In a move that has stirred some controversy, Spirit Airlines has introduced new guidelines regarding passengers’ attire, emphasizing that certain fashion choices could lead to denied boarding or ejection from a flight. These new terms, which came into effect on January 22, 2025, outline specific clothing and body art restrictions aimed at maintaining a more uniform and acceptable passenger appearance.
The updated contract of carriage states that passengers may be denied boarding or asked to leave the aircraft if they are “barefoot or inadequately clothed,” or if their attire, including tattoos, is “lewd, obscene, or offensive in nature.” The airline has been more specific about what constitutes “inadequate clothing,” defining it as “see-through clothing, not adequately covered, exposed breasts, buttocks, or other private parts.” This change clarifies the company’s stance on modesty and its expectations for passengers when it comes to appearance while flying.
Spirit’s latest decision has drawn attention to the ongoing tension between personal expression and airline policies. Tattoos, which have become a common form of self-expression, have now become a focal point of the updated guidelines. In addition to body art, clothing that could be seen as too revealing—such as transparent garments or low-cut tops—could lead to potential issues at the gate. This has led to concerns among passengers who enjoy expressing themselves through unique styles, especially in a post-pandemic world where individuality is increasingly celebrated.
Fashion choices have often been a flashpoint for air travel disputes. There have been numerous high-profile cases in the past where passengers found themselves in hot water over their clothing. One such incident occurred in October 2024, when a woman, Tara Kehidi, and her friend were allegedly asked to leave a Spirit Airlines flight due to their crop tops. According to Kehidi, a flight attendant informed them that their attire was inappropriate, although the airline did not provide a formal explanation at the time.
Spirit Airlines isn’t the first to introduce such restrictions. Back in 2019, American Airlines found itself in hot water after a passenger, Latisha “Tisha” Rowe, was told she couldn’t board a flight unless she covered up her strapless romper. Rowe claimed the experience was humiliating and damaging to her sense of self. American Airlines later issued a public apology to Rowe for the incident, which sparked a wider conversation about how airlines handle issues related to dress codes.
While some view Spirit Airlines’ new policy as an overreach, others argue that it’s simply part of the broader effort to maintain a sense of decorum and professionalism in the aviation industry. Airlines have long been tasked with ensuring that passengers adhere to certain dress codes to avoid distracting or uncomfortable situations during flights. However, what one person deems “appropriate” can often be subjective, which complicates the enforcement of such rules.
The introduction of these new terms is likely to create more debates and challenges, particularly for passengers who believe their personal expression should not be subject to corporate regulation. Spirit Airlines has yet to comment further on the matter, but with travel becoming more diverse in its fashion trends, this issue may continue to evolve as airlines attempt to strike a balance between freedom and uniformity in the skies.
For now, travelers flying with Spirit Airlines may want to think twice about their outfit choices before heading to the airport—whether it’s covering up tattoos or reconsidering that sheer top.
