Navigating Airline Dress Codes: What Not to Wear for a Smooth Flight

Understanding Airline Attire Policies

Airlines have increasingly enforced dress code policies, requiring passengers to dress in a manner that aligns with their standards. Attire that may lead to a passenger being denied boarding or removed from a flight includes saggy pants, exposed underwear, and excessive skin exposure. This has left many travelers questioning what constitutes acceptable clothing for air travel.

Notable Dress Code Enforcement Incidents

Several high-profile incidents have highlighted the enforcement of airline dress codes:

• Billie Joe Armstrong's Encounter: On September 1, Billie Joe Armstrong, the lead singer of Green Day, was removed from a Southwest Airlines flight for wearing pants that sagged too low, which he refused to adjust when asked by a flight attendant.

• Southwest's "Too Hot to Fly" Incident: In 2007, a woman was initially deemed "too hot to fly" by Southwest Airlines due to her mini skirt, tank top, and sweater. She was permitted to board after covering up with a blanket.

• University of New Mexico Football Player's Arrest: A football player from the University of New Mexico was arrested on a US Airways flight in June at San Francisco International Airport for refusing to pull up his pants and cover his underwear at the gate. Although the local County District Attorney's Office did not file charges, the incident sparked discussions about dress code consistency.

Airline Dress Code Double Standards?

US Airways faced accusations of double standards when it allowed a man dressed in women's underwear, thigh-high stockings, and a see-through cardigan to fly just days after the football player's incident. The airline, which does not have a specific dress code, emphasizes the need for passengers to dress appropriately for the "safety and comfort" of everyone on board.

Airline Policies on Passenger Attire

• American Airlines: May refuse transport or remove passengers for clothing that could cause discomfort or offense to others.
• Delta Airlines: Reserves the right to remove passengers whose conduct is offensive or annoying to others.
• JetBlue: Can remove passengers for lewd, obscene, or patently offensive clothing.
• General Airline Consensus: Most airlines, including American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, United, and US Airways, are likely to refuse transport to any barefoot passengers.

Interesting Statistics and Facts

While specific data on the number of passengers denied boarding due to dress code violations is not widely published, the topic remains a point of contention among travelers. A survey by the travel website Expedia found that 61% of Americans believe that there should be a dress code for passengers on planes, indicating a significant portion of the public supports some level of regulation on in-flight attire.

Tips for Dressing Appropriately for Air Travel

To avoid any issues when flying, consider the following tips:

1. Opt for comfortable, non-revealing clothing.
2. Avoid clothing with offensive graphics or language.
3. Ensure your attire is suitable for a public setting.
4. When in doubt, bring a change of clothes in your carry-on.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can help ensure a smooth and uneventful boarding process. Remember, while airlines may not have explicit dress codes, they retain the right to determine what is appropriate for their flights. It's always best to err on the side of caution and dress conservatively when traveling by air.