Suddenly, passengers are taking a closer look at what to wear and what not to wear at the airport, following a statement made by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Secretary Sean Duffy took exception to “disrespectful” clothing at airports, which included wearing pajamas.
The major U.S. airlines haven’t directly responded to the reports. However, most do have their own clothing rules. United Airlines has a clothing policy in Rule 21 of its Contract of Carriage. The rule states that passengers can be kicked off for not following the protocol.
As for American Airlines, the carrier also has a rule that, if not followed, can also get a passenger kicked off.
Here’s American Airlines’ policy for clothing in its Conditions of Carriage.
American Airlines Does Have A Clothing Rule In Its Conditions Of Carriage
Ever since U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s comments about dressing appropriately at airports, passengers have been revising airlines’ current rules. Although Duffy discourages pajamas at airports, none of the major U.S. airlines has a rule prohibiting them.
Even though it isn’t a ruling, Duffy is asking passengers to change their behavior and restore respect to airports.
He stated during a speech at Newark Airport in New Jersey, “You know, whether it’s a pair of jeans and a decent shirt, I would encourage people to maybe dress a little bit better, which encourages us to maybe behave a little better. Let’s try not to wear slippers and pajamas as we come to the airport. I think that’s positive.”
Even with the comments, many passengers have clapped back, with some arguing that they’re only dressing in pajamas due to the likelihood of their flight being delayed…
So, this begs the question, what rules do the major U.S. airlines have in place related to clothing?
Some haven’t addressed the issue at all, like Delta Air Lines.
However, American Airlines does have a brief warning for passengers in its “Conditions of Carriage.”
Under the section “Complying with airline rules for safety,” American Airlines writes, “Dress appropriately; bare feet or offensive clothing aren’t allowed.”
American Airlines confirms an offensive shirt will get a passenger kicked off a flight.
American Airlines adds that “Fail to comply with American Airlines rules or policies,” may lead to the airline not allowing a passenger to fly. This may be temporary or permanent depending on the situation.
Just above its dress code rule, American Airlines also reminds guests to “be respectful that your odour isn’t offensive (unless it’s caused by a disability or illness).”
We haven’t seen many examples throughout the years of American Airlines denying a passenger due to clothing. However, back in September, a controversial incident made the rounds on social media. Despite the story gaining traction, American Airlines quickly fast checked it.
American Airlines Recently Fast Checked The Story Of A Passenger Being Told To Turn Their Political Shirt Inside Out
This alleged incident made the rounds online. A passenger claims they were told by an American Airlines flight attendant to flip their t-shirt inside out.
The shirt said, “I Stand With Charlie Kirk.”
The person wrote that they were on American Airlines Flight #1628 from DFW to JFK when the incident occurred.
They wrote on Facebook, “The flight attendant came to my seat and asked if I was wearing a political shirt. She proceeded to tell me that I needed to either change or turn it inside out as it was offensive to her crew. “
Credit to American Airlines for intervening.
On X, the airline issued a statement, confirming that this type of shirt was not offensive and that they hadn’t gotten word of such an incident taking place.
“Wearing a Charlie Kirk Freedom t-shirt is not in violation of any of our policies,” American Airlines wrote to a passenger on X.
“Currently, we have not received any complaints from any individuals traveling on that flight, but are actively engaged and investigating.”
It was a sensitive moment for all airlines, as employees were being let go for insensitive statements made regarding the Charlie Kirk incident.
Ultimately, American Airlines handled the situation in the best way possible, confirming what is acceptable and what isn’t.
How The Other Major U.S. Airlines Are Handling The Dress Code
For the most part, the other major U.S. airlines have similar rules in place.
United Airlines addresses the dress code under Rule 21, which states, “UA shall have the right to refuse transport on a permanent or temporary basis or shall have the right to remove from the aircraft at any point, any Passenger for the following reasons.”
In section H, part five, United Airlines writes, “Passengers who are barefoot, not properly clothed, or whose clothing is lewd, obscene or offensive.”
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American Airlines’ Other Conditions Of Carriage Under Its “Complying With Airline Rules For Safety” Section: |
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-“Behave appropriately and respectfully with other passengers, crew or any American Airlines team member.” |
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-“Postpone your flight if you have a dangerous disease deemed transmissible by a federal public health authority.” |
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-“Not threaten the safety of the flight in any way.” |
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-“Have the right travel documents and be allowed to travel to, from or through any countries in your itinerary.” |
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-“Be able to sit with your seatbelt fastened.” |
Southwest Airlines prohibits “lewd, obscene or patently offensive” clothing.
As for Hawaiian Airlines, they have reminded passengers not to wear bathing suits during flights, and that “clothing must cover the upper part of the torso.”
As stated earlier, Delta Air Lines doesn’t have a specific dress code. However, it generally states that passengers can be removed for “attire, hygiene or odor creates an unreasonable risk of offense or annoyance to other passengers.”
It remains to be seen whether any of the major U.S. airlines will revise their dress code rules.
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