Spirit Airlines Tightens Dress Code for Passengers
You might need to ditch the flops and cover your midriff if you’re flying Spirit.
Spirit Airlines has made headlines with its recent update to the contract of carriage, which now includes specific guidelines regarding passenger attire. Effective January 22, this new policy aims to ensure that all travelers maintain a standard of dress deemed appropriate by the airline. This change comes as a response to previous incidents where passengers faced boarding denials due to their clothing choices.
What’s New
The revised contract explicitly states that passengers “shall not be permitted to board” or “may be required to leave an aircraft” if they are barefoot or inadequately clothed. The term "inadequately clothed" encompasses various forms of attire, including see-through clothing and any outfit that exposes breasts, buttocks, or other private parts. Furthermore, the policy extends to body art, categorizing tattoos as lewd, obscene, or offensive if they do not align with Spirit's standards.
This update appears to be a direct response to past controversies involving passenger attire. For instance, in October 2022, two women were denied boarding for wearing crop tops. Such incidents have sparked discussions about what constitutes appropriate dress on flights and have led airlines like Spirit to clarify their policies further. Previously, while Spirit had prohibited barefoot passengers and clothing deemed offensive, the new guidelines provide more explicit definitions and examples.
The Impact on Travelers
Travelers planning to fly with Spirit Airlines should take note of these changes when selecting their outfits for upcoming trips. The airline's focus on maintaining a certain image may influence how individuals express themselves through fashion and body art while traveling. For those who enjoy showcasing tattoos or prefer more relaxed attire, this could mean additional planning before heading to the airport.
Spirit Airlines is not alone in enforcing dress codes; many airlines have faced similar challenges regarding passenger attire over the years. In 2019, American Airlines issued an apology after a passenger was told she could not board due to her strapless romper. These situations highlight an ongoing debate within the airline industry about balancing individual expression with corporate image and passenger comfort.
