Teens Wearing Leggings Barred From United Airlines Flight
DENVER (AP/KDKA) - Two teenage girls were barred by a gate agent from boarding a United Airlines flight from Denver to Minneapolis because they were wearing leggings.
United spokesman Jonathan Guerin said the girls were not allowed onto the Sunday morning flight because they were traveling under an employee travel pass that includes a dress code.
That dress code bars pass travelers from wearing spandex or lycra pants such as leggings. Guerin says the teenagers agreed to change their clothing and take a later flight.
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The airline's actions sparked a backlash on Twitter. Activist Shannon Watts of Denver tweeted that she witnessed Sunday's events and questioned United's decision to police women's clothing.
United tweeted in response: "In our Contract of Carriage, Rule 21, we do have the right to refuse transport for passengers who are barefoot or not properly clothed." The airline added a link for more details on its policies and indicated that it was up to the gate agent to determine if a passenger is "properly clothed."
@shannonrwatts In our Contract of Carriage, Rule 21, we do have the right to refuse transport for passengers who ... https://t.co/52kRVgaCyb
— United (@united) March 26, 2017
Several other people took to social media to weigh in on the rule.
@shannonrwatts Hey, @united, you know how this ends, right? Images of women in leggings tagging you on social as they fly your competition.
— Jenn (@jennvzande) March 26, 2017
@united@PattyArquette Friendly Advice, United: No one is nearly as offended by a little girl in spandex as they are by this situation.
— Nick Bolton (@NickBolton13) March 26, 2017
Some celebrities even got involved.
????????????I'm going to start wearing leggings! Is that against the rules? ????#outdatedfashion #outdatedrules https://t.co/V5LnwDwygY
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) March 26, 2017
I thought so too! ????Does @neimanmarcus carry men's leggings? I'm off to shop & book a @united ✈️ flight! ???????? https://t.co/oaszeDXOQH
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) March 26, 2017
Guerin says ticketed passengers are not subject to the same dress code and can wear leggings.
(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
