Delta Removes Passengers for Not Adhering to a Dress Code
A woman has recently shared an embarrassing story of being asked to leave a Delta flight for something she thought no one would notice.
Multiple women have reported that flight attendants and ticketing agents have denied them access to their flights because of certain dress code measures in place.
The Issue in Question
The troubling issue with the dress code being brought up is that they have disallowed women from flying for allegedly not wearing a bra.
![A busy airport with many people walking in different directions. A large sign shows multiple locations in the airport](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/04/b30d3eb1-screenshot-2024-04-09-173433.jpg)
Source: Skitterphoto
One woman claims she was targeted by the airline in an uncomfortable and unfair way.
Customers Are Being Humiliated by the Airline
The victim, Lisa Archbold, says she was called out for not wearing the undergarment during her flight in March.
![A woman walks on a bridge with a large silver rolling suitcase and a green backpack](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/04/74c25bd1-screenshot-2024-04-09-173448.jpg)
Source: Shutter2U/Canva
She says she felt like a “spectacle” being escorted off the plane for what she deemed was a perfectly acceptable outfit: blue jeans and a white t-shirt.
Delta’s New Contract of Carriage Terms
As of March 12, 2024, Delta has released news rules that govern the code of conduct for customers.
![A white airplane with a red stripe takes off into a blue sky](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/04/5fd8d3cf-screenshot-2024-04-09-173504.jpg)
Source: swisshippo/Getty Images
The new rules allow the airline to remove any passenger who does not comply with what they deem to be appropriate clothing.
Specifics That Will Get You Kicked off a Delta Flight
Some of the rules that will get a passenger kicked off the flight include their conduct or “condition” along with ability to comply with their carriage terms.
![The inside of a large plane cabin with empty blue seats and open overhead bins under light blue lighting](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/04/d4287896-screenshot-2024-04-09-173518.jpg)
Source: Gagliardi Photography/Canva
Within the terms, they outline a specific dress code that some people say only targets women.
New Dress Code Is Very Specific
The dress code states that a passenger must be wearing shoes but that they can be taken off mid-flight.
![The aisle of a plane with passengers sitting in each seat](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/04/bb68078f-screenshot-2024-04-09-173536.jpg)
Source: Suhyeon Choi/Unsplash
However, more rules stipulate that customers can be refused on a flight if their conduct, attire, hygiene, or odor causes a reasonable risk to other passengers.
Getting Kicked off Due to Clothing Choice
When Archbold went to the Salt Lake City Airport in January, she had no idea she was going to be targeted and humiliated by Delta staff.
![A group of passengers depart a small plane with blue seats](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/04/95d0ccd1-screenshot-2024-04-09-173553.jpg)
Source: Ina Carolino/Unsplash
Once the entire plane was seated, a flight attendant approached Archbold and asked to speak to her in private.
Archbold Told to Cover Up
She was told by a gate agent that the outfit in question was “offensive or revealing.”
![A young woman wearing a black face mask, gold hoop earrings, and a white tank top leaves an airport while rolling a suitcase](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/04/1b3372fc-screenshot-2024-04-09-173611.jpg)
Source: Atoms/Unsplash
Archbold was then informed that she would be allowed to fly but only if she put on another shirt over what she was wearing; a plain white t-shirt.
Male Passengers Are Not Held to the Same Standard
The customer noted that men are not held to the same standard when attempting to gain access to a flight.
![A man sits in his seat on a plane with the sun setting in the background seen through the window](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/04/2de6c319-screenshot-2024-04-09-173625.jpg)
Source: Bambi Corro/Unsplash
A man could easily wear a worn through or see through t-shirt and would not be asked to cover up during the flight.
Achbold’s Attorney Fighting Back
Gloria Allred, Archbold’s representative, noted that at the time of being escorted off the plane, the rules simply stated that only guests who present a clear safety risk can be removed.
![A man sits on a flight while reading work documents](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/04/effcec99-screenshot-2024-04-09-173639.jpg)
Source: Mpumelelo Macu/Unsplash
Archbold knows she did not pose a safety risk due to being braless on the flight.
Flying in Comfort
As many women have noted because of this story, flying is uncomfortable, and people often dress down to make the journey a little nicer.
![A man sits on a small plane while wearing a t-shirt and a baseball hat](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/04/22c37a48-screenshot-2024-04-09-173653.jpg)
Source: Chase Fade/Unsplash
Undergarments like wire bras can be constricting and uncomfortable. Many people opt to wear sweatpants and hoodies to stay comfortable.
No Plans for a Lawsuit
While Archbold feels as though she was wronged by the flight attendants that day, she has no plans to sue the airline.
![A flight attendant wearing a red suit jacket and stands in the entrance of the plane](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/04/98f9f542-screenshot-2024-04-09-173711.jpg)
Source: Jacky Watt/Unsplash
Instead, she has stated she simply wants a sit-down meeting with the president of Delta Airlines to clarify the policies and try to ensure other women will not feel discriminated against.