United Airlines has issued a clarification confirming that passengers are allowed to wear leggings in-flight, following an incident in March when two young women were prevented from boarding one of its flights. The episode sparked widespread online backlash, with critics calling the airline’s enforcement of a dress code outdated and unfair.
In its statement, United emphasized: “To our customers … your leggings are welcome!” The airline explained that the two women involved were traveling as “pass riders” — friends or relatives of United employees who receive the benefit of free or heavily discounted travel — and therefore were subject to a separate dress code that applies to employees and those using company benefit travel.
According to United, the two pass riders were denied boarding at the gate for a Denver (DEN) to Minneapolis (MSP) flight because they were wearing leggings, while a third person was asked to change before being permitted to board. Video and posts about the incident circulated on Twitter and quickly attracted attention.
United’s full message stressed the airline’s expectation that employees and pass riders represent the company when using employee benefits. The airline explained that the dress code exists because employees and those traveling on their privileges are considered representatives of United. The statement said the passengers involved were not compliant with the dress code for company benefit travel and reminded staff regularly that friends and family traveling as standby pass riders should adhere to the policy.
The airline also made a clear distinction for regular ticketed customers, reiterating that leggings are acceptable for typical passengers. United’s clarification sought to address the public response by reaffirming the policy’s scope and reminding employees of their responsibilities when assigning benefit travel.
While the clarification reassures most travelers that casual wear such as leggings is permitted on regular tickets, the incident highlights the difference in expectations applied to employee benefit travel. United’s message underlines that pass riders travel under specific rules intended to maintain the airline’s public image when employees extend their privileges to others.
The controversy renewed discussion around dress codes, fairness, and how airlines apply different standards to different passenger groups. United’s statement aimed to resolve confusion by making clear who the dress code covers and reaffirming that the general traveling public may wear leggings on flights.