Spirit Airlines' tattoo and dress code sparks backlash
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Jan 25
- 6 min read
Updated: Feb 26
Spirit Airlines has introduced a new policy requiring passengers to cover up offensive tattoos and see-through clothing.
The low-cost carrier announced according to the newspaper Independent that passengers displaying tattoos with explicit content or wearing overly revealing outfits may be asked to modify their attire before boarding. The policy aims to create a more family-friendly atmosphere, but it has sparked criticism for its vague guidelines and potential for discriminatory enforcement.
The policy: What’s changing?
Spirit Airlines has stated that passengers wearing «offensive» tattoos or clothing deemed inappropriate will be asked to change or face removal from the flight. The airline has not provided specific details on what qualifies as «offensive,» leaving room for interpretation.
A Spirit spokesperson explained that they want to ensure that all passengers, including families, have a comfortable and respectful flying experience. However, many travelers have voiced concerns over the subjective nature of these rules.
Public reaction: Mixed opinions
While some support the airline’s efforts to maintain decorum, others argue that the policy could lead to unnecessary conflicts. –It feels like an invasion of personal expression, said one passenger. –What’s offensive to one person may not be to another.
The policy also raises concerns about how tattoos, especially those with cultural significance, will be judged. –Tattoos are part of who I am," said another commenter on social media. –I shouldn’t have to cover them up because someone finds them offensive."
Industry context: A growing trend?
Spirit is not alone in addressing dress codes. Several airlines, such as Qatar Airways, have similar policies, but Spirit’s new stance has caught attention due to its impact on passengers’ personal style. Many travelers, particularly younger ones, view tattoos and alternative clothing as forms of self-expression.
Striking the right balance
Spirit’s policy on tattoos and clothing brings up an important issue: how much control should airlines have over personal appearance?
While the goal of creating a comfortable environment is valid, the subjective nature of these rules could lead to frustration and unfair treatment.
As Spirit Airlines navigates this new policy, passengers will likely be watching closely to see how it is enforced and whether it will spark further debates about freedom of expression in the skies.
Airlines and dress codes: When clothing sparks controversy
Airlines have faced backlash over clothing disputes, from political slogans to revealing outfits.
These incidents raise questions about personal expression and the balance between freedom and regulation. Here's a look at some of the most controversial clothing-related stories.
United Airlines – Leggings incident (2017)
In 2017, United Airlines sparked controversy when two young girls were denied boarding for wearing leggings. The incident occurred when the girls, who were flying as part of a family member’s employee benefit, were told their attire violated United’s dress code for employees’ dependents.
The airline stated that leggings were not appropriate for the flight as part of its «contract of carriage.» This incident led to widespread backlash, with critics arguing that the policy was overly restrictive and out of touch. United later apologized, but the incident raised ongoing questions about dress codes for passengers.
«It feels like an invasion of personal expression. What’s offensive to one person may not be to another.» Anonymous passenger, reacting to United’s leggings ban.
American Airlines – Revealing shorts and dresses (2017)
American Airlines found itself in the spotlight when a woman, who was flying to San Diego, was asked to change out of her shorts or cover them with a blanket because they were deemed too short. The woman, dressed in denim shorts, was told by a gate agent that her outfit violated the airline’s dress code for «proper attire.»
The passenger argued that there was no clear dress code and that it was a personal judgment call by the agent. The airline later apologized for the misunderstanding, but this highlighted how vague or subjective dress code enforcement could be.
«I was told my outfit was inappropriate, but I don’t see how shorts can be a problem. There was no clear dress code for passengers.» Sarah The passenger involved in the American Airlines shorts incident.
Qatar Airways – Strict dress code in airport lounges (2021)
Qatar Airways has long had a strict dress code for passengers traveling to and from Doha. The airline insists that passengers adhere to modest dress standards, especially in its airport lounges. While these policies are typically enforced more strongly for passengers in public spaces within Qatar, they can also apply when traveling internationally. In 2021, reports emerged about tourists being denied entry to lounges or flights when they wore revealing clothing, including short skirts or sleeveless tops, despite not violating general airline standards. Qatar Airways has defended the policy as a part of maintaining cultural norms, but it’s caused frustration among some travelers.
Air New Zealand – Offensive or inappropriate tattoos (2020)
Air New Zealand's dress code and grooming guidelines for staff have long prohibited tattoos that are deemed offensive. In 2020, the airline updated its policy to allow tattoos for its employees, but the policy still banned visible tattoos for crew members working in customer-facing roles unless they were considered culturally appropriate or had significant meaning. While this primarily impacted employees, passengers were also subject to dress codes that required them to cover up tattoos with explicit or offensive imagery. Some passengers have expressed concerns about the enforcement of these policies, as what’s considered «offensive” can vary widely between cultures.
Delta Airlines – Dress code enforcement on minors (2017)
In another United Airlines-esque scenario, Delta faced criticism in 2017 when it enforced a dress code on minors, particularly regarding clothing like yoga pants. The issue arose when two girls, traveling on a «buddy pass» (a free or discounted ticket), were told they couldn’t board the flight because their outfits were deemed inappropriate by Delta staff. Delta stated that the dress code was applicable to anyone using a buddy pass, but the incident sparked public debate on whether dress codes should extend to minors and whether the rules were too strict or discriminatory.
EasyJet – offensive clothing (2019)
In 2019, British budget airline EasyJet made headlines when it barred a passenger from boarding a flight for wearing a t-shirt with a controversial political slogan. The passenger, who was flying from London to Prague, was told his t-shirt, which contained a phrase linked to a far-right political movement, was offensive and violated the airline’s clothing policy. The political slogan on the t-shirt that led to the EasyJet incident was linked to a far-right political movement in the UK, specifically associated with the slogan FreeTommy.
This phrase was a reference to Tommy Robinson, the founder of the English Defence League (EDL), a group known for its anti-Islamic views and controversial stance on immigration.
The passenger, who was flying from London to Prague, was told by EasyJet staff that the slogan on his t-shirt was considered offensive and violated the airline’s policy against wearing clothing with political or offensive messages. The incident caused a stir, with some arguing it was an infringement on free speech, while others supported the airline’s stance, saying it was in line with creating a neutral and non-offensive environment for passengers.
«It’s my right to wear whatever I want. This is an attack on freedom of expression.» Michael The passenger who wore the controversial Free Tommy-slogan t-shirt on EasyJet.
While EasyJet doesn’t generally impose strict dress codes, the airline has policies that prohibit clothing with political or offensive messages. The incident raised questions about freedom of expression versus the airline’s responsibility to create a neutral and inclusive environment for all passengers.
Ryanair – Tight or inappropriate clothing (2020)
Ryanair was involved in an incident when a woman was denied boarding because she was wearing a tight, figure-hugging outfit. The flight crew reportedly told the passenger that her clothes were too tight for the airline’s dress code, which caused an uproar on social media.
«I don’t understand why my clothes are an issue. I was just wearing something I felt comfortable in. It seems arbitrary and unnecessary.» Anonymous passenger, reacting to being stopped by Ryanair crew for wearing tight clothes.
Ryanair’s response emphasized that passengers should wear «appropriate clothing,» but the vague nature of this guideline led to accusations of body-shaming and inconsistency in enforcement. While Ryanair did not clarify the specifics of their dress code, the issue illustrated how subjective clothing decisions can be when enforced by gate agents or flight crews.
