Two women from Southern California and another passenger with a toddler were removed from a Spirit Airlines flight originating in Los Angeles and heading to New Orleans. According to the travelers, they were ousted because they wore crop tops, an action they deemed unfairly targeted and publicly shaming.
Tara Kehidi and Teresa Araujo claimed that a male flight attendant approached them on the flight, demanding they cover up despite the aircraft's lack of cool air due to the turned-off air conditioning system. "We were wearing crop tops... just like a little bit of stomach showing," Kehidi explained, as reported by ABC7. The removal also included Carla Hager, who defended the two friends after taking off her sweater in solidarity. Hager added the situation escalated to the point where they felt like "criminals" because of their attire.
Video footage captured on cell phones shows the tense moments on the plane, with one staff member labeling the airline as "family friendly" when questioned by the two women about the required dress code. Tara, one of the ousted passengers, insisted on the civility of their queries, noting in her discourse with KCAL News, "The only thing we did was ask for the dress code."
In addition to the embarrassment, the ejected travelers also expressed their frustration regarding the financial burden of having to purchase alternative transportation. They ultimately paid $1,000 for a new flight with Delta Airlines, without any refund from Spirit, to reach Kehidi's 30th birthday celebration. "They were treating us, honestly, like criminals - all because we were wearing crop tops on the plane," Kehidi told ABC7.
Spirit Airlines' representative responded to the incident stating, "Our Contract of Carriage, a document all Guests agree to upon making a reservation with us, includes certain clothing standards for all Guests traveling with us." The statement, shared with TMZ also mentioned that the airline was looking into the matter and in contact with the individuals involved. The Contract of Carriage indeed specifies that passengers may be removed for being "inadequately clothed," yet, according to a follow-up conversation the women had with Spirit Airlines, they were informed that the airline typically has no issue with crop tops.
Public opinion at Los Angeles International Airport seemed largely sympathetic toward the women, with various Spirit customers deeming the decision to kick the women off the flight as out of line. Despite the support from other passengers during the incident, the women, left with no recourse from Spirit Airlines, are now considering legal action, as reported by DailyMail.com.
