Spirit Airlines Begins Strict Dress Code Enforcement; Offensive Tattoos and Crop Tops Not Allowed Onboard

Passengers flying on Spirit Airlines will now have to ensure they are properly covered up.

The airline quietly updated its contract of carriage, specifying that passengers “shall not be permitted to board the aircraft” if they are “barefoot or inadequately clothed.” Examples of unacceptable attire include see-through clothing, exposed private parts, or outfits deemed lewd, obscene, or offensive. Certain tattoos will also be banned on Spirit aircrafts.

Recent incidents highlight the need for stricter enforcement. In January, Texas passenger John Garcia Jr. was removed for wearing a hoodie with “FVCK HATE WORLD TOUR.” After refusing to take it off, Garcia was escorted off the flight, only to wear the same hoodie on his rescheduled trip without issue.

“It caught me totally by surprise,” he told the San Antonio Express-News.

Similarly, in October 2024, passengers Tara Kehidi and Teresa Araujo were booted off their flight for wearing crop tops. The friends, initially dressed in sweaters and pants, removed layers due to the heat. They claimed the situation escalated when a flight attendant demanded they cover up or be removed, leading to their exit from the plane without a refund.

“It’s just humiliating… We wasted our time, money, and dignity,” Tara told DailyMail.com.

Spirit Airlines justifies these actions under its 60-page contract of carriage, which passengers agree to upon booking. The airline maintains that these standards ensure a comfortable environment for all travelers.

As a precaution, customers should bring a sweater in the event they are asked to cover up or conceal inappropriate body art.