Spirit Airlines has made headlines this January after updating its dress code policies, eliciting reactions from passengers and experts alike. On January 22, the budget airline released significant modifications to its contract of carriage, explicitly detailing what constitutes inappropriate attire for flights. The updated guidelines now prohibit passengers from wearing any clothing deemed "lewd, obscene, or offensive" and aim to prevent travelers from boarding if they are "inadequately clothed," which includes see-through garments and exposed private body parts.
The revised language about clothing standards stirred considerable attention, especially following incidents from October 2024, when two women, Tara Kehidi and Teresa Araujo, alleged they were removed from their flight because they were wearing crop tops. According to Kehidi, they were simply dressed comfortably for the weather, which prompted rude interactions with the flight crew. "He got increasingly aggressive, to the point I was shaking and sweating from being so nervous," Kehidi recounted. The airline's previous guidelines were vague; they only stated passengers could not be barefoot or inadequately clothed.
Reportedly, the tensions escalated quickly. The women asked to see the airline's dress code after being confronted by their flight attendant. Upon refusal to comply with the request to cover up, both women, along with another passenger and her toddler, were kicked off the flight. This act sparked outrage, with many passengers, including those traveling with them, supporting the girls and arguing their clothing was suitable for air travel.
Spirit Airlines has acknowledged these incidents but did not issue any immediate apology. Instead, they stressed their commitment to investigating the situation and reaching out to those affected. They stated, "Our contract of carriage, a document all guests agree to upon making reservations with us, includes certain clothing standards for all guests traveling with us. We are investigating the matter and are in contact with the guests about their experience," according to ABC News.
The updated policies represent more than just the airline's stance on clothing. They also reflect wider tensions between personal expression and societal norms within the public sphere. "It’s reasonable for airlines to have basic standards appropriate for shared public settings," noted Joe Cronin of International Citizens Insurance. Still, he cautioned about the vagueness of terms such as offensive, expressing concern over the potential for inconsistent enforcement.
Other airlines have established similar dress codes, but they vary widely by airline. American Airlines, for example, requires passengers to dress appropriately, banning bare feet, whereas Hawaiian Airlines forbids swimwear. Jennifer Yellin, senior editor at Points Path, explained, "Just like restaurants can set dress codes, airlines can, too. The key is ensuring the enforcement is fair and does not discriminate against any protected classes." Yet, the ambiguity of Spirit's dress code raises questions about what constitutes offensive or inadequately clothed.
Such guidelines can add complexity to travel logistics. Concerns over personal expression often clash with airlines' need to maintain decorum. Cronin mentioned, "Should this trend persist, increased attention may be give to the issue of personal expression versus decency in the airline industry," bringing to light the challenges airlines face as they strive for harmony between public decency and passenger rights.
Regarding their experiences, Kehidi and Araujo received free tickets to return to New Orleans after what they described as embarrassing treatment from the flight crew. Although they were initially charged $1,000 for new tickets, the airline's compensation did nothing to erase the mental toll of the events. Araujo admitted, "I was thinking, 'my god, what if Jay's on this flight as well?'' echoing the pervasive fear due to their previous experiences with the airline.
Although they did fly home on the same outfits without incident, uncertainty lingers about whether Spirit Airlines will offer clearer definitions or whether past incidents will inform future policy revisions. With such immediate updates to the dress code and the continuing conversation around what attire is acceptable, traveling with airlines like Spirit is becoming more complex for passengers. The latest guidelines stress clearer expectations, but also signify shifting dynamics around passenger attire as they take to the skies.