No shirt, no flight: New dress code rules that could see you grounded

Major American airlines have implemented dress code policies that could prevent travellers from boarding if their attire is deemed inappropriate or they have bad personal hygiene.

Spirit Airlines, which has a fleet of over 200 planes based in the United States, has also recently introduced regulations prohibiting passengers from wearing clothing featuring offensive language or certain types of body art. 

Cabin and gate crew have been instructed to monitor passengers’ outfits before allowing them to board.

In January, the airline updated its 'Contract of Carriage' to specify that passengers must not be "barefoot" or "inadequately clothed" when boarding.

The airline defines inadequate clothing as "see-through garments or outfits that do not sufficiently cover private areas, including exposed breasts or buttocks."

The decision reportedly follows incidents such as a passenger being removed from a flight last October for wearing a crop top. In another case, an individual was taken off a flight for refusing to remove a hoodie that displayed the phrase: "F*** hate world tour."

Spirit Airlines is not alone in enforcing dress regulations. United Airlines also states that passengers may be denied boarding if they are "barefoot, not properly clothed, or wearing attire that is lewd, obscene, or offensive." 

Delta Air Lines reserves the right to remove passengers if their clothing, hygiene, or odour poses a potential issue for fellow travellers.

American Airlines' contract states that its travellers must "dress appropriately; bare feet or offensive clothing aren’t allowed”.

While most airlines do not have explicit dress codes, they retain the authority to refuse boarding to passengers wearing inappropriate clothing at their discretion. These measures highlight the growing emphasis on maintaining a comfortable and respectful environment for all travellers.

IOL Travel