Spirit Airlines Tightens Dress Code: New Regulations on Attire and Tattoos

Spirit Airlines Tightens Dress Code: Passengers With Inappropriate Clothing or Tattoos Could Be Grounded

In a bold move to standardize its in-flight experience, Spirit Airlines has recently updated its policy, adding a stricter dress code for passengers. As of January 22, 2025, the airline now reserves the right to deny boarding or even remove passengers from flights if they’re deemed to be wearing inappropriate clothing or have offensive tattoos. The new rules are aimed at ensuring passengers are dressed in a way that aligns with the airline’s image and the comfort of everyone onboard.

This change isn’t a sudden shift but rather a response to growing issues around dress codes and passenger behavior in recent years. Spirit’s decision to outline specific clothing and tattoo regulations highlights how far airline policies have come since the early days of air travel when anything went—well, almost.

A Look Back: Dress Codes in Aviation

Airlines, particularly in the U.S., have long had dress codes in place. However, these regulations weren’t always enforced in the way we see today. The early years of commercial air travel (think back to the 1950s and 60s) were all about glamour, with passengers often dressing in their best attire for a flight. Think about the iconic days of flight attendants in chic uniforms and passengers wearing suits and dresses. Over time, as flying became more accessible, dress codes relaxed.

By the late 20th century, many airlines stopped enforcing strict attire policies. It became more common to see casual wear like jeans, t-shirts, and flip-flops, reflecting the broader trend in casual fashion. But things have started to shift again in recent years, and Spirit’s move to update its dress code policy is a part of this broader trend.

Spirit Airlines’ Updated Policy: What Does It Mean for Passengers?

Spirit Airlines' new policy specifically addresses two major concerns: inappropriate clothing and offensive tattoos. Under the updated guidelines, passengers who wear see-through clothing exposing their breasts, buttocks, or other private parts can now be denied boarding. It also makes clear that passengers must be properly clothed in general, avoiding anything considered “inadequate” or excessively revealing.

The airline also stipulates that passengers should not be barefoot, an issue that’s cropped up before with airlines such as Southwest and American Airlines. While these types of policies may seem trivial, they’re a direct response to incidents that have made headlines recently.

For example, in October 2024, two women were removed from a Spirit flight for wearing crop tops that the airline deemed too revealing. Just last week, another passenger—a man from Texas—was escorted off a flight for wearing an offensive hoodie. Although the man was allowed to remove the hoodie and continue his journey, the incident clearly signaled that Spirit is taking its dress code more seriously.

The Tattoo Debate: A New Angle on Personal Expression?

Perhaps the most interesting and somewhat controversial addition to Spirit’s new policy is the mention of offensive tattoos. While tattoos are increasingly common in society and the workplace, airlines have always maintained a more conservative approach to body art, especially if it’s deemed offensive or distracting to other passengers.

Spirit hasn’t gone into detail about what qualifies as an "offensive" tattoo, but many suspect this could cover anything from hate symbols to graphic or excessively violent imagery. For airlines that cater to a broad range of travelers, keeping the in-flight atmosphere comfortable for all passengers is key, and Spirit’s attempt to address tattoos fits into this goal.

But does this raise questions about personal expression? It’s a fine line between what’s deemed “acceptable” and what’s considered “offensive.” For some, a tattoo is a meaningful form of self-expression, while others may find certain designs controversial or inappropriate for a public setting like an airplane.

Why Now? Spirit’s Response to Recent Incidents

Spirit’s new policy isn’t just about updating guidelines—it’s also a response to recent controversies. The incidents in 2024, where passengers were removed for their clothing choices, pointed to a need for more clarity. A spokesperson for Spirit Airlines mentioned that the new dress code came as a result of increasing “clothing-related infractions” and to “maintain the comfort and safety of everyone onboard.”

This response is in line with a broader pattern within the airline industry. Other airlines, like United and Delta, have had similar policies in place for years, ensuring passengers adhere to a standard of decency. However, with Spirit’s reputation for offering ultra-low-cost flights, its policy shift is a clear indication that even budget airlines are stepping up to address these concerns.

What Experts Are Saying

While this move might seem like an overreaction to some, others see it as a necessary step toward ensuring a more comfortable and orderly flight experience. “Airlines are in a delicate position when it comes to balancing personal freedom and maintaining a welcoming environment for all passengers,” says aviation expert Mark M. Driscoll, who has been tracking the evolution of airline policies for over two decades. “This policy shift is Spirit Airlines’ way of drawing a clear line, making sure everyone knows where the boundary is.”

Driscoll adds that while some might see this as an infringement on personal freedom, it’s ultimately about creating a consistent and predictable experience for everyone who boards the plane. With passengers from all walks of life sharing a confined space, these dress codes are an attempt to ensure no one feels uncomfortable or disrespected.

What Should Passengers Expect?

As this new policy rolls out, Spirit Airlines passengers should expect to see more uniformity in terms of attire. If you’re planning to fly with the airline in the near future, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Avoid overly revealing clothing, like see-through garments or anything that exposes private body parts.

• Don’t go barefoot—yes, even on the plane!

• If you have tattoos, be prepared for the airline to assess them if they’re deemed offensive or inappropriate.