Two women recently faced a shocking incident on a Spirit Airlines flight, leading to their removal over alleged dress code violations.
On October 4, 2024, Teresa Araujo, 34, and her friend Tara Kehidi boarded a flight from Los Angeles to New Orleans to celebrate Tara’s birthday. Both women opted for comfortable outfits—crop tops, jeans, and sweaters—suitable for a lengthy flight. However, shortly after boarding, they were approached by a male flight attendant who demanded they cover up.
In a series of viral TikTok videos, Araujo recounted how the attendant, identified as “Jay,” insisted they put on their sweaters to cover their chests. Despite the warm conditions on the plane, the women attempted to comply but expressed discomfort. When Araujo removed her sweater to cool off, the attendant escalated the situation, leading to their ejection from the aircraft.
Witnesses on board supported the women, expressing disbelief over the attendant’s behavior. As the incident gained attention, Spirit Airlines announced an investigation, referencing their “Contract of Carriage,” which allows the airline to deny boarding for passengers deemed “inadequately clothed” or wearing “lewd, obscene, or offensive” attire.
Following their removal, the women reported that they had to purchase new tickets costing approximately $1,000 to continue their journey. Araujo later confirmed that Spirit Airlines offered them free tickets for their return trip, but the experience left them traumatized. On their next flight, wearing the same outfits, they faced no issues from the staff, leading them to believe they were specifically targeted by the attendant.
The situation has sparked widespread debate over airline dress codes, with many questioning the appropriateness of the crew’s actions. Spirit Airlines continues to investigate the matter while the women advocate for clearer guidelines regarding acceptable clothing on flights.