Spirit Airlines is a low-cost airline.A more comprehensive dress code was subtly added to its contract of carriage on Wednesday, surprising at least a few unwary travelers.
In addition to providing a list of examples of what can be considered inappropriate, the new section states that flyers who are barefoot or improperly dressed will not be permitted to board an aircraft or may be removed from it.
Clothing that is see-through, insufficiently covered, and exposing one’s breasts, buttocks, or other intimate areas are on the list. It implies that the no-shoes, no-shirt, and no-service dress codes that are frequently observed in dining establishments are also being implemented on airplanes.
Those who wear indecent, obscene, or objectionable apparel or articles—including body art—are likewise subject to the dress code.
An individual who is barefoot, poorly dressed, or wearing attire that is indecent, obscene, or objectionable in character was mentioned in a previous version of Spirit’s contract of carriage, which was amended in November 2022.
The information was released a week after a traveler told The San Antonio Express-News that she was kicked off a Spirit flight to San Antonio because she was wearing a hoodie with an F-word variant on it.
According to reports, flight attendants ordered him to remove it because it included profanity before escorting him off the aircraft.
Do all carriers have dress codes?
Every airline has a legally enforceable agreement called a contract of carriage, which passengers agree to follow while doing business with the airline.
Although some of the language in these contracts is ambiguous and few passengers really read them, they do contain provisions addressing passenger clothing.
Dalles-centeredFor instance, Southwest claims that it has the right to deny passengers who are acting in a vulgar, obscene, or plainly offensive manner, including by dressing in such a manner.
Additionally, it prohibits going barefoot.
Many airlines’ use of ambiguous terminology has resulted in viral events like the one on Spirit last week.
Many ladies have been caught in violation of the dress code while wearing bralettes and athleisure ensembles. Critics have criticized the disproportionate impact these codes have on women.
Flyers can ensure they reach their destination without wearing provocative attire by following flight attendant recommendations and packing a jacket or an additional T-shirt or article of clothing.
— The Dallas Morning News’ Sasha Richie
The Dallas Morning News, 2025. Tribune Content Agency, LLC is the distributor.
