Spirit Airlines' bold new dress code sparks controversy

Spirit Airlines updated dress code could deny boarding for offensive clothing, tattoos, or odors, per its 2025 policy.

The Florida-based budget carrier recently updated its dress code policy, detailing what passengers can and cannot wear.

The changes, outlined in Spirit’s “Contract of Carriage,” went into effect on January 22, 2025.

According to the policy, passengers may be denied boarding or asked to leave the aircraft if deemed "inadequately clothed." This includes being barefoot, wearing see-through clothing, or exposing private areas. The airline also prohibits clothing or tattoos that are "lewd, obscene, or offensive in nature."

In addition to attire, passengers with "offensive odors" unrelated to a disability may also be denied service. Notably, guests who fail to comply with these guidelines are ineligible for a refund, the document states.

Spirit Airlines is not alone in enforcing dress code policies. United Airlines’ updated Contract of Carriage, also effective January 22, similarly states that passengers in lewd or offensive clothing may face removal. Hawaiian Airlines takes a more detailed approach, prohibiting tank tops, tube tops, halter tops, speedos, and bikini bottoms.

Conversely, some carriers, such as Southwest Airlines, do not outline specific dress code requirements in their policies.

Spirit Airlines did not immediately respond to inquiries about the changes or how the policy differs from previous versions.

As dress code enforcement becomes a growing trend across the airline industry, travelers are encouraged to review individual airline policies before booking to avoid complications at the gate.