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Southwest Airlines Community

A Different Perspective

blusk
Aviator C

A lot of you are familiar with the Southwest Airlines Customer who was asked to cover up her outfit, and there has been a lot of attention devoted to this subject.  In fact, the Customer was on the Today Show this morning.  You might be interested in the perspective of one of the show's producers, Dan Fleschner.

Thanks for your comments. We are closing the comment section. Please see Colleen's new post: http://www.blogsouthwest.com/2007/09/14/wrapping-up-the-skirt-issue/
939 Comments
George_P_Burdel
Explorer C
I just quit a job because I had to fly too much. Air travel $uck$ these days and SWAL has helped prove the point. Post your dress code or shut up. I hope she takes you to the cleaners. George
Katherine_Topuz
Explorer C
I am extremely disappointed with Southwest Airlines re the recent clothing issue. My family are regular Southwest customers, so consequently we have seen onboard many outfits much, much worse than this young woman's short skirt. Southwest just opened a new route to SFO which is attracting the nearby SFSU students. This should be interesting. . .
Rod
Explorer C
Silly differentiation. Pointless. There is no alternative view of what happened. The facts are not being disputed. There simply is no justification for this stupidity. If a person is offended by that which is not offensive, they can keep their mouths shut and grow up. Majority rules. You have one sure way out of this debacle. Fire the whining pinhead who spoke to her, as well as the self-satisfied fool who took it upon him or herself to stick his or her ignorant, arrogant nose into someone else's business. If you don't fire them, you have given tacit approval to this astounding arrogance.
Ron_W_
Explorer C
Donna - SRC - some of us have morals and steadfast beliefs which will not be wavered by a $20 airfare difference. There is in fact no circumstance where I will ever fly Southwest again - ever, unless a public apology and renumeration to Ms. Ebbert is forthcoming - as I expect it shortly will be. If not - Ciao Southwest. Plenty of other choices - plenty.
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Sarahlex, I've seen "Airline" (& recorded quite a few episodes); I remember seeing episodes where Customers have been pulled aside & talked to about body odor, & they freshened up before boarding. I also remember an episode where a man flying out of LA had to put on jeans under his skirt (yes, that's what he was wearing) because when he sat down, people could see under his skirt. I want to say also that I'm quite sure he wasn't wearing underwear. He wasn't happy about it, but did what he was asked & made the flight. For all of the people who say you won't fly Southwest again, what would you do if a customer came into a restaurant you were eating in with no shirt or shoes & that person went through the same experience as Kyla E.? Would you say you wouldn't eat there again? I've seen on the windows at fast food restaurants (which I rarely eat at, but assume they still say this) No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service. Southwest, you have my support & are really my favorite airline! 🙂 You already know that, though.
Stephen3
Explorer C
Are you folks serious? I'm done with Southwest Airlines until Ms. Ebbert receives the public appology she's due. Hell, I'm lying. I'm never coming back to an airline where I might be tossed or publically embarassed at the whim of some whining little twit. I am a frequent Southwest business flier and I have three words for you ... See ya' Southwest. It simply boggles my mind that Southwest Airlines will toss a little sex into their advertising, promote drinking on your flights and then can't find he fortitude to stand up to your own employee for his self-righteous out in left field misadventure. You all need to get out into the world travel in. Then you might discover Ms. Ebberts attire was/is mild in comparison to that which we ALL see and ACCEPT in our everyday of twenty-first century existance. How long are the PR folks going to wait before going public with Ms. Ebberts appology? Get a clue people ... you screwed up big time on this one. Bye.
j__owens
Explorer C
since you have establisned yourselves as guardians of what's tolerable on a flight, would you also expell some of the many fat ugly people who make flying so visually repellant
Paolo1
Explorer C
Southwest was wrong. The woman's skirt was short but nowhere near obscene. Do you want to have a dress code for your passengers? No problem, but state the parameters explicitly, post them on your web site, and put a warning on the tickets and reservation sites, so that people can choose whether to fly with you or not. It's a free country for you and for us. But if you don't have a dress code, you can't do what you did. You should have definitely let her board the flight, then, maybe, repeat maybe, have someone discreetly ask her if she would please cover her legs a bit, but that it would be entirely up to her.
Kristen11
Explorer C
Thanks for standing up for something, Southwest. I applaud you for continuing to stand by your employees' decision (which was the right one!)
Cherri_Brown1
Explorer C
I've sent a snail-mail letter, suffice to say that Southwest has crossed the boundaries of ownership right. Hmm, anyone remember the hot pant uniform? "Coffee, tea, or Boot(y) view?" I'm a moderate conservative, wife, mom, grandmother, DAR member, college student, ethicist. The young woman looked fine and while the TV audience may have seen a flash dance, an airline passenger would have to do some fancy contortions for the same flash. Family airline? Which family? Not ours. Extorted the young woman with watch a movie or don't fly? Perhaps Homeland Security should be notified for possible ties to terrorist fundamentalist religious groups. And no, our family will not fly Southwest again unless and until a full public apology is made in major newspapers and television news conference. When you done wrong, you need to admit it, take responsibility for your actions. Yes, I'm feeling upset and outraged at the paternalistic, authoritarian, just plain mean-spirited action by Southwest. Very sincerely, Cherri Brown
floozy
Explorer C
I can't believe I just read all 500+ posts here. But of all the best one by far was this one. Seriously, when I read the last line where she identified herself as a "ritired" teacher I laughed so hard coffee came out of my nose... enjoy!!!!!!! Thank God for the employees and management of Southwest Airlines who took a stand against immodest, indecent, immoral dress. It is time businesses stop such lewd apparel in public places. If I as a paying passenger, have to tolerate such dress with my children along, I pray another airline will step forward and demand decent dress. If I wanted my children to be exposed to her harlot dress, I would take them to Hooters. I nor my husband have ever been, nor will we ever go there because of that very thing. It is not o.K. to expose such immodesty to Christians who consider it an abomination. God will bless South West for doing the right thing. I hate to think of all the men who committed adultery who looked upon her that day and on the TV. She will have to give an account to God for it. I will continue to fly South West and reccomend to every one I know to fly it. It takes courage to stand for what is right. We would honor God more if we would get back to decency in public places. Shame on that girl Posted by: Mrs. Linda Warren, ritired school teacher | September 7, 2007 at 2:56 pm
Lexi
Explorer C
Honestly, some of the comments are what appall me! If a man were to give everyone a "crotch shot" as this girl did, he'd be arrested and have to register as a sex offender! And come ON with the taliban crap. Nobody clubbed her for uncovering her face! And we all know that her outfit had been adjusted by the time she got to the Today show-and was still inappropriate! Thank you, Southwest, for making this girl cover up!
Peter2
Explorer C
I still can't believe as many people support your position as I have seen on your blog. As far as I can see the only fair thing to do is to issue a very public appology to the young lady, suppend your ignorant employee for a month and try to buy off her law suite with lifetime free flights on SWA. Very bad move.
Jenny6
Explorer C
I highly doubt that all of these people who have said they will never fly SWA again will actually stick with their spouting. This young woman is having an absolute hay day with all the attention and now a possible law suit?? She's thrilled!! I thought that her outfit was tasteless. Just because "all 23 year olds dress like that" doesn't make it right. Teaching modesty to our children today is a daunting task. I support what SWA asked of the woman.
Craig_Syanford
Explorer C
You lost a customer in me for sure. I am appalled at such behavior and certainly will not support it by buying a ticket on your airline. Perhaps "American Airlines" can live up to their name. You call your self a family airline. I shall not subject my family to your censorship. I teach my kids about the constitution. I am also curious, when the girl was asked to get off the place, did anyone offer her her money back? I bet not.
Giuseppe_Notarb
Explorer C
I am astounded and disgusted. Only a clear public apology to Kyla Ebbert will make me change my mind about the respectability of your airline. Until then, I am not going to fly on your planes.
Randy_Morris
Explorer C
You guys just lost a customer
Jim17
Explorer C
Southwest airlines isnÃ
Sasha
Explorer C
Southwest...Thank you for putting the customer first. What others are failing to realize is that you have done your job of providing customer service to your customers. Obviously, there were complaints and you guys handled them appropriately for the majority's comfort and now you are taking the punches. There is a time and a place for her attire and on a plane isn't one of them. At first I thought it was outrageous, but then I discovered that the news wasn't reporting her attire correctly. They were showing after pictures, even with her skirt pulled down, I saw more of her then anyone should. If my feelings about that make me a prude, so be it. It's funny how she has the "right" to show her cooter, but I don't have the right to not want to see it. Sure, people say look away...but that would be after the fact, after all I'd have to see it to know to look away. Why are her rights more important than mine? Lastly, c'mon--comparing some girl to muslim women... not even close. You can drink the Kool-aid if you want to...but really...it's a stretch. She still got her way...what's the problem? She's seeing $$$ now? Don't pay her a cent and don't apologize. You have nothing to apologize for. She's too old to have mommy taking care of her business. Actions= consequences. They teach that in preschool.
Mark_s_best_fri
Explorer C
Dear Mark, You're a retard - You're equating a girl who crotch flashed the live TV audience of The Today Show with the Taliban? Hyperbole much, or are you just stupid?
Phoebe
Explorer C
GO SOUTHWEST! Even though "that is how everyone dresses" ---it doesn't make it right. Too bad some passangers doesn't have enough self respect or commom sense to police themselves! They still run buses from California to Arizona, I think you can wear whatever you want on a bus.
Bob19
Explorer C
Shame on Southwest...since when does an airlin dictate what one wears. The girl had all he vitals covered and if she was ofending someone that person should have been told NOT TO LOOK..just like if a certain TV show offends you--dont watch it., dont listen to that offensive radio--simple!!! If that was my child I would be helping hr find an attorney. I for one will NEVER fly Southwest when given an option.... I think an apology and free air fare for life would have been approriate..how are your employees lecture a 23 yr old woman about her attire...shame on your company...
Dave1
Explorer C
I agree w/air line. You do not have a right to wear what ever you want, where ever you want.Some have stated "You should live & express youself the way you want", so should someone be allowed to come in topless or wearing only body paint. They do not show R rated movies if flight because there are familyies w/children on board. I don"t want me children having to see some womans crouch every time they walk down isle to use rest room. Bottom line,not dressing like a pole dancer for a plane flight is a sign of maturity & common curtisty
sum1
Explorer C
I hope you go out of business , your airline disgusts me and youll never even see a mirage of my business again! maybe you should move your business to the middle east where the women are used to this type of treatment and wear full bodied attire, sounds like your perfect customer base
Shari111
Explorer C
LOOKS LIKE YOUR JACKASS ATTITUDE ABOUT WHAT YOU DID TO THAT POOR YOUNG LADY WILL BE LOSING YOU A HELL OF ALOT OF CUSTOMERS AND YOU SURE AS HECK DESERVE IT!! I AND THE COMPANY I WORK FOR ARE ARRANGING A BOYCOTT OF YOUR SEXIST AIRLINE AND I HOPE AND PRAY THAT OTHERS DO THE SAME. YOU PEOPLE HAVE SOME NERVE, EMBARRASSING THAT YOUNG WOMAN AND THEN NOT EVEN A THOUGHT OF SAYING YOU WERE WRONG & SORRY. MOTHERS & WOMEN EVERYWHERE SHOULD BE OUTRAGED AT THE TREATMENT THAT SHE WAS GIVIN ALL PASSENGERS THAT HAVE TKTS ON SW IF THEY ARE NON REFUNDABLE SHOULD DRESS IN THE SKIMPEST OUTFITS YOU CAN FIND BE YOU LARGE, SMALL OR INBETWEEN !! LETS SEE IF THEY ARE WILLING TO GIVE THAT SAME TREATMENT TO ALL AND RISK LOSING MILLIONS. TO THOSE VERY LUCKY PASSANGERS THAT HAVE THE REFUNDABLE TURN THEM IN AND GET YOUR MONEY BACK FROM A SEXIST& HEARTLESS AIRLINE. TO EVERYONE ELSE BOYCOTT SW !! IAM SENDING A COPY OF THIS BLOG TO OTHER SITES, I CAN ALMOST PROMISE THAT IT WONT BE HERE TOMORROW, SW WILL MOST LIKELY DELETE IT, IM DOING THAT SO PEOPLE CAN COME HERE TO SEE IF IM RIGHT!!! SW THIS WILL NOT GET BETTER, WE WILL NOT FORGET THIS OR LET IT BE SWEPT AWAY YOU NEED TO DO MORE THEN RIGHT BY THAT YOUNG WOMAN AND PUNISH PUBLICLY THE FA THAT HAD HIS OR HER STUPID HAT ON THAT DAY. A PUBLIC APOLOGY TO THE YOUNG WOMAN AND TO ALL WOMEN FOR YOUR AIRLINES VERY HORRIBLE SEXIST BEHAVIOR IS REQUIRED BY BOTH SW AND THE FA !! WOMEN , YOUNG OLD AND INBETWEEN SHOULD ALWAYS, ALWAYS REMEMBER THIS. WHAT IS SW GOING BACK TO THE DAY WHEN WOMEN WERE CONSIDERED SECOND CLASS CITIZENS, TO BE TOLD WHAT THEY CAN AND CANNOT WEAR, WHAT THEY CAN OR CANNOT DO.? WE ALL NEED TO STAND UP AND TELL SW THAT WOMEN WILL NOT STAND FOR THAT KIND OF ABUSE, AND MAKE THOSE THAT DO IT SUFFER FOR THEIR ACTIONS AND INACTIONS. WOMEN NEED TO MAKE A STAND RIGHT HERE AND NOW BOYCOTT SW TIL THEY DO THE RIGHT THING !!!!
Adam_V
Explorer C
Folks! This lady was NEVER kicked off the plane! Just told to raise her top, lower her skirt. Get the story straight first before you jump in! I believe that there is WAY more to this story that is being told, as I hear some rumors through the grapevine........ SWA is a place of business and they do have the right to boarding denial if they think it's in the best interest of the company. I've seen people with "F you" t-shirts being told to either cover it up or not fly.
Jeana
Explorer C
According to the interview, the woman was allowed to fly after she adjusted the outfit to be less revealing than it was initially. I'm curious if the state of the outfit in the interview, the one so many found acceptable despite the fact that she couldn't help flashing the audience and Matt Lauer himself looked away when she prepared to stand up, was how the outfit looked before or after the employee asked her to cover up? We do have laws in this country about indecent exposure, and if exposing your crotch isn't indecent I'd like to know what is. I day Kudos.
Max2
Explorer C
Simply outrages, I will definitely never fly with Southwest again. I've seen a lot worse in many of your flight a no-one has ever complained. Your reputation has gone down immensively.
jt
Explorer C
It seems the embarassment comes by the fact she is telling her story on national television. I agree with the commenter that mentioned it was very unlikely very many people heard and if she had dealt with it and moved on, no one would ever know it happened.
Cassandra1
Explorer C
Sharon Bain......you asked very pertinant questions. In the interviews and pictures, her shirt is so obviously "non revealing" that one is sure that can't be how she was wearing it on the flight. Southwest has always been very accomodating to all passengers. The other passengers on the flight have rights too, and if any ONE of them was offended by this girls appearance, then the attendant was required to act on it. And YES, if a complaint is made about someone's odor, that passenger is also contacted by an attendant, and either changed seating or asked to take the next flight, after cleaning up (frequently at Southwest expense). I am a frequent flyer of Southwest Airlines, and have seen many questionable passengers. Some of these had complaints made about them and were removed from the flight, and others were not. As passengers, we have the right to make our opinions known, and if they are valid, then action is taken. Kyra is a very attractive girl, and she is gaining world wide recognition. I am sure this incident is being exploited not just for the possible law suit (why did it take 2 months?), but possibly for a carreer? Do you think it possible that television is paying attention, and she will be seen in other venues? Come on people, Southwest acted responsibly. Had the attendant chose to ignore the complaining passenger, and the story was told, you would be fighting for the other side. Many of you bloggers just like to side with the "little guy" against big industry. Grow up. With life comes responsibility, and Southwest lived up to theirs.
Gerhardo_Sepp_B
Explorer C
Please advise this customer as to what OTHER airline flies from Nashville, TN to Fort Lauderdale, FL
HMMMM
Explorer C
Wait a minute, this incident took place on her trip to Tucson. If she was that upset, you'd think she would have cancelled her flight back to San Diego on Southwest, especially wearing the same skimmpy outfit that caused her embarrassment in the first place. She knowingly took a second chance at embarrassment to herself. I think this little girl can't handle life in a grown-up, responsible world.
Carmine_Napolit
Explorer C
Le mie piÃ
Dillon
Explorer C
Southwest Airlines did the right thing. I applaud their professionalism. We can assume that the temperature in the airplane and the airport did not necessitate a passenger becoming nearly naked. It is obvious that the woman was using sexual suggestion as a means of getting attention. Sex or the visual suggestion of sex is inappropriate in public. She should have been arrested and prosecuted for indecent exposure. Plain and simple. Again, Southwest Airlines did exactly what I would expect them to do.
Annie1
Explorer C
Southwest Airlines: Please remove the "church-lady" from flights containing anyone else but men. You do not have a dress code policy. You embarrassed your customer! That's an absolute no-no in an industry that relies on customer serice! Get a grip - or get out of the airline business.
Henry_Poetker
Explorer C
Congratulations for taking a standing up for those of us who believe that modesty is still a virtue. I fully realize that there are many women who believe that they have a divine right to flaunt as much of their nakedness as possible. But, their shamelessness is in essence an attempt to demand attention for themselves at the expense of others. It reveals both a personal insecurity and a social arrogance that deserves to be both rebuked and restrained. Thank you Southwest Airlines for your willingness to draw a line somewhere. The feelings of the modest are just at important as those of hussies and I thank you for showing us consideration in this circumstance. Please do it again.
celina
Explorer C
i think sw did right, im tired of all the skin....everywhere you turn.....i dont need to catch a glimpse of her undies....or wish to sit where she sat.... i think sw just became way more family friendly
Ben
Explorer C
I applaud Southwest for doing the right thing here. I don't think it's easy asking a customer to dress more appropriately, but it's the right thing to do. Children don't need to be exposed to women dressed like hookers- there's enough of this on television. She knows she will attract attention dressing like this and that's what she wanted. Otherwise, why would she dress like this? If she wore shorts, there would not have been any complaints. I think some of the people complaining here probably never flew Southwest before and probably never planned on doing so. I will continue to fly Southwest as long as they continue to take stands such as this.
Gina4
Explorer C
Thank you, Southwest, for having the common sense that is badly needed. As a mother of 3 boys, I appreciate your actions, and will fly SWA every time I get the chance.
CAB
Explorer C
Like I needed another reason NOT to fly Southwest. I hate Southwest and its cattle-call boarding process. I am always willing to pay more money just so I don't have to fly your crummy airline. And now this. What is so obsurb about all of this is that she flew back to San Diego in the same outfit and nothing happened. Apparently one of the flight attendants even complimented her. I am offended by passengers with poor hygiene or people who think it's okay to take off their stinky shoes than what this young lady wore. Not only does Southwest need to make a public apology by top level executives on national television, but "Keith" should be reprimended and fired for how he handled the situation. Just another example that Southwest suck.
Cindee
Explorer C
Way to go Southwest! You have a right to run your private business the way you see fit. Thanks for requiring a bit of common decency in this situation. If anyone should be embarrased in this situation it's that poor girl's "mother". She should have taught her to dress modestly and not be calling the airline to complain. Goodness! Anyway, don't most businesses "reserve the right to refuse service to anyone"? What about "No shirt, no shoes, no service"? I don't see a problem with those kind of rules and I don't see a problem with you (Southwest) making a judgement call about a problem brought to your attention. So there's no particular dress code. So there's no precedent for your decision. Policies and precedents begin somewhere. Why not here? Why not with you? Hold your heads up high. You made a good decision.
Francisco_Delga1
Adventurer A
I am stationed on the USS NIMITZ and right now we are deployed overseas. The reason for this e-mail is because I wanted to talk to you about Southwest Airlines. I have been reading all of the negative press about them in regards to that young lady who was forced to change because of her clothes. If you go to blogsouthwest.com you can read all of the negative comments about the situation. I wanted to take the time to share what Southwest Airlines has done for me. Last summer I missed by connecting flight back to San Diego. I was told by the airline that I would make my connecting flight only to miss it. No big deal. I wrote in and explained the situation. I received a letter from their President thanking me for my service to our country. She went out of her way when she really didnÃ
chocolatechic
Explorer C
I say kudos to SW. If a man was flashing his man bits he would be arrested for indecent exposure. Why isn't it the same for a woman!
Emily12
Explorer C
I don't know about you, but I have no desire to see other people's UNDERWEAR. It's crude, tasteless, and I respect Southwest Airlines as a company asking her to cover up her crotch for the other passengers. Why do people think it's okay to dress like this, but heaven forbid a woman breastfeed in public? Because obviously, sex is okay but nature is disgusting. Did you see her on the Today show? Did you see her underwear that they had to blur out when she sat down? Good grief, people!
JH2
Explorer C
Okay...so even the Today Show thought her outfit was so inappropriate that they blurred her crotch out when she sat down - and even cut the shot altogether when they aired the story again. I guess Southwest will have to incorporate new classes for their employees on how to handle stupid people who have no taste - and no self respect. Because Miss Kyla is not the only one out there with that problem! Shame on Kyla and her mom for trying to profit over their lack of common sense and courtesy!!! And, what kind of doc appt was she flying to in Tucson????? This girl clearly has Hooters for brains.
Jane5
Explorer C
SW I personally would appreciate a dress code when flying. Please ban all metal belt buckles, heavy metal jewelery, and lace up boots. These things slow down the lines at security. After all air travel is all about speed and efficiency! I would have felt very safe flying next to this girl, she's certainly not hiding a knife, gun, nail file or bomb makings in that outfit!
Lesley1
Explorer C
Not everyone is against you SW, keep doing what your doing. :0) When my son goes to college we will be using you a lot!!
B__Nieves
Explorer C
It is not the job of corporations to police their clients who's only crime is their attire. She wasn't naked. Is your organization run by prudes? You have created a real sense of BIG BROTHER that most people will find alarming. I will certainly think twice about using SOUTHWEST in the future.
Shannon7
Explorer C
There is a difference between freedom of speech and indecent exposure. This girl was guilty of the latter. When she reached up to put her bags in the overhead compartment....do you think that the way she dressed was appropriate? And anyone who lets their daughter dress like that and thinks they are being modest, is wrong. Modesty and femininity are lost in today's culture, but you can find decent clothing for young girls. I am PROUD of the way Southwest handled this.
John9
Explorer C
Well I am "patently" offended by the wearing of turbins and burkas on an airplane post 9-11 and my offense is almost certainly shared, right or wrong, by the majority of Americans flying even today. Frankly most Americans tolerate it while they silently grit their teeth. Personally I am offended by offended people in general. Keep your judgmental bias to yourself and shut up. We all need to become rapidly intolerant of the intolerant minority and take our country back from the overly opinionated with big mouths. Tolerance is a multi-lane highway. It goes all ways. Southwest needs to feel the pain from this embarrassment to the silent and reasonable of us out there. We are the majority.