After Barring Girls for Leggings, United Airlines Defends Decision

[Grammy23]

86. I remember the first time I flew from Mobile, Al to Atlanta.

It was in 1968 on the now defunct airline Southern Airways. I dressed in my Sunday best with stockings (panty hose) and dress shoes. It was a very big deal to fly in those days. I was 17 and could barely conceal my excitement at getting to fly!

As for the stink being raised about the girls and their leggings, someone should have informed their parents of the dress code and probably did. My husband worked for Fed Ex and got the employee benefit of flying stand by or jump seat. The dress code was mentioned every time we got tickets that way. They usually were at a huge discount (90% less) or were free. The dress code was not unreasonable but was strictly enforced. We were told if they had a lot of problems from the non-revenue (free or nearly free) passengers, it jeopardized flying privileges for everyone in the company. So we did our best to comply and never had an issue. Once in a while, if there was space, we'd get bumped up to first class, so it was not all bad. If you treated the gate agents nicely, they had the power to reward you as a fellow airline employee.

The parents were at fault because it is plainly stated that the codes apply to children, too. No, they don't need a coat and tie, but slacks and shirts with regular shoes (not athletic shoes) are fine. Girls can wear dresses, pants and tops, too. Just no ragged clothes or too casual. The leggings were probably regarded as "too casual" especially if they wore a regular length tee shirt that made the outfit more like athletic wear.

If you don't like the rules, buy your ticket the regular way and stop bellyaching about it.