Did you know that when you purchase an airline ticket, you’re actually agreeing to the airline’s Contract of Carriage, a legally binding agreement that covers everything from compensation for lost luggage to what happens if your flight is delayed? What you may not realize is that it also dictates how passengers should dress and behave and outlines the consequences for violating these terms.
These days, we’re inundated with stories about passengers behaving badly on airplanes or dressing inappropriately. Earlier this week, there was the story of two California women who say they were removed from a Spirit Airlines plane for wearing crop tops.
Each incident needs to be looked at individually to determine who is in the right and who is in the wrong. But it’s important to remember that before you even step foot on the aircraft, you are bound by the terms of the airline’s Contract of Carriage, which you agreed to when you purchased your ticket.
Here’s what the major U.S. airlines require regarding attire and behavior.

American Airlines
American Airlines’ Contract of Carriage includes basic guidelines about appropriate attire. Passengers must be dressed in a manner that does not offend or disrupt other travelers. Specifically, bare feet and offensive clothing are prohibited. If you’re found violating these dress codes, you could be denied boarding or removed from the flight. Disruptive behavior, including refusing to follow crew instructions, could also result in removal or further legal consequences. Read American Airlines’ Contract of Carriage here.

United Airlines
United Airlines requires passengers to be “properly clothed” and prohibits attire deemed lewd, obscene, or offensive. Bare feet are also not allowed. Violators could face refusal of transport, removal from the aircraft, or further disciplinary actions. Similarly, any disruptive or unruly behavior could result in serious consequences, such as being banned from future flights. Read United Airlines’ Contract of Carriage here.
Delta Air Lines
Delta’s Contract of Carriage states that passengers may be denied boarding or removed if their attire or hygiene creates discomfort for others. Bare feet are not allowed unless medically necessary. Additionally, behavior that poses a risk or annoyance to other passengers can lead to refusal of transport, making it crucial to follow crew instructions at all times. Read Delta Air Lines’ Contract of Carriage here.

Southwest Airlines
While Southwest doesn’t have a strict dress code, passengers engaging in lewd or obscene behavior—including inappropriate clothing—may be denied boarding or removed from the flight. The airline may also refuse service to passengers acting disruptively or offensively. If you’re dressed or behaving inappropriately, the airline can legally prevent you from flying. Read Southwest Airlines’ Contract of Carriage here.

Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines doesn’t allow passengers who are barefoot or inadequately clothed. Clothing considered lewd, obscene, or offensive can result in denial of boarding. Violations of these terms can lead to removal from the flight or even potential legal consequences if the behavior escalates. Read Spirit Airlines’ Contract of Carriage here.

JetBlue
JetBlue prohibits passengers from boarding if their attire or conduct is deemed disorderly, offensive, or lewd. This includes anyone over the age of five being barefoot. If you’re not in compliance, JetBlue reserves the right to refuse transport for the safety and comfort of all passengers. Like other airlines, any form of disruptive behavior can lead to removal from the aircraft. Read JetBlue’s Contract of Carriage here.

Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines may refuse transport to passengers whose attire, hygiene, or behavior could cause offense or annoyance. Bare feet are specifically mentioned as grounds for denial of boarding. They also take a firm stance on disruptive passengers and can remove individuals if their actions pose a threat to the safety or comfort of others. Read Alaska Airlines’ Contract of Carriage here.

Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines outlines that passengers may be denied boarding if they are barefoot or wearing inappropriate clothing. They emphasize the importance of adhering to crew instructions. Passengers who engage in disruptive behavior can face serious consequences, including refusal of transport and potential legal action. Read Frontier Airlines Contract of Carriage here.
Airline contracts of carriage cover far more than just dress code and behavior expectations; they include the airline’s rules regarding check-in, schedule changes, baggage and much more. So, the next time you travel, make sure you read through the airline’s list of rules so you know what you’re agreeing to when you fly with them and remember, contracts of carriage are living documents, which mean that they are continually edited and updated to reflect new information.
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