For the last few years of my flying, I was a check-captain/instructor.
Was on old 747-200s...
Often flying simulators too.
xxx
I often wore my uniform to travel to/from my assignments.
For minimum baggage - jeans and sweat shirts, or pilot's uniform.
Two extremes.
Uniforms made it easier to go through immigration/security.
xxx
Dear Mr. Bartender (to whom I gave a big tip) -
I might have a few beers until you closed your bar at 03:30.
Then be bright-eye and bushy-tail in uniform in the hotel lobby at 07:00...
That does not mean I am on duty flying an airplane.
Just wearing a uniform, to get through the terminal to the gate.
Then sit in first class, and sleep.
Accuse me maybe if I board that A-340...?
I am not even rated on these machines.
xxx
Two years ago, three of crewmembers (747) had drinks in hotel in Miami.
Jeans and T-shirts in the bar...
A couple of hours later, the three boarded the shuttle to the terminal.
They were positioning to Orlando... in uniform. Flight was next day.
Got accused to be "drunk pilots" for a few minutes.
Who reported them...? No idea...
xxx
Mr. Bartender - Do not forget to call police for your clients with cars.
And maybe, next time, forget the big tip.
We pilots will buy a few bottles in a store and enjoy them in our room.
xxx
Happy (burp) contrails