Packing for your next trip? What you wear could be the difference between boarding your flight or getting turned away.

Could your outfit or tattoos jeopardize your travel plans?


Spirit Airlines, known for its budget-friendly fares, has recently tightened its policies regarding passenger attire and tattoos.

The airline's updated rules could mean that even a simple outfit mistake might result in you being turned away at the gate or removed from your flight without a refund.


Attempting to board a Spirit flight barefoot is a definite no-go, but the restrictions don't stop there.

If your clothing is see-through or leaves little to the imagination regarding certain body parts, you're likely to face a U-turn at the boarding door.

This isn't a new stance for the airline; in the past, Spirit has made headlines for barring passengers due to revealing clothing, including an incident last October where two women were asked to leave a flight for wearing crop tops.


Spirit's Contract of Carriage now explicitly states that passengers may be denied boarding or removed from an aircraft if they are barefoot or inadequately clothed, which includes see-through clothing and exposure of breasts, buttocks, or other private parts.

Additionally, clothing or body art that is deemed lewd, obscene, or offensive in nature can also be grounds for removal.

This policy is in line with several other major airlines.

American Airlines, for instance, requires passengers to “dress appropriately,” forbidding bare feet or offensive clothing.

Delta Airlines echoes this sentiment, reserving the right to remove passengers who are barefoot.

Frontier Airlines offers a slight variation, allowing children and infants under age three to be barefoot on flights.


While most airlines have a firm stance on barefoot passengers, the rules around wearing flip flops are less clear.

Flight blog One Mile at a Time notes that while flip flops are generally allowed, they can easily slip off, and some airlines have stricter dress codes that ban them outright, such as Qantas Clubs.

So, how can you ensure your tattoos and attire won't disrupt your travel plans? Here are some tips:

1. Review Airline Policies: Before you fly, check the specific dress code policies of the airline you're traveling with. They can usually be found on the airline's official website.

2. Opt for Covered and Comfortable: Choose outfits that are comfortable for travel but also provide adequate coverage. When in doubt, opt for more conservative attire.

3. Consider Temporary Tattoo Cover-Ups: If you have tattoos that might be considered offensive or lewd, consider using clothing or temporary tattoo cover-up solutions to avoid any issues.

4. Keep Footwear On: Even if flip flops are allowed, it's best to keep your footwear on, especially when visiting the lavatory, and ensure your feet remain within your personal space.

While it might seem trivial to some, adhering to airline dress codes is crucial.

Not only does it prevent potential delays and inconveniences for you and your fellow passengers, but it also ensures a comfortable and respectful environment for everyone on board.

Remember, while expressing individuality is important, when it comes to flying, it's just as important to respect the rules of the skies.

Happy travels, and may your fashion choices be as smooth as your flights!
Have you ever encountered issues with airline dress codes? Do you have tips for dressing appropriately for flights? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.