“Get ready to rumble… with your wardrobe! Spirit Airlines has just rolled out a surprise dress code that’s got everyone buzzing – and raising some serious questions. As the ultra-low-cost carrier continues to push the boundaries of what we expect from a flying experience, they’re now telling passengers that certain outfits might just earn you a one-way ticket to trouble. Yes, you read that right: Spirit’s new dress code could get you kicked off a flight!
As the airline industry continues to evolve, Spirit’s bold move has left many wondering: what exactly is considered “off-limits” in the skies? Are ripped jeans a no-go? Do tank tops and flip flops make the cut? And what about those statement pieces – like a sequined jumpsuit or a fedora? Can they really get you banned from flying?
The Incident: What Happened on the Flight
A Southern California woman and her friend claim they were kicked off a Spirit Airlines flight for wearing crop tops. The two women, Tara Kehidi and Carla Hager, were on a flight from LAX to New Orleans on Friday.
“We were wearing crop tops… just like a little bit of stomach showing,” said Tara Kehidi, of Dana Point. They both had sweaters, but they removed them because the plane did not have air conditioning before takeoff.
That’s when Kehidi said a male flight attendant approached them and aggressively told them to “put something on” before walking away.
“He’s telling both of us (to) put our sweaters on. And then we’re like ‘oh, can we see a dress code? Like, is there a policy that says we can’t wear crop tops on the plane?”
Carla Hager, a woman they did not know, was sitting in front of them. She agreed that it was very hot on the aircraft and said everybody had their sweaters off.
“I said ‘well, if your body is inappropriate, then so is mine because I also have a crop top under my sweater.’ And I took my sweater off and I was like ‘so if they’re kicking you off the flight, then they’re also going to have to kick me and my toddler off of the flight’,” Hager added.
That’s what happened. The three women and the toddler were kicked off the plane with no refund.
“We were kind of embarrassed as well, because we felt we were being treated like… like criminals, you know. Everyone in the plane was looking at us,” said Teresa Araujo, of Costa Mesa.
Quotes from the Passengers Involved
“We were kind of embarrassed as well, because we felt we were being treated like… like criminals, you know. Everyone in the plane was looking at us.” – Teresa Araujo, of Costa Mesa.
“They were treating us, honestly, like criminals – all because we were wearing crop tops on the plane.” – Tara Kehidi, of Dana Point.
The Airlines’ Response: A Look at Spirit’s Contract of Carriage
Spirit Airlines released a statement regarding the incident, stating that the airline’s Contract of Carriage includes certain clothing standards for all guests traveling with them.
The Contract of Carriage says, in part, a guest may be required to leave an aircraft if that guest is “inadequately clothed, or whose clothing is lewd, obscene or offensive in nature.” It also states that if asked to leave, the guest will not be eligible for a refund.
A Look at the Contract’s Language and Implications for Passengers
The term “inadequately clothed” is not clearly defined in the contract, leaving room for interpretation.
The contract does not specify what constitutes “lewd, obscene or offensive” clothing, leaving passengers uncertain about what may be deemed inappropriate.
The New Dress Code: What It Means for Travelers
Spirit Airlines has updated its contract of carriage, declaring passengers “shall not be permitted to board” or “may be required to leave an aircraft” if they are “barefoot or inadequately clothed, or whose clothing or article, including body art, is lewd, obscene, or offensive in nature.”
What’s Considered “Inadequately Clothed”
See-through clothing, not adequately covered, exposed breasts, buttocks or other private parts.
The definition of “inadequately clothed” is subjective and may vary depending on the flight attendant’s interpretation.
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of Spirit Airlines’ new dress code policy, it’s clear that the airline’s decision to impose a stricter dress code has sparked a heated debate. On one hand, the policy aims to promote a sense of professionalism and respect for fellow passengers. On the other hand, critics argue that it unfairly targets certain groups, such as those with disabilities or cultural backgrounds, and may lead to discriminatory treatment. Throughout the article, we’ve examined the key points and main arguments, from the policy’s ambiguous language to the potential consequences for passengers who fail to comply.
The significance of this topic extends beyond Spirit Airlines, as it raises important questions about inclusivity, diversity, and the role of airlines in promoting a welcoming environment for all passengers. As the travel industry continues to evolve, it’s crucial that airlines prioritize empathy and understanding in their policies and practices. The future implications of this policy are far-reaching, as it sets a precedent for other airlines to follow suit. Will we see a wave of similar policies across the industry, or will airlines prioritize a more inclusive approach?