I think the public has an obligation to monitor itself. If you are inappropriately dressed, yes the airline should be able to remove a passenger. Was this particular individual dressed inappropriately, it didn't appear so in the picture I saw, but again, if her skirt was short enough that you could see her underwear, if she was in fact wearing any, then she should have been removed. I don't think we need to be subjected to individuals like Paris and Brittany who choose to dress inappropriately. If you feel you need that much attention, see a shrink.

Posted By Brenda on September 13, 2007, 1:29 PM

Shame?!?! I'm sorry but I highly doubt this woman, who would wear something that shows her underwear, is easily shamed. Give me a break!

Posted By Jill on September 13, 2007, 1:40 PM

If you don't like what you see, don't look! Why can't people just mind their own business?

Posted By Jen on September 13, 2007, 1:54 PM

Oh, the irony. In the 1970s, Southwest dressed its stewardesses in hot pants and called itself "the LUV airline." If the airline wants their customers to cover up, they should blast the air conditioning.

Posted By Suzanne McElfresh on September 13, 2007, 2:21 PM

Hey Jen -sorry but thats nonsense. If you don't like what you see-then its too late- you've already looked!!!

Posted By Neil on September 13, 2007, 2:28 PM

The woman in the green dress is NOT dressed inappropriately. Please notice that both women are "full-figured." Would they have been pulled off the plane if they were not as well-endowed???? If I were a lawyer, I'd be calling these women right now! Sexual discrimination!

Posted By worldwide on September 13, 2007, 3:45 PM

As an airline employee, specifically of the airline involved, I am so tired of hearing about this "poor, picked on girl". First, there are two sides to every story and I don't feel she was completely honest about the way she was wearing that outfit. I heard she had the shirt pulled up and the skirt pulled down exposing her entire midriff and pelvic bones. An airplane is not a nightclub and even though we serve drinks, it is not a bar. Dress appropriately. I am tired of seeing everybody's body parts no matter their size. Second, SWA is a business and is responsible to all passengers including the one that complained about her outfit. As any business they can reserve the right to refuse anyone. I have never seen an employee address a problem with a passenger ON the aircraft. It is always done in the jetway. Perhaps the reason the entire aiplane was staring at her wasn't because they overheard her "dressing down" but because she was dressed like that. DUH! Third, have you seen this girl's myspace page? Her heroes are Jenna Jameson (the porn star) and Paris Hilton (who has her own issues with decency). Enough said about that. Please let's move on from this whole blown-out-of-proportion, juvenile, waste-of-time, fame-seeking, and ludicrous ordeal.

Posted By Wendy on September 13, 2007, 7:46 PM

These women seem to think dressing like a prostitute is perfectly acceptable. Even after the ditz in green adjusted her clothes, her private parts were still not private unless she rested her hands in her lap. The other idiot was wearing a dress so short she couldn't sit down without her private parts showing. Neither of these women have any sense. I'd give it two months before one or the other or even both will be in Playboy or Hustler or Girls Gone Wild.

Posted By Lisa on September 14, 2007, 7:16 AM

You know it is a shame, when an airline like this starts to object to certain outfits. When it was build on hot pants and attractive crew members when it first starting flying out of Dallas. How soon we forget our roots. Yes, you should not expose your private parts but again, who said the airlines are the judge and jury on approiate dress.

Posted By Chester Cosby on September 17, 2007, 1:07 PM

All I can say is that these SWA agents must not have ever flown the weekend to Vegas routes from Burbank or LAX. That's the stripper, bachelor/ette, guy/girl-getaway routes. You say a whole lot shorter, lower plunging, tighter clothes than what they're calling offensive here. No one I know complains, we take it all in and enjoy the fashion show - it's quite entertaining.

Posted By Katy on September 17, 2007, 1:10 PM

Would the very short/brief attire be considered something of a safety concern? I've always been told that cotton/linen slacks or similar attire were the best and safest attire in case of emergency as polyester and other miracle fabrics tend to melt and become a real hazard in fire. I would think that bare skin on a "slide" situation would be MOST uncomfortable! and a bit of a safety problem. What has happened to common sense?

Posted By Libbie K. Landers on September 17, 2007, 1:25 PM

Thank you Southwest Air for taking a stand for decency. How refreshing!
The media has us believing that we are prudes if we choose to cover up. Thank you again. I feel secure with people like you.

Posted By anne on September 17, 2007, 1:30 PM

I once was on a flight with a girl on whose shirt was printed the message (in large inyourface type) f** you to f**ing f** (though unredacted). The girl was getting nasty with the flight attendant, but the attendant (working by herself on a small RJ) bent over backwards to be nice - probably not wanting to appear stodgy. I never said anything, but if I'd had one of my kids, I would have asked that something be done. Passengers have no right to be offensive to other passengers, and that includes exposing body parts (this is directed to the guy on Qantas in June whos hairy crack I had to see everytime he reached into the overhead compartment for 14 straight hours). Gross!

Posted By Jen on September 17, 2007, 1:31 PM

If all it takes to get another passenger kicked off the plane for crimes of fashion is to complain to the gate attendant, then I will exercise that right. After all, I am appalled by the bright nylon tracksuits, rubber flip-flops and trucker hats worn by many travelers today. Next time I'm going request that passengers wearing such items be removed from the plane, as they offend my aesthetic sensibilities.

Posted By Cheryl on September 17, 2007, 1:31 PM

What about the children on these flights? Should they be exposed to such inappropriate dress? I think not!!!

Posted By TJ Hatfield on September 17, 2007, 1:36 PM

Frankly, I'm tired of flying with people that look like slobs. That includes 50, 60 year old men and women who are 50, 60 pounds overweight, wearing shorts and flip-flops. Kids in crummy t-shirts, crotch-low jeans and midriff baring tops. How about showing a little class when you're out in public? Dress the way you want the world to see you. I'm sure the employees at the airports and your fellow travelors would appreciate it.

Posted By Jackie on September 17, 2007, 1:37 PM

All airlines can easily solve the scantily clad or inappropriate dresser by turning on the Air Conditioner. They may need to have a few extra blankets on hand...but the cooler temps will solve the problem.

Posted By Andrea on September 17, 2007, 1:47 PM

Whose sense of decency are we going to enforce? Should we immediately go to the most rigid rules and make women wear veils?

Posted By Duane on September 17, 2007, 1:47 PM

No one likes to be told what to do or that what they are doing is unacceptible or indecent. It all comes down to morals and America is slipping in that catagory big time. I think an emphasis should at the very least be made to try and consider the old saying "my rights end where your rights begin and vice versa." We all have the right to do what we want but we also know that if we choose to do something that offends others we have to deal with the consiquences. I suppose it is possible that these two young women truly believe that everyone wants to see their private parts. The real wakeup call might be the realization that no one cares, that they are really not that different. I mean there are only 2 sexes on the planet so far, men and women. Baring any defect or tragic accident we all have the same parts men and women respectively. The NICE part about us is we pretty much all agree that it's not nice to show your specifec private parts to EVERYONE! Save it for someone special. As for minding my own business, it is my business if you come into my space and offend me. As for short shorts and the airlines, check out some of the old photos, they do not expose private parts. As for the adolescent minds that have commented that they don't see what's wrong with it, GROW UP! No one is asking for them to become Nuns, only that they develope a healthy amount of self respect. And please, anyone else showing hairy hines, please cover those too! I agree.. ewww!

Posted By Patty on September 17, 2007, 1:51 PM

I do not believe the majority of people defending SWA here. I'm sorry, but even if these women were dressed "trashy", who made that a crime, and who made a flight attendant the judge and jury? I have flown many, many miles sitting next to people who were dirty, smelly, drunk, or otherwise objectionable. it's a diverse world, people ... deal with it. As long as no private parts are exposed, get over it.

Today they harass these gals. Next week it could be you because someone ... anyone thinks your top is too tight; your shorts too short; because you aren't wearing a bra; because of anything they darn well please. If it's not illegal, it's not eleigible for discriminatory treatment.

No, being a private company gives you no protection when you are chartered by the government as a public carrier. In a court, these women win millions, hands down.

Posted By Dave on September 17, 2007, 2:07 PM

Good for SWA! I'm sorry they are getting the bad publicity. Women are dressing more and more provocatively in public. Some of us don't want to see it. Thank you for enforcing a dress code on your plane when we are in close quarters, since there's nothing we can do about how others dress in public.

Posted By Carin on September 17, 2007, 2:22 PM

I am VERY happy they are standing up for decency. They do have a right to be judge and jury as it is THEIR airline. I travel a lot by air and yes I get sick of people dressing so sloppy and and half naked.

Who cares if SWA USED to do something? They don't any more.... they have changed (for the better) their ways. That is the good part.

Morality and decency is just flying out the window in USA. I enjoy being countries where covering up is a GOOD thing. (No I don't mean with a burka)

I hope to see more airlines doing this. Of course it is not talking about flip flops or funky hats or polyester suits that are bright green. We are talking about showing your skin.

Posted By JEWEL on September 17, 2007, 2:24 PM

shame on her...why the american tourists are always the worst dress people at the airports..? where it's our pride ? please let's have some decency at least in public

Posted By lissette beltran on September 17, 2007, 2:32 PM

When my daughter and I fly, we dress comfortably and make sure we are showered and refreshed in case we run into the complications of delayed flights. Having traveled internationally, we are sensitive to other people's value systems and try to dress and behave responsibly where ever we are. I am really amazed at how inconsiderate people can be in the air. I would consider low-cut attire to be inappropriate travel attire. And with some of the short skirts I have seen and possible lack of underwear, a poor hygiene
situation may result. (Uncovered pathological coughs are also in that category.) Please, people, we are living in a world with diverse individuals, but let's use some common sense and find some common ground.

Posted By Kira on September 17, 2007, 2:34 PM

Unless it is a case of public exposure, SWA does not have the right to make arbitrary decisions regarding what is and isn't appropriate clothing. If they want to create a dress code that passengers are required to follow, great. Then, consumers can decide whether or not they want to travel with SWA.
Otherwise, saying people can't wear skimpy(but still legal) clothing is like saying women need to shave their armpits if they're wearing tank tops or that extremely well-endowed women can only show a "decent" amount of cleavage. Who decides?

Posted By Gen on September 17, 2007, 2:38 PM

First, the fact they are selecting young women raises a flag for me. Young women are probably about the least likely to assert themselves and they are assumed to not be as sophisticated and to be submissive, and to be poorer (read: occasional flyer so okay to alienate). I bet they wouldn't have said anything to a middle-aged woman, or a man of any age. I will bet neither of these two women had frequent flyer accounts with the airline.

I didn't see the 2nd person but I didn't think the 1st woman was inappropriate at all. Who is going to be the judge here - I mean, if the flight attendant was Muslim and wanted to enforce covering up according to hejab, is THAT okay? What about if the flight attendant is Jewish or Christian and fundamentalist, and wanted to enforce their own standards of modesty which could include head covering, long sleeves and/or nothing above the knee - is THAT okay? Frankly people are more or less revealing in their clothing choices based on where they live, their religious dictates, etc. and who is to judge? There is a legally enforceable standard already set, and if the airline wants to take it to another extreme then they need to make a point that their standards are different from the legal norm.

Frankly, any other issues about either of the two women are completely irrelevant and people just want to spout off for their own personal reasons. Who CARES what their MySpace pages say or what their aspirations are or were? They are kids, for Pete's sake! I wonder what your MySpace page would have said when you were 21? And to say "I expect to see them on Girls Gone Wild" next week is just insulting and demeaning - which is what I think the employees were trying to be, as well, whether it's because you feel threatened by them or what I don't know, but again, it's completely irrelevant. If they were Playboy models it wouldn't matter, nor would it matter if they were the granddaughters of Tammy Faye Messner.

As to the safety issue: I agree that miniskirts, like polyester, would be terrible in an emergency, but men wear shorts all the time for flying (as do women) - this is a huge American thing to do in summer and in warm areas, and I can't imagine an airline mandating that people wear only pants made of natural fibers and rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes to board the aircraft.

How about the airlines do something about real problems, like people who bring their kids on board and then do nothing to stop them when they inflict their yelling, kicking, screaming attitudes on the captive rest of us for five hours? Or people who recline their seats back so far that you literally cannot move in your own seat?

Posted By Valerie on September 17, 2007, 3:02 PM

Are children ever present on these flights? I take it, the answer is "yes." Then, definitely, for every flight there should be enforced limits on just how risque some ditz dares to be. No matter how turned off or on anyone else might be by suggestive flaunting of body parts, puleeeze give kids a break.

Posted By Catherine on September 17, 2007, 3:07 PM

Because you are "white" you can wear what pleases you/ thank God she was not black, as she would have been hung by the nooses in the trees in Jena, La I think if you respect yourself you will dress as a LADY. why would you wear something that short? what if you were in an accident on the plane?

Posted By Jones, GL on September 17, 2007, 3:07 PM

SWA hasn't been hurt by this. They are making the most of it, at least here in Dallas, with radio ads apologising to Kyla and offering her free tickets as well as lower rate specials to the public. SWA is also reminding everyone of their "hotpants" beginnings. News here reports that Kyla has hired an attorny and a publicist. SWA couldn,t buy this type of publicity. I won't be surprised if it come out later that it was all a publicity stunt in the first place.

Posted By Bill on September 17, 2007, 3:31 PM

I am sooo relieved to see that there are other people (and businesses) in this country who feel disgusted with the way some shameless members of the female sex appropriate the right for themselves to dress (or undress) in public! I quite agree that there should be dress codes for covering yourself suitably when appearing in public. I was present once when two passengers were refused permission to deboard in Malawi for a stop during a flight from Brittain to South Africa, because they were not 'decent': he had long hair tied in the back, and she had on a pair of shorts! One shudders to think what might have happened to them had she been dressed like the young 'lady' in this incident...

Posted By M. Elizabeth Theron on September 17, 2007, 4:13 PM

If an airline is going to enforce a dress code, then they had better let people know what the dress code is ahead of time. If they don't have an official policy published where everybody can see it, then they should not be any stricter than the communities on both ends of the flight. If they can be arrested in either community for the way they dress, then they can be refused boarding or be asked to cover up.

I don't wear a jacket and necktie while travelling, but I prefer to at least wear a polo shirt and non-jeans casual slacks. But that is the way I prefer to dress and I don't believe in making other people look just like me. If they are legal, either leave them alone or make sure everybody knows the rules when they buy a ticket.

Posted By Duane on September 17, 2007, 4:49 PM

THANK YOU Southwest! One more reason I LUV this airline.

I trust SW's employees to act objectively and for the sake of everyone on board.

I hope the message gets out: you will be asked to modify your behavior/dress or get off the plane if you cannot control yourself or present yourself respectfully.

I paid too much for my seat to put up with such nonsense. It's not a restaurant where I can just get up and leave.

Thanks SW!

Posted By Bill on September 17, 2007, 4:59 PM

I would never appear undressed or semi-nude in public. Not overly modest, but I wouldn't want anyone to break the 10th Commandment; Thou shall not covet thy neighbors goods.

Posted By Ken on September 17, 2007, 5:26 PM

She was advertising. Now courtesy of the media, she has a larger market.

Posted By Tom Krajewski on September 17, 2007, 7:10 PM

I say horray for Southwest Airlines. If these women do not have enough self respect to dress properly, then I applaud the airlines for taking this stand. I am so tired o seeing women falling out the fronts of their clothes, and hanging out the back! Didn't their mothers teach them anything. But, oh yes, it is sometimes the mothers dressing this way! Keep up the good work Southwest!

Posted By Jeanette Abbott on September 17, 2007, 7:42 PM

Wow, I can't believe you people. I really don't see anything wrong with what this girl is wearing. There are continual mentions in this thread of "decency," but I'm just not seeing it. Others have already made the relevant points - if there's a dress code, Southwest has to publish it. If there's not a dress code, then all this amounts to is an arbitrary act against a random passenger. I'm not thrilled at the idea of y'all being able to enforce your "right" to tell everyone else how to dress. It's like you've just been waiting to jump out of the 1950s and dress everybody.

Posted By Erin on September 17, 2007, 8:46 PM

If they can throw someone off of a plane for what they are wearing, why can't they throw fat people off the plane that haven't paid for 2 seats? I've had more than one horrible fight because of this. I've also complined and the reponse I get is "it's a sensitive issue". If I were them, I would see the lawyer above!

Posted By Jan on September 17, 2007, 10:30 PM

One person was offended by a person's clothing choice, and caused this furor. Yet, when someone recently expressed concern over suspicious activity in a boarding area which could possibly affect the safety of the entire aircraft, those who reported their concerns became the target of criticism. What is wrong with this "picture"???

Posted By K. Diana on September 17, 2007, 11:31 PM

Hurray for Southwest!!!! About time someone had the courage to stand up for proper attire. Seems the attitude is the more we show the more attention we get. What happened to common sense. You can undress in your bedroom but put some clothes on when you leave. Thanks Southwest!!! I will always fly Southwest if they keep this policy.

Posted By Carole Watson on September 18, 2007, 12:11 AM

Inappropriate clothing is not something anyone should be subjected to on a plane. If women or men (baggy pants showing underwear)etc. don't have any sense of self worth and decency why should the rest of us be subjected to their mental health issues displayed in their clothing choices.
As to the idiots who probably weren't around when it was being done, the hot pants Southwest wore were not indecent. They covered all the bits and were cute, not provocative. It was a fashion of the times that many were wearing.
I hope the other airlines take note and take issue with inappropriate attire. or could it be some of the full fare line may have their nose out of joint because Southwest is so successful with out all the draconian charges and surcharges imposed by the big airlines. Keep up the good work Southwest. I LUV you.

Posted By BJ on September 18, 2007, 7:49 AM

Since when is Soutwest airline and their minimal intelligent employees, judges of dress style? There are enough sickos out there (read some of the comments on this blog)to allow these people to make these types of judgements. They want to be the holders of TRUTH, their truth...a bit like the Moslem terrorists! If you do not share their views you must be disposed of? If there is to be a dress code to travel let it be known and consumers will then be able to choose who they want to sponsor? I for one would support any airline that made morbidly obese people pay for two seats on an airplane. Soutwest try to do this I believe but backed down to the pressures of the fatties? We are yet in a free country so let the market decide what is appropriate and what is not certainly not a frustrated flight atterndant or airline lackey.

Posted By Raoul Andrews on September 18, 2007, 9:07 AM

If an airline wants to enforce a policy that "protects" the other passengers....Why don't they make passengers wear a mask while on board to protect them from spreading airborne bacteria?

Posted By Sarah on September 18, 2007, 11:21 AM

It is about time!! No, I am not a moselm. No, I am not a prude. No, I am not a fundamentalist. I did not see the second womans attire, but I did see the first one, when she was interviewed by Matt Lauer. Yes the skirt was way to short. While her top might have been covered, the too tight sweater that she had over it! That her mother made the comment that she looked just like any college girl in San Diego, does not say much about the girls in Southern California. A plane is not a night club!!!

Posted By Bob Adams on September 18, 2007, 11:38 AM

I did not see the second woman, but I watched the first one during a TV interview. She was standing, showing off the the outfit in question (and of course, we don't now just how high her skirt had ridden up or how low her top was at the time in question,) but when she sat down her panties were clearly visible until she put her hands in her lap and then crossed her legs. 'Nuf said. And to everyone wearing shorts or very short skirts with bare skin exposed, think of all the bacteria always present on all those seats in terminal and on planes - nearly like sitting on dirty toilet seats. yeecchh.

Posted By joanne on September 18, 2007, 1:53 PM

I think you are missing the point....it is not about the attire of these people...but that these employees thinking they have the right to since 9/11 too push people around about every little thing...on a flight on swa...I watched as an attendant walked up to an older lady who was a little overweight and without a word held up a belt extender with such a look of derision on her face..never said a word just held it there dangling and embarassed this poor lady. She, of course, didn't need it...that wasn't the point, this attendant just wanted to assert her authority...no longer the friendly skies
If people allow this treatment to continue...they may be the next one discriminated against and embarassed. If parents are worried that their little darlings will be traumatized by this lady's dress...please keep them off the beaches until they are at least 21

Posted By Margaret on September 18, 2007, 2:43 PM

SWA and all others should make it clear in their boarding policies before choosing to randomly remove someone they believe inappropriately dressed. I personally would never choose the attire that these women chose to fly in. Forgetting we live in the USA, soldiers are dying daily to protect our freedoms and as a society we allow more and more to become our socially norm. What can we expect when we allow (and sometimes teach by example) our preteens to dress exacly the same or worse, have plastic surg, breast implants, talk trash, have sex, have zero respect for others, ect... We can't pick and choose freedom at will. We either have it or we don't. I don't want to look at her bared body parts so I will look the other way or move to another seat. Make policies and then enforce as needed since these are private companies. But please, if removing scantly clad women, please remove the people with their pants hanging down to their thighs.

Posted By michelle extensive traveler on September 18, 2007, 4:25 PM

People - There is a difference between choosing to wear something offensive to others who are just trying to travel on public transportation, and being offensive to others just because of the color of our skin or the shape of our body.
We should all be mindful of others in close quarters, just to be polite; and to do on to others as we would have others do on to us. I do not want to view strangers private male or female body parts just because I desire to fly to Peoria or Las Vegas.
I do not want to be humiliated because I need a seatbelt extender. I wish that airlines had some wider seats for larger people, not having to purchase 2- $400.00 tickets because I may need 4 inches of a wider seat. Do the airlines sell 1/2 price tickets for children under the age of 8 that only use 1/2 of a seat or weigh less than 75 pounds? Do airlines charge less for passengers with only a small lightweight carry-on, verses people who drag on a carry-on plus 2 heavy bags?

A few years ago I was at the San Antonio airport in the summertime, it was hot and humid, there was a long crowded van ride out to the airport. The airport was "remodeling," it was really torn to he--! I had to carry my bags to a gate that was uphill, hot, dusty, and I swear a mile and a half from the check- in area. By the time I arrived at the gate I was panting, sweating, and I'm sure not smelling daisy fresh, although, I may have been when leaving the hotel that morning.
Give people a break, airline travel is not like we would WISH; it is time consuming, exhausting, expensive, and very often done at times of stress. Be nice to one another, share your bag of grapes with your seat-mate. It is not all about you, we share this globe with a lot of other people, smile and relax. It makes the time go faster, and you may learn something.

Posted By Peg on September 18, 2007, 9:11 PM

I have the feeling that these women are receiving all of the attention they seek. Wendy's comments, on the airline's side of the story, sound like the true story. Common decency and common sense seem to be lacking in a great number of people. Let's not call the lawyers yet!

Posted By Michelle on September 18, 2007, 9:46 PM

I find unseemly body exposure highly offensive. If it's baggy pants riding just above the groin area, semi exposed breasts, navels, crotches with or without underwear-what a message to send about our culture! It looks like the lowest common denominator (accent on common)in our society is now the picture we send to the world. To do nothing and say nothing is a mockery of political correctness. Trashy, vulgar, no class, [people]'-there's a place for them-but not on my plane. I use the term 'plane' in both senses: the physical craft and the sense of living with respect for others. I feel personally insulted when somebody waves their private parts in my face in a public place. Remove them from work, school, public transportation and any place children may frequent.

Posted By mildred bilt on September 19, 2007, 3:06 PM

I think the airline is correct. Although I am 70, I have always been considered a fashionista. I have worn some outrageous things. Remember see through blouses, lace tablecloth dresses, etc.? I wore these with a nude colored body stocking under and they could be seen if you were next to me and...lots of people were.
The earlier minis were cute and flirty. The ones now are skimpy and ill fitting which is part of the problem.
I believe that the two mortal sins are stupidity and bad taste, The wearers of the dresses (skirts) were guilty of both.
Besides, what about the hygiene issues of the wearers and the next passenger in that seat. That is why I have always flown fully covered.
Southwest you did a good and right thing.
Phyllis

Posted By Phyllis McDaniels on September 24, 2007, 12:40 PM

I had a lady come and pull up the arm rest and sit half in her seat and half on me for a four hour flight. I had two people in the seats next to me do things that should have been done in a hotel room. And I have had people go back and forth between four seats and leave the seat back in my face every time for a twelve hour flight. I have seen a woman carried off a flight kicking and screaming only because the airline chose her to remove when it was overbooked and no one else would give up their seat. (She missed her connecting flight to Australia).
I could care less what the girl wears. If she made it through the airport she can make it on the airplane.
The steward(ess) or a lone passenger should not be the one making the call.
Common sense or mind your own business should prevail.

Posted By Tom Spengler on September 24, 2007, 2:20 PM