United Airlines faces criticism over barring girls with leggings
US carrier United Airlines has come in for criticism after it would not allow two girls to board a plane on Sunday because they were wearing leggings.
United Continental Holdings Inc.
$51.42
13:09 18/04/24
The airline, which is part of United Continental Holdings, sparked anger on social media following the decision to deny entry to the girls at Denver International Airport.
United defended the decision to not let the girls board the plane, after it was first reported by passenger Shannon Watts via Twitter. It said that the passengers had booked to fly through the company's special pass for employees and guests and were subject to a distinct policy.
"When taking advantage of this benefit, all employees and pass riders are considered representatives of United. And like most companies, we have a dress code that we ask employees and pass riders to follow," United said in a statement.
According to the company’s policy, "pass riders should use good judgment and common sense" and avoid clothing which could be seen as "inappropriately revealing".
United faced a barrage of disapproval on Twitter after it attempted to clarify its position.
Actress and activist Patricia Arquette said that the policy was sexist and questioned whether United had any similar regulations towards male travellers.
"Leggings are business attire for 10 year olds. Their business is being children," she tweeted.