Spirit Airlines has introduced a revised dress code policy, effective January 22, following recent incidents involving passenger attire—or lack thereof—that gained attention on social media. The new guidelines specify scenarios where travelers may be denied boarding or removed from flights based on clothing and body art.
According to the updated policy, passengers will not be allowed to board or could be asked to leave if they are considered “inadequately clothed,” meaning wearing see-through garments or not adequately covering the body, including exposed private areas. Additionally, travelers with attire or body art deemed lewd, obscene, or offensive may also face action.
Footwear rules have also been stipulated, requiring passengers to wear suitable shoes. Other stipulations include measures against boarding for those appearing intoxicated, abusive towards crew members, or having an “offensive odor unless due to a recognized disability.” These measures are standard in airline carriage contracts, addressing issues such as intoxication, abusive behavior, and odor.
Previously, Spirit Airlines—a budget air carrier—had policies against passengers described as “inadequately clothed” or displaying “lewd” attire, although they lacked specificity. The update clarifies what constitutes policy violations.
The stricter guidelines emerged after multiple instances where passengers’ attire led to altercations. Notably, in October 2024, two passengers were removed for wearing crop tops deemed inappropriate. More recently, a man in a provocative hoodie was escorted off a flight despite agreeing to remove it.
Other airlines maintain dress codes but with varying specificity. Delta Airlines’ policy can deny boarding to passengers whose attire risks offending others. American Airlines prohibits bare feet and offensive clothing. Hawaiian Airlines is more specific about acceptable attire, allowing tank tops and shorts but prohibiting Speedos and bikini bottoms.
