Passengers planning to fly on Spirit Airlines might need to rethink their travel wardrobe, as the airline is setting stricter guidelines on what is considered appropriate attire. Echoing sentiments of modesty, the Miramar-based airline now checks not just for tickets and carry-on bag sizes but also enforces a dress code that impacts what passengers can wear before boarding. This move follows the airline's recent revision of its contract of carriage manual, as reported by Today, which provides detailed expectations concerning passenger attire.
Flying with Spirit Airlines will now include adherence to their dress policy, which prohibits boarders from wearing transparent clothes or those that leave private parts exposed. The updated contract of carriage includes a clause on page nine and ten stating, "a guest shall not be permitted to board the aircraft or may be required to leave an aircraft if that guest: is barefoot or inadequately clothed," detailing garments deemed inappropriate, such as see-through clothing or any exposing private areas. Lest passengers were left adrift in a sea of doubt, these specifics offer a rudder to navigate the dress standards expected in the skies, as detailed in an article by NBC Miami.
The consensus among some Spirit Airlines patrons supports the new policy, citing a need for modesty as a key factor. "It's their rules," Spirit passenger Jahyra Lewis told NBC Miami, noting she does not mind the dress code even when clad in pajamas for travel. Her statements, along with fellow passenger Tyler Earll, highlight a preference for such regulations, especially when it concerns family travel.
The revision to Spirit's dress code policy comes in the wake of their filed bankruptcy protection in November 2024, a consequence of pandemic-induced financial struggles and thwarted sales efforts to JetBlue. With operations continuing normally during the bankruptcy process, the airline's policy updates appear as part of a broader strategy to refine its business model and rebuild its brand. Last year, in an incident raising concerns about air travel safety, a Spirit Airlines flight was diverted after being struck by gunfire, as Today reported, offering context to the company's potential aim for stricter and controlled in-flight environments.
Despite the specificity of the attire clause, questions have arisen regarding what is considered 'obscene' or 'offensive.' NBC Miami reports they reached out to Spirit Airlines for clarification on these terms but have not yet received a response. As the updated policy takes effect, travelers with bookings on Spirit Airlines should ensure they meet the new dress requirements to avoid any disruption to their flying plans.
