No Leggings or Antlers, Please

31 March 17

Last week, a United Airlines gate agent turned down two teenage girls from boarding a flight from Denver to Minneapolis because they were wearing leggings. The girls obeyed without a complaint. However, Shannon Watts, the founder of the anti-gun violence group, Moms Demand Action, tweeted her interpretation of the scene to her more than 32,000 followers. “I guess @united not letting women wear athletic wear?” The observation quickly became a public outcry, with many fuming about why the airline would outlaw something as comfortable as leggings. Later that day, United clarified, explaining that the girls were “United pass riders,” and as such, had agreed to certain rules. The Pass Rider program is a travel program for “United employees or their eligible dependents.” Passengers enjoy free flights but must adhere to specific rules relating to dress code and even behavior. Clearly, with great power comes great responsibility.

In response, some may deem United’s policy petty, obscure, or even unnecessary. However, did you know that other major airlines have policies equally as insignificant, yet even more comical?

While United is worried about passengers wearing spandex, Virgin America doesn’t discriminate about what kind of clothing you wear, as long as you wear something. In the airline’s Contract of Carriage, something every traveler agrees to when buying a ticket, Virgin America can refuse travel to guests “not wearing both top and bottom.” I don’t know about you, but I have never forgotten to wear a top and bottom before boarding a flight. Clearly, Virgin American must have experience with this scenario.

American Airlines is not as concerned about what you wear as much it is about how you smell. The airline can refuse you service if you “have an offensive odor not caused by a disability or illness.” So, if flying American, apply deodorant at the very least. Even if you’re running so late that you can’t shower and must skip breakfast, make sure your odor is anything but offensive. If you don’t, it may cost you your seat on the plane.

While all previous airlines seem to emphasize appearance and hygiene in their policies, Delta’s just wants to ensure that the antlers you’re carrying are properly dressed. Animal antlers can be checked for $150 each way, as long as the skull is wrapped and the antler tips are protected. Also, the “antlers must be as free of residue as possible.” Hunters be warned. If returning from a business trip and you take a small detour to go deer hunting, just remember to thoroughly clean your antlers.

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