Between worrying about security checks and flight times, a dress code would be the last thing on your mind when at an airport. But, for two teenage girls this at Denver International Airport, this wasn't the case.
The girls who were travelling with a companion to Minneapolis were barred from boarding their United Airlines flight because they did not meet the dress code. They were both wearing leggings.
Shannon Watts, a mother and founder of Moms Demand Action shared the experience on Twitter and the airline has been facing huge backlash as a result.
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
2) She's forcing them to change or put dresses on over leggings or they can't board. Since when does @united police women's clothing?
— Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) March 26, 2017
3) Gate agent for flt 215 at 7:55. Said she doesn't make the rules, just follows them. I guess @united not letting women wear athletic wear?
— Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) March 26, 2017
United replied to Watts' tweets to inquire about the situation and stated that there is a rule that gives the airline the right to refuse transport based if the passenger's clothes don't meet the dress code standard.
@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
Although Rule 21 does indeed exist, it doesn't provide specifics on what "properly clothed" means.
@united @baddestmamajama define "properly clothed" and how leggings don't meet the standards of proper clothing, please.
— Kevin Byrne (@kbyrne91) March 26, 2017
Twitter users were outraged and confused at the random enforcement of this rule especially when it involves young girls.
@imanimosley @shannonrwatts I honestly don't see a scenario leggings would be dangerous for other passengers. This is a dumb policy.
— Adam Singer (@AdamSinger) March 26, 2017
@united @baddestmamajama I've worn leggings on United flights dozens of times. Very strange to enforce this rule randomly.
— Ranee Soundara (@naynerz) March 26, 2017
Some are even refusing to fly with United again.
.@united is losing my business. H/t @shannonrwatts pic.twitter.com/MVqa6npQxi
— Erica L Lafferty (@EricaSmegs) March 26, 2017
@shannonrwatts @baddestmamajama @united If leggings aren't allowed on flights I don't want to fly
— Lia Marie (@LiaBoBia) March 26, 2017
A few hours after the incident, a United representative on Twitter followed up with Shannon to let her know that the girls were "pass travellers" and there's a dress code in place for them because "they are representing UA when they fly."
What do you think do you think about this odd rule?
