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United bars teens from flying because they were wearing leggings – Metro US
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United bars teens from flying because they were wearing leggings

Erin Tiernan Posted on
United bars teens from flying because they were wearing leggings
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UPDATE March 27, 2017: More celebrities are speaking out against a United Airlines dress code they say is “sexist.”

After the airline blocked a 10-year-old girl and two other young teens from boarding a flight Sunday beacuse they were wearing leggings, the airline defended its decision, saying the young travelers were flying on special Pass tickets, which are intended for employees or friends and family. Travelers using these tickets are subject to a strict dress code that paying customers are not required to adhere to.

“To our regular customers, your leggings are welcome,” the airline said in statement.

But that wasn’t good enough for a number of celebrities who joined the coversation Sunday.

Model Chrissy Teigen promised to challenge the airline’s version of “accepatble” attire.

“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,” she tweeted.

Sarah Silverman suggested a boycott of the airline altogether.

“Hey @united I fly a LOT. About to go on tour all April and changing all my @united flights to other airlines,” she tweeted.

United Airlines was under fire from celebrities and passengers Sunday when it blocked a 10-year-old girl and two other young passengers from boarding a flightbecause they were wearing leggings.

Dubbed “Leggings-gate” by the Internet, the women were barred from boarding flights at a Denver airport, drawing the ire of celebrities as the situation unfolded via Twitter.

“A 10-year-old girl in gray leggings. She looked normal and appropriate. Apparently@unitedis policing the clothing of women and girls,” activist Shannon Watts tweeted from the airport.

The airline defended its decision not to letthe girls fly because they were flying on free tickets intended for friends an family and subject to a strict dress code.

Anairline spokesmantold The New YorkPost that the two teens“will modify their clothing to be in compliance and will continue their journey.” The teens are headed to Minneapolis. The 10-year-old was allowed to board after putting on a dress that covered her legs.

“When we travel, we are representatives of [United], so we want to look our best and follow all rules associated with that privilege,’’the spokessaid to The Post. “It’s casual — you don’t have to wear business attire. We want employees and family and friends to travel comfortably. The attire of that traveler did not meet our rules.”

Gate agents decide whether pass travelers’ attire is appropriate on a case-by-case basis, according to the spokesman. Paying passengers are permitted to wear leggings on flights.

Awebsite that reportedly lists dress code guidelinesfor United employeestraveling viathe pass program lists the following as unacceptable attire while traveling, reiterating that gate agents are the final judge on what will and will not be allowed:

  • Any attire that reveals a midriff
  • Attire that reveals any type of undergarments
  • Attire that is designated as sleep wear, underwear, or swim attire
  • Miniskirts
  • Shorts that do not meet three inches above the knee when in a standing position
  • Form-fitting lycra/spandex tops, pants, and dresses
  • Attire that has offensive and/or derogatory terminology or graphics
  • Attire that is excessively dirty or has holes/tears
  • Any attire that is provocative, inappropriately revealing, or see-through clothing
  • Bare feet
  • Beach-type, rubber flip-flops

Comedian Sarah Silverman joined the debate, telling United to take a hard look at their dress code.

“I suggest u consider updating ur rules 4 friends & fam as they seem to apply mostly 2 females & are outdated,” Silverman tweeted.

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