Every location has its own standards of dress, and it’s generally expected to adhere to them. However, the extent to which one can enforce these standards is a matter of debate. A recent incident involving Delta Airlines, a US-based carrier, highlights this issue. In this case, a woman was nearly removed from a flight simply because she wasn’t wearing a bra.
Lisa Archbold, a self-employed DJ, found herself in a distressing situation when she was called to the front of the aircraft just minutes before her flight from Salt Lake City to San Francisco was scheduled to depart. Archbold told Yahoo News Australia that a female crew member reprimanded her for her outfit, deeming it “offensive” and “revealing.” Despite wearing a baggy T-shirt and long pants, she was told she must put on a jacket to remain on the flight.
The incident left Archbold feeling humiliated and discriminated against, particularly as she suspects her sexual orientation may have played a role in the unjust treatment she endured.
“After this long speech, she told me she would allow me to stay on the flight if I put on my jacket,” Archbold admitted.
She further noted that the flight duration was merely an hour and a half, indicating that she wouldn’t have the opportunity to leave her seat again. Archbold emphasised the illogical nature of the crew’s supposed offense regarding her attire, stating, “So whatever offense they were pretending was happening from my nipples, she had just created that offense again, so it wasn’t logic – it was humiliation.”
Archbold disclosed to Yahoo News Australia that she had removed two of her coats at the airport before boarding the plane due to the unexpectedly warm weather in Salt Lake City. Consequently, she hastily put on one of her jackets before returning to her seat.
“I looked like a girl who didn’t care about being dressed like one,” remarked Archbold, who identifies as queer.
Upon disembarking the aircraft upon arrival, Archbold made a deliberate effort to confront one of the male crew members about the situation, citing discrimination. Recalling the exchange, she stated, “He replied verbatim, ‘Our official policy on Delta Airlines is that women must cover-up.’ It’s pretty gross,” underscoring her dissatisfaction with the airline’s stance.
While Delta Airlines has reached out to Archbold and extended their apologies, she asserts that the airline fell short of admitting any wrongdoing, contrary to her expectations.
In response to this incident, there have been calls for airlines to review and revise their dress code policies to better reflect contemporary values of diversity and inclusivity.
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