A heated debate has ignited across the nation as several airlines face backlash for removing female passengers from flights due to their choice of attire. Incidents involving crop tops, leggings, and other casual wear have raised questions about whether airlines are unfairly targeting women with arbitrary and sexist dress codes.
Spirit Airlines Removes Two Women Over Crop Tops
In the latest incident, friends Tara Kehidi and Teresa Araujo were removed from a Spirit Airlines flight from Los Angeles to New Orleans after a male flight attendant deemed their crop tops inappropriate. The duo, who were heading to New Orleans to celebrate Tara’s birthday, claimed they were told to cover up despite the warm cabin temperature.
“It’s just humiliating having to be escorted and treated like a criminal just because we were wearing crop tops,” Tara told DailyMail.com. “We wasted our time, other people’s time, our money, our dignity.”
The women asked for clarification on which dress code policy they had violated but were not given a satisfactory explanation. Instead, they were escorted off the plane without a refund and had to spend an additional $1,000 on new flights.
Delta Passenger Claims She Was Targeted for Not Wearing a Bra
In another incident, publicist Lisa Archbold was removed from a Delta Airlines flight after staff claimed her attire was too revealing. Archbold, who identifies as queer, was wearing baggy shorts and a loose-fitting T-shirt without a bra. She argued that she was being unfairly targeted for not conforming to traditional gender expectations.
“I was dressed like a little boy… I had no idea what she was talking about,” Archbold said, sharing a photo of her outfit on social media. She demanded an apology from the airline, stating that the experience was humiliating.
Former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo Told to Cover Up
Former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo faced a similar situation when American Airlines staff deemed her sports bra and biker shorts ensemble as “inappropriate.” Culpo was told to put on additional clothing or risk being barred from her flight to Mexico. She borrowed a hoodie from her boyfriend to comply but questioned the airline’s inconsistent enforcement when she spotted another passenger in similar attire who was not approached.
“Tell me, is that not so messed up?” Culpo’s sister Aurora commented on Instagram. “Olivia and I are going to Cabo. Look at her outfit. She looks cute, she looks appropriate, no?”
Turkish Fitness Influencer Denied Boarding Over Outfit
Turkish bodybuilder and fitness model Deniz Saypinar was prevented from boarding an American Airlines flight in Texas due to her choice of clothing. Saypinar, who moved to the U.S. to escape conservative attitudes in her home country, was told her outfit—which included a crop top and denim shorts—was too revealing.
“I am an athlete, and now I have to wait here until the morning,” Saypinar shared on social media. “I love the United States, but I find it ridiculous that they won’t let me on the plane because they say I’m naked.”
Debate Over Airline Dress Codes Intensifies
These incidents have sparked a nationwide conversation about the authority airlines have to police passengers’ clothing. Critics argue that the dress codes are sexist and arbitrarily enforced, disproportionately targeting women. They question the lack of clear guidelines and the subjective nature of what is deemed “appropriate.”
On the other hand, some support the airlines’ policies, stating that dress codes help maintain a family-friendly environment onboard.
Airlines like American and Delta provide minimal guidance on attire in their policies, generally stating that passengers must “dress appropriately” without offering specific details.
As more travelers share their experiences on social media, the call for clearer, more consistent dress code policies continues to grow. The debate raises important questions about personal expression, gender norms, and the balance between individual rights and corporate policies in public spaces.
