Hump Day Headline

It seems that on a weekly basis there is always some story in the media worth debating.

As such, we here at Fizzle Pop aim to provide a forum for such discussion. Each Wednesday (Hump Day) we will post a fun story to talk about. Some will catch national attention, most won’t. Either way this should at least be entertaining to read.

Today's Hump Day Headline:

Man Denied First Class Seat on United; Best Buy exec told his outfit was too casual

Should an airline be able to enforce a dress code for certain areas of the cabin? Is it a policy or left to the discretion of the gate agent? In this case, the flyer was using miles to upgrade, but what if he'd paid the full fare of a first class ticket?

Talk amongst yourselves.

 

Comments

[Brent Camara]

How dare he dress casual to fly on a plane. Bow tie and pressed slacks only, you slob! The nerve of that man, I swear.

I'll add this to the list of reasons that I don't like United.

[Kristin Fontanilla]

If he smelled offensive, then.... I'd be a little more inclined to side with UA. However, even if the dude wore a wife beater and skinny jeans, it's no cause not to give the man his ticket. Don't airlines need all the money they can get? And passengers needs to be entertained...

[Tera]

This is similar to our discussion about babies on planes and how flight attendants have "discretion" for choosing who gets to fly and who doesn't. I really do not think airlines should be able to enforce dress codes other than the standard (don't be nude) affair. What then would be laugh at and take photos of at airports? huh??

[Martin]

I completely agree with United while also thinking it's pretty ballsy of them to try and get away with this. I remember my youth when flying was 'special'...when you dressed up for the excursion...when flight attendants were stewardesses and were young, attractive and friendly...when and beverage were served for free to everyone regardless of the section you were sitting in...when visits to the cockpit were regular...pillows and blankets, yup they were readily available...now, flying is like taking the bus...airlines are like Greyhound buses with wings...so thank you United, for trying to bring back some old school style and glamour...now lets see if you can upgrade customer service and the customer experience as well ;)

[Amy (Smitty)]

It is nice to see people dressing up again on flights - I almost wonder if they are trying to get back to the way that air travel used to be where you would dress in your best to get on a flight. I agree though unless the person smells though or is dressed offensively then they don't have the right to deny you access when you've paid for the seat.

[Will]

This really feels like only one side of the story. There's no clear expectation of dress required for first class and airlines know that. This sounds a lot like something else was going on (drunk, unruly, etc.) but he went with "they said my clothes weren't appropriate".

[Katie]

I think the airline has a responsibility to communicate their expectations in advance. If they are going to insist that first class passengers meet a dress code, that information should be communicated at the time of booking. Members of the frequent flyer rewards program should be informed of these expectations as part of regular program communications.

[Noah Banning]

I was thinking the same exact thing as Will. I highly doubt this man was denied a ticket exclusively because of the way he was dressed. I can't count the number of times I have walked past first class to see the stereotypical biker, dressed in head-to-toe denim complete with POW-MIA bandanna seated in one of those spacious luxury recliners. There's more to this story than, "We didn't like the way he was dressed."

[Sydney Siegmeth]

This is the most absurd thing I've ever heard! The fact of the matter is that flights are uncomfortable and pretty unpleasant thanks to the limited customer service you receive on flights now, so I say dress accordingly! If an airline isn't going to treat you like you're first class then you shouldn't have to dress up for the occasion. I agree with Katie, the airlines need to set expectations if they are going to enforce a dress code. I'll be getting on a flight tomorrow and you know I'll be dressed head to toe in Lululemon!