According to a GO Airport Express survey, about 21 percent of travelers believe airlines can and should ask passengers to change their attire before boarding. The survey was prompted by a high-profile Southwest Airlines incident in which a passenger was denied boarding because of her clothing. By contrast, 31 percent of respondents said travelers should be free to dress however they choose, and another 21 percent reported no opinion on the matter.
The survey results also revealed a gender difference: a larger share of men than women supported airlines enforcing dress codes. Respondents who favored dress regulations often added qualifiers—many said carriers should publish clear, specific dress policies if they plan to enforce them, while others felt rules should be limited to situations where clothing is unsafe, disruptive, or inappropriate for children.
Overall, the findings suggest that most travelers prioritize reaching their destinations over policing others’ attire. “These results indicate travelers care most about getting to where they are going and are not paying attention, or caring, what others are wearing at the airport or on a plane,” said John McCarthy, president of GO Airport Express. He advised passengers who are concerned about dress restrictions to review individual airline policies before travel.
