America’s
airline industry is getting noticed for something other than flight delays
lately. Southwest Airlines has been
under attack for asking passengers to cover up. Whether you’re a fan of the flesh or not, this airline takes an “appropriate
attire required” approach to flying.
In July, 23-year-old
passenger Kayla Ebbert tried to board a Southwest flight from San
Diego to Tucson,
and was held aside by a flight attendant before boarding. The attendant explained that the young woman
needed to cover up a bit more before getting on the plane. After a sweater and skirt adjustment Ebbert
was allowed to board, though thoroughly embarrassed as some other passengers
had been witness to the request.
Southwest
officials have said that they have no policy on dress for their customers. Instead they leave it up to the discretion of
the flight attendants to see that passengers feel comfortable and safe with the
people around them. American Airlines
has provided slightly more concrete regulations. For example, a flight attendant may refuse to
board a passenger if they are drunk, barefoot, have offensive odor or are
“clothed in a manner that would cause discomfort or offend other passengers.”
At The
Emily Post Institute, we provide advice on attire all the time. Never do we say that a certain style is taboo. But we certainly advocate for wearing what’s
appropriate. Your fishnets and daisy
dukes might not be a hit at grandma’s house (unless of course she bought them
for you). Same with deep V-necks or
super short skirts, so you should wear something else. There’s a time and place for every article of
clothing. On a plane where others are
literally trapped with you is definitely a time to consider the people around
you and their comfort levels.
My dad,
Peter Post, author of Essential Manners
For Men and co-author of The
Etiquette Advantage in Business, tells a story from a family trip to the
mall. Being the only male in the family,
shopping trips can be tedious and Dad will often stand outside a store and
people-watch. Sure enough, round the
corner she comes… Probably 17 years old
and well in shape, which was easy to tell from her mini skirt and small tank
top worn with heels. She was a very
attractive girl. Ok, let’s face it, she
looked hot. And my dad noticed.
Who wouldn’t? As she comes closer, she sees him
looking. (Now I remember this feeling as
a 17-year-old, a guy who looks like he could be your father is checking you
out. Ick.) And that’s what she thought too. She tugged at her skirt to bring it down a little over her legs. She pulled at the bottom of her shirt to
cover her stomach more, she hunched her shoulders, and crossed her arms as she
walked by. My dad noticing her hotness
made her uncomfortable, and she instantly tried to fix it.
He said he
could just see it. She’s getting ready
in the morning thinking her outfit is spot on with what Jessica Simpson, or
Lindsay Lohan would be wearing. Knowing
she could pull of the look (and she could), but then realizing that while she
wanted the attention, she didn’t want it from everyone.
Think about
this as you’re dressing in the morning. Think about where you’re going. Do you really need to suggest your membership
to the Mile-High Club by looking your
absolute sexiest when you’re on a plane? If I had been Miss Ebbert, I might
have thanked the flight attendant for bringing my exposure to my attention, but
ask that next time, she address a passenger privately instead of in earshot of
the other boarding passengers.
