Kicked off a flight for wearing a crop top: Why do airlines still have such conservative dress codes?

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. You are expected to use good judgment, but customer service agents will have the final authority to refuse travel for inappropriate attire or appearance.” America Airlines’ passenger responsibilities declaration states: “To ensure a safe environment for everyone, you must… Dress appropriately; bare feet or offensive clothing aren’t allowed.” There is no elaboration on what constitutes “offensive clothing”, nor who decides what that definition is. Travel expert Rob Staines, who worked as cabin crew for many years, says: “In my experience of working for multiple airlines, crew are not told to look out for passengers dressed ‘inappropriately’.” He told The Independent that in 17 years of working for numerous carriers, he had never seen anything like the cases outlined above. Until airlines treat all passengers fairly and put clear dress codes in writing they should be held responsible for the mental anguish they cause Dr Tisha Rowe Crew might be prompted to act if someone is wearing clothing that is “overtly sexual or emblazoned with offensive language or imagery”, says Staines, but will only act “if other passengers highlight an issue”. Rob Staines agrees: “Most airlines actively encourage crew to treat all passengers as individuals and to reserve judgment on personal appearance.” After all, he says: “It’s often the case that the most casually-dressed passenger could be the one sitting in a premium cabin, bringing in the most revenue.”