Airline Dress Code Dispute Sparks Passenger Rights Discussion

Yellow airplanes parked on the airport tarmac.

An incident on Spirit Airlines has fueled a heated debate over dress code enforcement and passenger rights.

At a Glance

  • Spirit Airlines removed two women over crop top attire, prompting questions about dress code policies.
  • The women complied with instructions, yet were still removed, sparking outrage and confusion.
  • This highlights inconsistencies in airline dress code enforcement and passenger treatment.
  • Spirit Airlines is reviewing the situation and communicating with involved passengers.

Spirit Airlines Incident and Dress Code Policies

Spirit Airlines recently found itself at the center of controversy when Tara Kehidi and Teresa Araujo were removed from a flight for wearing crop tops. They claim they were initially told to wear sweaters over their tops, but were still removed despite compliance. Spirit Airlines’ dress code, part of their Contract of Carriage, permits removal of passengers deemed “inadequately clothed” or wearing offensive attire. The women, however, dispute that their crop tops fell into these categories.

The aviation industry is no stranger to dress code debates, with major U.S. airlines like Southwest and Delta implementing their own vague policies. These are typically subjective, allowing staff to use discretion, which sometimes leads to inconsistencies. Allegedly, passenger discomfort due to heat in the cabin led the women to remove their sweaters, resulting in their subsequent removal from the flight. This incident has thrown Spirit Airlines’ policy enforcement, and its inconsistencies, under the spotlight.

Public Reaction and Legal Considerations

The incident gained widespread public attention after Kehidi and Araujo posted a video of the encounter on social media. They argue Spirit Airlines unfairly targeted them and humiliated them publicly. This sparked debate over airline dress codes and their subjective nature. Legal recourse is being considered by those removed, especially after paying $1,000 to book another flight for a planned trip, which denoted a financial burden.

Tara said: “They were using intimidation and power tactics on us. We’ve never been in a law situation getting in trouble, so we were like ‘oh my god, what do we do?'”

Additional debates continue regarding the appropriateness of the male flight attendant’s actions. Carla Hager, another passenger who defended the women, was also removed, further indicating inconsistencies in policy enforcement. Spirit Airlines, acknowledging public interest in the case, has begun an investigation, reaching out to those affected. Such incidents underline the need for clearer guidelines in airline dress codes to balance safety, comfort, and respect for passenger rights.

Need for Clarity and Consistency

The Spirit Airlines controversy underscores the requirement for transparent, consistent dress code enforcement across the aviation industry. While some carriers maintain broad guidelines allowing for staff interpretation, detailed policies, such as those by Hawaiian Airlines, specify acceptable attire. Khalidi and Araujo’s ordeal emphasizes the consequences of vague enforcement and highlights the need for airlines to clearly communicate their expectations while accommodating passenger comfort.

“We were wearing crop tops … just like a little bit of stomach showing,” – Kehidi told the ABC news affiliate KABC.

As Spirit Airlines looks into this matter, the broader discussion about airline dress codes emerges. It suggests a potential reevaluation of policies and practices that prioritize both adherence to standards and passenger dignity. This could signify a pivotal moment for the industry in addressing how to uniformly uphold dress codes without impinging on individual freedoms.

Sources

1. Two women kicked off Spirit Airlines flight for wearing crop tops

2. Spirit Airlines points to little-known ‘code of carriage’ after passengers were ‘thrown off flight for wearing crop-tops’