Key Takeaways:

• Spirit Airlines has updated its contract of carriage, enforcing strict dress codes.
• Passengers may face boarding denial or removal for 'inadequate' clothing and visible offensive tattoos.
• The definition of 'inadequately clothed' includes see-through garments and exposed body parts.
• Passengers previously reported issues with the airline over their clothing choices, leading to the policy change.
• Similar dress code controversies have arisen with other airlines, like Delta and United.

In an effort to maintain decorum among its passengers, Spirit Airlines has reinforced its dress code regulations in its recently updated Contract of Carriage. Specifically, the airline will no longer permit passengers to board if they are deemed "inadequately clothed," a term which encompasses wearing see-through clothing, or having exposed breasts, buttocks, or other private parts. The revised guidelines also explicitly prohibit offensive body art and require that passengers refrain from appearing barefoot aboard flights.

The airline's new directives come in light of previous controversies where passengers faced removal from flights due to their attire. Last October, three women reported being asked to leave a flight because they were wearing crop tops, highlighting the ambiguous nature of previously enforced policies, as noted in reports from The Hill. The updated contract now offers more specific definitions to prevent similar disputes in the future.

Spirit's updated policies mirror those of other commercial airlines like Delta and United, both of which have also implemented dress codes requiring appropriate passenger attire. Bobby Laurie, a former flight attendant and co-host of the travel show “The Jet Set,” emphasizes that such dress codes often hinge on subjective interpretations of what may be considered offensive or inappropriate.

As airlines increasingly clarify their policies to navigate controversies related to passenger conduct and appearance, the implications for travelers remain a vital discussion point within the industry. Passengers traveling with Spirit Airlines should remain cognizant of these new rules to avoid potential issues at check-in and boarding.

For more insights, read the full details at SFGATE.