No fly for wearing leggings

Photo: Twitter

United Airlines found itself in a tight spot over the weekend.

Two teenage girls who were wearing leggings were not allowed to board a plane on Sunday due to not following “dress code policy for company benefit travel.”

A traveller who witnessed the incident took to Twitter. The ordeal started when a gate agent wouldn’t let the girls on the flight from Denver to Minneapolis.

“This behaviour is sexist and sexualizes young girls. Not to mention that the families were mortified and inconvenienced,” said Shannon Watts.

Three girls were wearing leggings but two of them were told not to board, according to Watts.

United Airlines responded on Twitter saying, “We appreciate you being our eyes and ears. The customers this morning were Unity pass travellers.”

“I don't care what kind of passengers they were,” said Watts.

A flurry of messages followed on social media about the incident.

The company issued a statement saying that pass riders were not in compliance with their dress code and said “to our regular customers, your leggings are welcome.”

According to their dress code, form-fitting lycra/spandex tops, pants and dresses are unacceptable in any cabin.