United Covers Policies on Leggings Aboard Flights
Joe Cortez March 27, 2017
Leggings cleared for paying passengers, but dress codes are enforced for “buddy pass” flyers.
One day after United Airlines received social media criticism over barring two girls from boarding because they wore leggings, the carrier is now working to defend their selective dress code policy. In a posting to their corporate blog, the airline explained how and why the boarding denial situation unfolded on Sunday, March 27.
The situation began when a flyer began live tweeting a situation unfolding at Denver International Airport (DEN). According to her account, at least two girls were barred by gate agents for wearing leggings when attempting to board their flight.
1) A @united gate agent isn't letting girls in leggings get on flight from Denver to Minneapolis because spandex is not allowed?
— Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) March 26, 2017
The United social media team immediately responded to the flyer, and investigated the situation. In defending the gate agent’s decision, the airline cited their contract of carriage, which allows them to enforce a dress code aboard aircraft.
@shannonrwatts In our Contract of Carriage, Rule 21, we do have the right to refuse transport for passengers who … https://t.co/52kRVgaCyb
— United (@united) March 26, 2017
Feedback was quick and immediate as the story traveled across the internet. Replies to United ranged from those panning the airline for targeting women, to celebrities expressing their disappointment in the “new” United policy.
Hey @united I fly a LOT. About to go on tour all April and changing all my @united flights to other airlines
— Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) March 26, 2017
I have flown united before with literally no pants on. Just a top as a dress. Next time I will wear only jeans and a scarf.
— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) March 26, 2017
Before the end of the day, the airline’s social media came back to the conversation to clarify that the two individuals in question were flying on a non-revenue “pass riders.” The passes were provided by employees, which let friends and family fly at a deep discount. Because they were not paying passengers, the airline claims different dress code rules applied. Furthermore, the airline wrote a statement on their corporate blog to clarify the situation and how it would apply to future travelers.
The passengers this morning were United pass riders who were not in compliance with our dress code policy for company benefit travel.
— United (@united) March 26, 2017
“The passengers this morning were United pass riders and not in compliance with our dress code for company benefit travel,” the airline said in their statement. “We regularly remind our employees that when they place a family member or friend on a flight for free as a standby passenger, they need to follow our dress code.”
The airline closed their statement with a message to paying passengers: “To our regular customers, your leggings are welcome.” The passengers in question were ultimately accommodated once they had changed clothing.
In an indirect response to the United decision, Delta Air Lines found time to offer their support to those flyers who felt dressed-down by United:
Flying Delta means comfort. (That means you can wear your leggings. 😉)
— Delta (@Delta) March 27, 2017
[Photo: Shutterstock]
Is this a big deal? I typed "What are" into google and before I could type the next word the number one choice was "leggings." Yup, I'm old
The general public regardless of these girls dress like slobs when flying in my opinion. No spandex pants no sweat pants no short shorts no blouses cut down to your belly button no flip flops or cut up jeans and yes Id like to go back to what we'd call biz casual for all like your Sunday best cloths. I know others won't agree.
Wow, DL is now allowing their employees to wear leggings ?