them in the translation. The French Mannerist style of interior decoration of the 16th century is known as the “Fontainebleau style” as it combined sculpture, metalwork, painting, stucco and woodwork, and outdoors introduced the patterned garden parterre. (www.arthistoryspot)
One of the greatest things about Fontainebleau over Versailles is you are really able to drink deeply of the opulence. With Fontainebleau, you are not shoulder to shoulder with a bazillion other rude and smelly people. At times you are alone, giving you time to imagine what palace life would have been like. On our visit in May, we saw only 30-50 people inside. Also, most of the pictures we had seen on the Internet did not show the magnitude and size of the palace. It’s huge. The Trinity Chapel : Exceptional for its frescos painted under Henri IV by Martin Fréminet, one of Michelangelo’s little-known emulators, the chapel holds the memory of Louis XV’s wedding with Marie Leszczinska in 1725 and of Louis Napoleon’s baptism, future Napoleon III in 1810
The Library of Fontainebleau One of Mike’s favorite rooms in the entire palace is the famous library of Fontainebleau. Massive globes run down the center of the room. It is easy to envision Nappy and his crew planning world domination.
Like Versailles, Fontainebleau has been the center of both war and peace. Highlights include:
In all, thirty-four sovereigns, from Louis VI, the Fat, (1081–1137) to Napoleon III (1808–1873), spent time at Fontainebleau. Take that Versailles! Philip the Fair (who also died there), Henry III and Louis XIII were all born in this grand château. Every queen and empress of France since Marie de Médici has slept in the gold-and-green Empress’s Bed Chamber; the gilded wood bed was built for Marie-Antoinette. She never slept here. She lost her head.
Look for the Letters! The castle’s most famous room, the Galerie de François I both glorifies the king’s royal egotism and serves as a testament to his patronage of the arts. Peppered with “F”s, the royal fleur-de-lis, and François’s personal salamander emblem, the gallery boasts vivid mythological frescoes glorifying François’s line and French royalty. Meanwhile, Henri II’s legacy pervades throughout ballroom; note the “H”s for Henri, and the entwined “C’”s for his wife Catherine de Medici—(which could also be “D”s for Diane de Poitiers, his mistress.) Think of the couple fights back then! It was here that Richelieu was knighted and the Duc d’Orleans (Louis-Philippe’s son) was wed in 1837. (Lets go guide) Take that Sun Palace!
Fontainebleau is most known as was a favorite retreat for Napoleon. Bonaparte had two bedrooms, though he rarely slept: the first, a monument to both his narcissism and eroticism, is sandwiched between two mirrors, while the second is more austere, containing a narrow military bed. Napoleon, in all his humility, outfitted the Throne Room with maroon and gold. Today it is the only existing throne room in France that is still furnished.
Be prepared to have your breath taken away. The gardens and grounds of the Palace may be a slight step down in their manicured status, but Fontainebleau makes up for it in so many other ways. Just steps away from the palace is a scene out of a romance novel. In the middle of the lake you can see this royal pavilion. You could just picture stepping back in time with royalty in their finery taking walks in the fine gardens and having afternoon tea admiring the beautiful gardens. Luci and sat lakeside for an hour without seeing another soul. Try doing that the V-Palace! Highlights beyond the lake include the Queen’s Garden and the lovely English Garden.
What would a palace be but with a little court intrigue? The Palace at Fontainebleau is different. Highlights:
No contest! Fontainebleau is the victor!
Seriously, regardless if you are a Napoleon groupie like Mike or a principled princess like Luci, Fontainebleau is a must see on your next visit to Paris. Have questions? Wanna know any tips about seeing the property? Wanna know what we did for an hour by the lake? Contact us and we will tell you most of the answers! How to get there: We took the train from Gare de Lyon in Paris. It was a nice train ride, about an hour. We started to worry. Because the train stop doesn’t say Fountainbleu. We were about to get off and go the other way,when the announcer said “Fountainbleu” we followed some other tourists. You can take a bus that takes you into town and drops you off literally in front of the palace. While the area is touristy, it’s nothing compared to the trap of Versailles (which we also visited two days later.) There is a nice commercial district to eat and shop. We purchased the Paris Pass and got the zone 6 train ticket as well. Would you like to see more of our pics of Fontainebleau? Hop on over to our brand new FACEBOOK site and see some of the amazing pictures.
I’m sure when asked, you would find more than one way to improve your holiday. Now I know of lots of ways to improve your holiday, from finding an excellent Mojito bar to bungee jumping, but my tips are simpler and will make your whole holiday better. First, book a stay in an airport hotel before you fly. I’ve started doing it recently and it’s made all my trips fantastic. Why? I hear you ask. Well it’s simple; it makes the worst part of any holiday almost enjoyable.
The worst part of any holiday is always departure day. Take-away the excitement about the holiday to come and all you’re left with is stress, panic and irritable people. Everybody’s in a hurry, they’re all worried about catching flights and checking in and most haven’t had enough sleep the night before. This isn’t a good mix and it can make the start of your holiday less than pleasant. This is where a night in an airport hotel swoops in and fixes everything.
Wherever you fly from there are airport hotels available and they’re usually really good. I’ve stayed in Dublin airport hotels and Stansted airport hotels, and also recently enjoyed a Gatwick airport hotel and parking package, which have all been brilliant. Not only are they high quality (a personal highlight was the massage room in one of them) but they are all really convenient. By staying in one of these airport hotels you get a great night’s sleep after a really nice evening of wining and dining. The effect this has on you makes it the best route to a better holiday.
You’ll wake up rested and refreshed already in a much better mood than you would have been. Then, over a big tasty breakfast you remember that you’re in one of the discount Manchester airport hotels (or wherever you may be) just minutes from the terminal.
There’s no stressful journey to the airport, no worrying about being late, just a relaxing morning to enjoy before popping over to the terminal and checking in. What is normally a bit of nightmare has been transformed in to a bit of a treat and the whole process until take-off will seem much simpler because you’re rested, calm and have nothing to worry about. It makes your holiday that bit more special and all it takes is a few clicks on a website like holidayextras.co.uk.
Just like the bland food that some airlines put forward as food, flight attendant uniforms are headed for the same mediocrity! We thought that it might be fun to highlight some of the best dressed flight attendants in the skies. Luci and I are “fashion challenged” so we enlisted the help of some folks that know fashion and flying!
Just click on any picture below for a larger view.
@isthisreallife2 The first word that comes to mind is ‘Safe’ and not in an ‘arm rests down, doors closed’ sense of the word. No these uniforms are safe in a ‘good but not great way.’ While they look smart and the colour is surprisingly flattering, there really is no Wow factor here. Thumbs up or down- If possible I would put a thumb half way between up or down its so mediocre!
@finalfashion: There is a reductive, non-entity effect that suits the role of a service professional. Thumbs up.
@theflyingpinto Nothing exciting here. Boring cut, and the color would work on very few skin tones. Thumbs down.
@KIRAFASHION: It’s incredible how chic and glamorous a stewardess can be in a hat. I also love the choice of color here, beautiful. Thumbs up!
@TheSwelleLife A smart look, streamlined and minimal. I like the deep plum colour and gestural ‘tie’. Thumbs up.
@isthisreallife2 Chic, elegant, classic and timeless. But to be honest, what else could we expect from the best dressers in the world. Simple is the key here. From the lines of the shirt-dress to the shape of the over-coat. It reminds me of the golden age of air travel when air-hostesses were seen as the epitome of glamour and their clothes were coveted. Thumbs up.
@finalfashion These uniforms are actually chic – and they’d have to be. A remarkably deft feat of design. Thumbs up.
@theflyingpinto I can see a little bit of Kate Spade in the dress with the bow…but the white could look like a nurses uniform too. I hate the scarf, what were they thinking? Can you imagine wearing that huge thing in your face like that? Love the red gloves and the over coat. Thumbs up.
@KIRAFASHION It’s unfair to compare women from any nationality to French women. They have the fashion history on their side. I love the long coats and the way they wear the scarf. Thumbs Up.
@TheSwelleLife The chicest of the lot, naturellement. The jackets have the clean, tailored lines of a Chanel boucle, and no self-respecting French person goes out without the loosely bundled scarf, even when working on a plane, apparently. Love the loose bow sash as well which is done in that none-fussy, French way. Thumbs up.
@isthisreallife2 This is everything Air France isn’t. Air France’s tailoring is to perfection where BA looks like they are all wearing too sizes too big for them, AF’s navy is deep and rich where as BA looks like they have all been put in a white wash in the dryer and come out a mucky version of ‘dark blue.’ It may be an unpatriotic view, but I am not really loving BA’s style! Thumbs down.
@finalfashion Dowdy, military-inspired things that instantly add 20 years of age to the wearer. Eminently suitable for the purposes of a uniform but executed without flair. Thumbs sideways.
@theflyingpinto Are you sure this isn’t the Air Force posing in front of the plane? Everything about this uniform is up tight and stiff, even the bag that looks like it is part of the uniform. Thumbs down.
@KIRAFASHION Too heavy and not appealing. Thumbs down.
@TheSwelleLife I’ve flown BA a lot and can attest to how uninspired these uniforms are in person, that navy couldn’t be more flat. They look like cadets. BA’s flight attendants are usually quite accommodating and deserve something with a little more ease and flair. But if they’re sometimes miserable, we know why. Thumbs down.
@isthisreallife2 I really like how bold and brave Delta had been with their choices. It may not aesthetically be perfect but it’s pretty and daring and is definitely eye-catching. I really applaud them from trying something a little bit different and actually pulling it off! Thumbs up.
@finalfashion The classic wrap dress works on any age and any figure and for that reason, it makes sense to adapt it to a uniform. However, it lacks a sense of authority. Thumbs sideways.
@theflyingpinto My favorite US Airline uniform. You only show the red dress, which I love, and for me a great dress is the best uniform. It’s easy to wear and you can dress it up with accessories. This particular dress was a little controversial because it is not flattering on every body type. Thumbs up!
@KIRAFASHION Great at the runaway, but not so good in real life. Thumbs down.
@TheSwelleLife Is that Richard Tyler? So this is what he’s doing now. If I were a Delta flight attendant, I’d be pretty thrilled with a wrap dress, even one with trench coat lapels, but the fabric looks to be a very stiff cotton. I’m confused about the runway shot – is that a silk version? Is it for off-duty dates with the captain? Thumbs up.
@isthisreallife2 Nice colour and again nice to see the classic style of the golden age of air travel coming back but just not startling enough! Thumbs up.
@finalfashion The wing-motif repetition, echoed in the spread collar, is heavy-handed. Remove two or three elements and there would be the essence of a decent uniform. Thumbs down.
@theflyingpinto Still looks feminine without being too revealing. I love the fit of the uniform, it’s not boxy like a lot of airlines. I specifically like the dresses in the 2nd picture, it looks easy to wear, but still fitted and stylish with the cuff on the sleeve. And, I love the red shoes with the blue dress! Thumbs up!
@KIRAFASHION So innovative and beautiful! Thumbs up!
@TheSwelleLife This is the Russian airline that has had a lot of crashes? Their uniform represents bravery, absolute bravery. It’s ok, the red’s a bit bright and it’s very layered but looks fairly lightweight. And if a wing falls off, they can glide to safety on her collar. Thumbs…instead of an up or down, can I give a nice level one?
@isthisreallife2 I really like this. The yellow colour is beautiful and really unique to have this exact shade as other airlines have gone for a more mustard colour when using yellow. The clothes underneath could do with being a little more exciting than just black but the coat really does save the whole look. Thumbs up.
@finalfashion The long coats have a dental-hygenist quality to them, however the yellow seems to work well on most of the models pictured, and the black pants seem utilitarian. A serviceable uniform, but that’s all. Thumbs sideways.
@theflyingpinto Looks like real estate agents living in a cold climate. Why else would those jackets be so long? And the color? Yuck! Thumbs down.
@KIRAFASHION I love the yellow here, but the cut is too austere. Thumbs down.
@TheSwelleLife The pale yellow is friendly and cheery and the nehru style is a nice change from the traditional Western look (as this is an Indian airline). But why do the women have to be dressed like men because they’re working on a plane? I’m wondering if Nehru jackets move, they look pretty stiff. Do they, Steven Seagal? Thumbs up, I think.
(Editor’s Note: We have nothing against dental hygienists, real estate agents or Steven Seagal. We think. Well… we don’t have anything against Seagal for sure.)
@isthisreallife2 Basically BA but with yellow instead of red. Not a fan of this ill-fitting style at all and the colour is very draining on them! Thumbs down.
@finalfashion A classic uniform that doesn’t try too hard to reinvent what isn’t broken. Small touches like the pocket square and the single braid at the cuff are sophisticated and work well. Thumbs up.
@theflyingpinto This uniform really didn’t stand a chance with me. I suppose it is ok, but it looks a lot like the tired old uniform I’ve had at my airline for my entire career! Being fair it’s not that bad, the fit looks good, but the hat tipped the scale for me. Ugly! Thumbs down.
@KIRAFASHION Original hats and traditional flight attendant style. Thumbs up.
@TheSwelleLife Now this is just mean. It’s stiff, dull, and masculine and the hat looks like an upside-down dog bowl. The harsh goldenrod and navy contrast is not very modern. Thumbs down.
@isthisreallife2 Again I like the bold-ness of the colour choice. It’s a really lovely shade of blue in these images (although I have to say in real life, their uniforms never look this glamorous! Ha!) I like the three-piece style too. Thumbs up.
@finalfashion Wing tip collars, on an airline uniform? Sophomoric and literal. Somehow every small detail here seems obvious and unrefined. Thumbs down.
@theflyingpinto I love the way the uniform fits and I find the color very striking. It really stands out in an airport. But, what I see as a pro could become a con..how long would it take to be sick of the color? If they keep the same uniform as long as my airline has (20 years) I can see it getting old! Thumbs up.
@KIRAFASHION Nice blue, but maybe too blue. Thumbs down.
@TheSwelleLife I like the bright blue and more feminine style of jacket, but those neckerchiefs are just awful. I’m convinced the female staff frequently come into work with hickies – why else would they be made to wear these things? Crimson, gold and navy stripes against royal blue…pass the airsickness bag, please. Thumbs up without the neckerchief.
@isthisreallife2 I adore their camel coats. Again they have the chic factor like Air France, there is a certain elegance with these two that the others don’t seem to have. I really like the cultural nod too with their hats, I think it’s a really nice touch and again makes them stand out! Thumbs up.
@finalfashion Simple and elegant uniform, in a beigey non-colour – it would probably work just as well or better if the suit matched the hat. The white scarf is a good choice for any face and colouring. Thumbs up.
@theflyingpinto Can you say dowdy office worker? Funny enough, even though it’s a similar style hat to Lufthansas this one actually works. Maybe it’s the color combined with the scarf? At any rate I would say that is the best part of the uniform, but what does your hair look like when you take it off? Thumbs down.
@KIRAFASHION How chic and mysterious those women are. I love the way they mix the head scarf and the hat. The nude palette with the rouge look incredible. Thumbs up.
@TheSwelleLife Beige usually means bland and boring, but as a passenger I think I’d find this light, modern shade soothing. The traditional sash adds some softness to what is essentially a business suit. Thumbs up.
@isthisreallife2 First off, I would like to say that I love the fact that again, like Delta, they are taking a chance and doing something bold with their uniform, which I really think is great, but unfortunately, unlike Delta, I just don’t think they have pulled it off. The print is far too big and just won’t flatter all shapes and sizes and it will date so quickly but at least its shows that they are making an effort! Thumbs up (for trying,)
@finalfashion The satin shirt dress lacks authority and the shiny fabric looks cheap. The overall effect fails to suggest the role of the wearer. Thumbs down.
@theflyingpinto Is this silk? And, is that the designer in the first picture? What was he thinking? He should work in that dress. It looks like the lining in the dress I have now, that we all tear out because of how hot it gets. I’m also pretty sure I have a picture of my grandmother around here somewhere in that same dress! Thumbs down.
@KIRAFASHION The worse uniform here. Printed clothes definitely don’t go with this job. Horrendous. Thumbs down.
@TheSwelleLife A refreshing change of style in a more comfy fabric. But the pattern reminds me of a hotel or casino carpet which are designed to hide an array of dirty sins, so I’m thinking Quantas crew get thrown up on a lot. Also good for disco dancing. Thumbs up for comfort and forgoing the masculine formality of the traditional uniform.
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