https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/26/us/united-airlines-leggings.html
Looks like a PR fiasco to me.
The key part if the article is the point about them traveling on an employee pass. I have a good friend who is an employee and she had previously mention to me how strict they are about appearance and behavior of employees and family traveling on the employee pass. The rules are pretty clear.
It really shouldn’t be a PR fiasco. These were free tickets that had requirements attached to them. Not that I particularly agree with the requirements, especially since the men in shorts were allowed, but the guidelines did say no lycra or leggings.
I don’t really know why the employee pass has a separate dress code, but that’s certainly United’s prerogative. Employees utilizing the pass for themselves or family really should know and abide by the rules for what is essentially a benefit to them at their employer’s cost.
It’s their right to have ridiculous, sexist rules. It’s our right to find other airlines to fly on.
All airlines have dress code restrictions for employee passes. They are actually much more lenient than they used to be. These girls are flying for next to nothing. Follow the rules. My guess is the employee is going to be pretty ticked at them because it could jeopardize the right to that benefit, which is a pretty good one and a perk most employees cherish. Dumb move to make noise about it.
I get what y’all are saying, but we’re talking about little kids. Not like it was the actual employee, the parent, I mean c’mon. Why embarrass a little girl.
I’m a big feminist but all this sexist BS is twisting the facts here. Had a male child or adult using an employee pass been wearing flip flops, sweatpants, leggings or any other clothing item, they would be subject to the same policy.
If these girls were traveling with adults, the adults should know better. If they were traveling alone, then if they are old enough to travel alone, they are old enough to know and abide by the rules.
This is a total non-issue. Usage of the passes is done in complete understanding of the rules and regulations attached to the passes, one of which is dress code. Don’t like it? Pay for your seat like everyone else and you get to wear leggings.
Because they were treating everyone, even a 10 year old, the same, under the same rules.
I have a friend who worked for United for years. She and husband would dress up and fly first class. Their child would dress more like a child and fly in the back (they don’t usually let kids bump up unless there is no room in coach). Years ago, the passes required a suit and tie (or similar for women).
There are times I’ve flown when I wished the dress codes were more strict. Shoes on, clothes covering ALL body parts hair neat and not overflowing into your seatmate’s (my) area. And food rules about bringing on smelly food. They are at least controlling what and who they can.
I hear what you’re saying. But if I bring my daughter to the office with me, I’m going to ask her not to wear yoga pants. Same thing here.
I’m not sure I understand the reason for the rule. How does anyone else on the flight have any idea that these are passengers flying on passes?
Still, leggings on a 10 year old is certainly not promiscuous and covers all of her body parts. And of course it’s the parents’ fault so if it must be addressed, how about address it with the employee only and put the warning on record without embarrassing a young girl.
Personally, I would like a rule for all passengers to be showered prior to stepping on a flight. 
Wonder if they allow therapy chickens or pigs but wont allow a young girl in leggings. Sheesh.
Is it obvious to passengers who is flying on an employee pass? I’m trying to figure out why airlines care what u wear (within reason) compared to regular customers. I do miss the days when people didn’t fly in flip flops or trim their toenails on flights.
Really? People don’t get dressed up to fly on an airplane. How do you know the little girl is one of a United employee? There are probably many other young kids on the plane, how can you tell?
Non res fliers are expected to “dress appropriately”. But heck- they fly for free. Small price to pay to have to not look scruffy.
United can’t control how casually its passengers dress, but it can control how people using employee passes dress. We may find it ridiculous (I do), but if they want to exert what tiny bit of control they can, then that’s up to them.
It’s not a mandatory program. If employees don’t like the policy, they can buy a regular ticket like everybody else.
My kids couldn’t wear yoga pants or leggings to school as those were against the dress code.
This is a non issue and I hope the employee doesn’t get in trouble. One of my friends works for an airline and he would stress wear something decent and for goodness sakes NEVER argue with the gate agent or any employee. The employee could lose his buddy pass privileges. The airlines takes the perk very seriously.
It’s always a poor idea to complain about any strings attached to a privilege. Complaining where you make the employer look bad is an especially bad idea and a good way to have employer reconsider whether to continue the perk.
Since 9/11, I make it a point to just get thru whatever I need to do to get thru the airport and on and off my flights–getting along as best I can with unreasonable ticket folks, TSA and gate agents is part of the dues of flying these days, unfortunately.