Spirit Airlines has introduced new regulations regarding passenger attire that may catch some travelers off guard. As part of an update to its contract of carriage effective January 22, the airline has specified that passengers may be barred from boarding or possibly removed from flights if their clothing or body art is considered “lewd,” “obscene,” or “offensive.” This policy emphasizes that “inadequately clothed” individuals may be those wearing see-through clothing or those with exposed private parts.
The updated guidelines reflect an ongoing trend among airlines to manage the clothing choices of their passengers. Incidents of travelers facing scrutiny for their fashion decisions are not isolated. For instance, in October, Tara Kehidi and a friend were asked to disembark from a Spirit flight because they were wearing crop tops. Similar cases have emerged on other airlines; for example, American Airlines faced backlash in 2019 when it required a passenger, Latisha Rowe, to cover up her strapless romper, leading to public apologies.
While these policy changes may impact how some passengers choose to dress while traveling, they also highlight the broader conversation regarding clothing appropriateness in public spaces and how airlines navigate these sensitive issues.
As air travel continues to evolve, hopefully, passengers and airlines alike can find a mutual understanding that respects personal expression while ensuring comfort for all onboard.