United Airlines came under fire after word got out on Twitter that three passengers had been detained and humiliated for their choice of attire.
Three girls, one of them just 10 years old, were wearing Spandex leggings. The person who checked them over said that these violated the dress code, which is vague and warns only against bare feet and being “not properly clothed.” As it happened, the girl in question had a dress with her, so she was able to change in time to get onto the flight.
However, the other two passengers had no change of clothes that would allow them onto the plane.
A fellow passenger was so horrified by the incident that she tweeted about it. As users shared her post, the outrage grew, and United Airlines found itself bombarded with negative press.
Many considered the airline’s behavior to be sexist and unnecessarily cruel. The airline, however, did not back down. Its official Twitter feed defended the decision without a hint of apology, despite continuing to come under escalating fire from those who found their actions unjustified.
Flying has become more and more complicated in recent years due to security risks, but what added risk is there in a young woman wearing leggings instead of pants? This seems to be an example of the airline grossly overstepping its authority.
Hopefully if enough people speak out and register their disapproval with these tactics, future girls and women will not be subjected to such unfair and embarrassing treatment.
