I flew Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) a few days ago. It happened to be
9-11. I have to tell you, I thought about it for about a minute. Was I safe on an airplane on September 11th? Fortunately, Southwest Airlines charged me an airport security fee and I knew I could count on those TSA people, so I immediately had no worries. Equally fortunate was that I also was tastefully dressed in some baggy cargo shorts, a loose T-shirt and flip flops.
I have to hand it to some of the folks at Southwest Airlines. Their concern is not only for our physical safety but also our sense of appropriate fashion. In their zeal to protect us, certain flight attendants on Southwest have asked 
passengers to disembark or cover-up due to violations of what they considered inappropriate clothing. Take note of two separate instances where women passengers were singled out for wearing “lewd and offensive” outfits.
You be the judge.
Setara Qassim, in a lovely Kelly green halter dress was required to wear a blanket on her trip aboard Southwest from 
Kyla Ebbert, in a white denim mini-skirt, white T and a sweater – again green, was in her seat ready to
fly when she was told she would have to get off the plane because of her provocative clothing. Kyla, a college student was flying from
This contract spells out all the rules and regulations associated with flying on Southwest. I have never read it until today. It includes reasons why Southwest can deny a passenger carriage on its airline. On page 10 of the contract, as part of item 10. Refusal to Transport, you will see listed under sub-paragraph F (1)
F. Comfort and Safety - Carrier may refuse to transport or remove from the aircraft at any point any passenger in the following categories as may be necessary for the comfort or safety of such passenger or other passengers:
(1) Persons whose conduct is or has been known to be disorderly, abusive, offensive, threatening, intimidating, or violent, or whose clothing is lewd, obscene, or patently offensive;
I firmly believe however, that the flight attendant misapplied said policy. Just in case you don’t have the inclination to read further in the Contract of Carriage, you can also get bounced off Southwest Airlines if a flight attendant catches you
- going barefoot
- emmiting offensive odor
- in a state of intoxication
- selling tickets
- being really fat
- lying
- being younger that 14-days old without a physican’s permission to fly
- Smoking
- Wearing green (just kidding)
The blogosphere and others (including a report by NBC’s Today Show) have had plenty to say about this.
The Spoof pointed out that
“eye-candy [is] now contraband food item on all flights.”
CelebrityInsider – photonews posted the photos and the warning,
“So girls, women, ladies be careful what you wear when making a flight or you could become known as a sexy flier and get banned.”
Whether Al Qaeda or college girls wearing summer outfits, once an act of evil like this happens, you have to worry about copy cats. Given all this talk in the media about short skirts and halter tops, the floodgates may have been opened for young women everywhere to try and sneak on Southwest planes wearing summer fashion. So, fellow citizens, keep your eye out for college girls wearing tube tops, tank tops, hot pants, baby doll dresses, short skirts and mini skirts.
I know I will.
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