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Southwest Airlines Community

Wrapping Up the Skirt Issue

cbarrett1
Explorer A
 Rumor has it that this blog has been kind of busy with comments lately.  Seriously, I know that many of you have posted some pretty passionate comments on the subject of Kyla Ebberts and "traveling attire" in general, and we have been listening.  I thank each of you for sharing your thoughts, and I want you to know that we haven't been skirting the issue. This situation involved a judgment call for sure.  These situations are subjective, and not everyone holds the same opinions.  We serve more than 96 million Customers a year; and every now and then, we'll have a situation that takes on a life of its own.  This was the case here. We always want to apologize if we offend any of our Customers, and we also support our Employees abilities to make decisions.  We are apologizing to Kyla, in typical Southwest style, and I hope you will click here to read about it. Many, many of you on both sides of this issue have asked about a dress code.  We do have a dress code for our Employees who use their travel benefits, but we do not have a dress code for our paying Customers.  Our job is not to be the fashion police; our job is to take care of our Customers and ensure they have a safe flight.  We are proud of our past that included hot pants and we are proud of our future, and I want all of you to be part of that future.
258 Comments
PA
Explorer C
Well, any of you women dare tell me how to dress and I would punch your lights out. I have freedom to wear what I want when I want, and if you grandmas do not like it, too bad. You can wear your potato sack dresses, but I will wear what I want.
Ryan
Explorer C
If you ask me this has gotten way out of hand, frankly I applaud Southwest for putting there foot down. Enough is enough with the "hoochie mama" outfits. I remember when flying meant dressing up, and was a major event. Now customers abuse employees with their "customer rights". Good for the SW employee who decided that enough was enough. SW already had a customer for life with me, but now I'll go OUT OF MY WAY to fly the gretest airline in the world!
Liz2
Explorer C
Welcome to a world with rules? Well, I wasn't aware that there was a rule - let alone a law - that says provocative attire is not allowed in a public place. The outfits worn by the two young women asked to cover up were not provocative in any way shape or form. They appeared that way because of the women they were on. Had those women been unattractive, flat chested, and 13, no one would have cared. They would have chalked it up to bad parenting. I have seen worse outfits on children. You can't keep blaming the media and Paris and Britney, it doesn't work that way. You can, however, blame poor parenting and social learning. If their peers dress that way, they will want to as well. Telling someone they can't board a flight because you don't like the fact that they are an adult woman with breasts is not going to change the fashion industry. As a woman, I am completely disgusted by Southwest's treatment of these two women and the way they've handled the situation. When a woman of a certain body type and breast sizes gets dressed in the morning, there is little she can do - short of wearing a mumu - to distract attention from her breasts. If you're concerned as a mother that your children are looking at her, what is wrong with you? Your children are too busy being over-parented and playing with their video games to care what an adult woman on Southwest is wearing. It takes five seconds to tell your child that outfit is inappropriate for them to wear, and it takes almost no effort to prevent them from owning something similar. Thank you, Southwest, for helping America's idiots perpetuate the stereotype of an attractive blonde college student having no future except Playboy magazine. I'm not going to be flying Southwest anytime in the future, and I will be avoiding doing business with their parner corporations. The funny thing is, it's not because of my attire. You wouldn't be able to pick me out of a crowd. Unless, of course, intelligence is something you can visualize... then I'd probably be the only person on the entire flight that you'd notice. What's next? Someone complaining because I'm wearing a shirt that says "abortion tickles" or "this is what a feminist looks like"? We have freedoms, people. Even if her skirt was unbuttoned with no underwear, how were you supposed to see up it when she was sitting down? Unless, of course, you explicitly attempted to see her vagina... which wouldn't surprise me. Conservatives, while prudes, are always the biggest perverts. I can't believe Southwest would demean women in such a manner. It's not funny, and it's most certainly embarassing to think that I could be asked to be removed from a flight because I have breasts. Maybe I'll fly Southwest and ask them to remove someone wearing religious apparel because, quite frankly, that is offensive to me. Just because you don't like something doesn't mean you get to remove it from society.
Amy211
Explorer C
She wore that "outfit" to be noticed, and it was noticed! Obviously her media apperances are another "look at me plea"! She is only upset because she did not get the 'attention' she wanted. SWA did the right thing - they asked her to cover up! I am proud of that employee, and they should be too!
Anonymous777
Explorer A
I think many of these myspace sites are impostors. The site I found has been deleted.
Kitikata
Explorer C
So, where is the customer dress policy on the website, or SWA pamphlets? I cannot find it. Shall all American women have to were berkas now and not show skin? Also, how was the SWA employee trained to specifically kick-off passengers. I think there needs to be a written policy and clearer direction by SWA before kicking-off passengers. If the information about what not wear or what "uniform" passengers must wear, to get on a plane is not clearly given, I think SWA was wrong. I live in the south, it is hot in the summer, it is hot at the gate with the poor ventilation at the airport, and it is hot waiting on SWA planes at the gate, I am going to wear short shorts and low tank tops. What is the difference between short shorts and short skirts?
Vilda
Explorer C
Aw geeze. When will companies understand that you guys just can't get away with this type of behavior anymore? In this age where information travels as fast as it does you can't afford to have snarky employees who feel entitled to degrading paying customers. Twice even. Then to have your PR department make a mockery of the entire situation? Are you serious? These are the reasons share holders pull out and companies go under these days. But honestly, if you feel that having horrible customer service as well as public relations is a good business move, you deserve everything you get. For one, I'll be sure to avidly avoid ever using your airline and be sure to spread the word of just how highly you regard the people who earn your living off of.
cindi1
Explorer C
My husband, myself and our 4 children ages 16-6, two boys (16 & 6) and two girls (12 & 10) just flew SWA a few days before this incident happened and I don't blame them one bit for asking the girl to put more clothes on. While we were waiting for our flight to come back home from vacation there was a woman wearing a very skimpy dress that was short at the bottom and low cut at the top and the first thing our 16 year old says is "EEW c heck her out!" I did and I about choked on my own tongue, one for the way she was dress and two she didn't have the body to be dressed that way. I could not believe this woman was dressed the way she was, I was offended and she wasn't even going to be on our flight thank god. Of course our daughters looked also at which point I told them that was a very inappropriate dress for any age!!!!! Show a little class people most of the people that dress that way are doing it because, for whatever issues they have, they want people to look at them. I'm not saying that the flight attendant handled this in the best manner possible, but for those of us who are trying to teach our children to have some morals and class I think it was a great thing to do. I will continue to fly SWA because they have the decency to speak up for those of us who have to look at that garbage!!!! And for those who now think they are going to dress this way just to prove a point that they can dress how ever they want I hope SWA kicks your butt off of the plane also, because you don't get to implement your lack of class on the rest of us. Way to go SWA you will be the FAMILY airline we chose for our flight destinations!!!!!!!
Madeleine
Explorer C
This is classic. Now commenters here are arguing that it is wrong to stand up for a woman who allegedly has "brains the size of my pinky and whose only hope in life is to work at Hooters and model for Playboy" (per Francisco at 7:53 a.m.) and saying that somehow Ms. Ebbert is not worth defending because she has some sexy pics on her Myspace page. Excuse me, but I didn't realize that I need to undergo an intelligence test and a thorough character review to be worthy of basic respect from Southwest's airline stewards. ALL passengers should be entitled to respect regardless of our IQ scores, sexual proclivities, or line of work. (By the way, would anyone ever imply that a man who reads Playboy or goes to Hooters is not worthy of respect? Naaah -- didn't think so. Somehow that's different.)
Adam_Snider
Explorer C
To the person who posted pictures from Kyla's MySpace page: What does that have to do with this situation in any way? So she posts pictures of herself and friends wearing nothing but underwear. That isn't what she was wearing on the plane, so it's completely irrelevant.
Cat_M
Explorer C
Between this harassment of a customer for wearing an outfit one of your employees arbitrarily decided was "inappropriate" despite, as far as I'm aware, involving absolutely no unacceptable public nudity or contravention of any publicly-available dress code (I'm with the poster above -- should we just order our burkas now to make sure we won't have any problems on your airline in the future?) and your repeated, appalling treatment of overweight customers, please be assured I will NEVER fly Southwest Airlines. Unless you remedy your policies, you will never get any of my business again.
Angela21
Explorer C
i just saw the dr phil show-at first she was happy to take the tickets and then looked upset after dr phil said this matter she be put to rest-and then gave them right back to him-even the crownd was displeased in her actions-i pray to god if this thing makes it to court that the judge laughs in her face-southwest you did the right thing i fly once a week on your airline and if i was on that flight i would have been very upset!!! what was she thinking>-there are children on that plane-she looked like she was going to some club-it just never fails-someone looking to make some cash off a big company-southwest keep up the good work-and please don't let that tramp get anything free-she makes me ill!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! her mother should be ashamed...
Bladerunner
Explorer C
What a bunch of nasty prudes. Bodies aren't evil. Your minds are. Maybe the next time I see someone wearing a cross I'll ask them to remove it being offended by a dead and mangled body as a piece of jewelry. As for the CEO of SWA your an idiot. And I will not be flying on your airline.
Shannon11
Explorer C
I think this little girl needs to get over it, you dress like a hooker you get treated like a hooker! I wouldnt want to get on a plane with my little daughter and have her looking up that skirt She looks like she has been in a few pornos. She seems like a stuck up brat that is used to getting her way, i dont think you should have ever apologized to her, you should have sent her a pair of pants and an attitude adjustment. She just wanted to be on TV.
Annie_T
Explorer C
I used to fly SWA when I lived in Chicago,and I had planned to consider doing so now that I've moved to San Francisco. After this incident, I'm done. It's clear that Southwest harasses womenÃ
Mike_G
Explorer C
So SWA had to eat some crow. Thats good. I just hope she follows through and sues you. I still think she will collect bigtime. You need to learn that the customer is STILL always right. How does it feel, Coleen, to have your boss cut your legs from under you? I think the previous posters are right -- you and Keith should be updating your resumes.
Lindel_Creed
Explorer C
Removed SW from our travel airline today. What a bad company and I am glad i was shown just what kind of company you run. Your letter from your CEO sounds like a joke and he did not take it serious at all and we deal with serious companies not ones who are jokes like SW
Barbara1
Explorer C
Kylie (or whatever her name is) is just trying to get free travel. An employee made a mistake(asking her to cover her private parts) and the airline has apologized, if she truly works at Hooters I just hope karma bites her in the butt and she has a disgruntled customer that will not listen to her apology. She will not be happy til Southwest offers her free lifetime travel (including hotels and rental cars). It's always about the payout.
Ed
Explorer C
She does not have any legal standing to sue. All she going to do is spin her wheels while her blood sucking lawyer takes all her money. She needs to quit crying like a baby and get on with her life. Let her go out and fly another airline and see how bad customer service really can be.
Jason_from_Rive
Explorer C
Southwest Executives: I see both sides of the issue, but ultimately understand Southwest was wrong. While it is good to empower employees to make decisions, someone that is reasonable and more qualified to over rule a decision (a supervisor) should be present when a dispute would most likely arise (i.e. this dress code case). When the dispute came up, the employee should have advised the supervisor and let the supervisor address the issue. This is a management decision, and we all know that managers go through training for typical situations, so they can resolve any potential problem with as little disturbance. If a supervisor made the decision, the supervisor would be reprimanded by the company. The company would be in litigation with the supervisior if the supervisor was adhering to the corporate guidelines. If the company did not support the employee or supervisor's decision, they should appologize immediately and attempt to reach a compromise settlement (compensation); again, this needs to be done immediately. Your company (Southwest) waited over two months (from my understanding, the incident occurred in Juyly). Shame on you! Shame on you for your employee to mention this to this young attractive lady (Jealously). When viewing this lady's outfit, she is covered up to her neckline. Her skirt is as long as your crews own shorts. The skirt is not a mini skirt. Shame on you for your delay in handling the situation. It was unprofessional and had no immediate concern to your excutives, which work for the shareholders, whom are the employees. Ultimately, it is poor management! Next time the excutives (anyone in management) obtains a bonus, please donate to the shareholders and ground floor workers, as you do not deserve a bonus for poor management for this situation and many other situations that I have been through. I will do my best to fly another airline, like Virgin America. Lastly, shame on Dr. Phil. Although I hate litigation on all levels, litigation is necessary. There are boneheads in management that end up hiring boneheads and training boneheads; therefore, you need to litigate for a company to get rid of boneheads. A company will not learn unless they pay for their mistake(s)! When you are wronged, you need to sometimes litigate to change a company's attitude or "guideline." Again, it took took two months for an appology. This young lady has made change, but it took a lot of time, effort, energy, stress, humilation, and criticism from closed minded people. These people that criticized this young lady see people on the beach with far less. They watch family shows and soaps with far less clothing. These people are hypocrits, and all hypocrits should never be heard. I will attempt to fly Virgin America... Thanks Dr. Phil ! Jason from Riverside, CA
Marcia2
Explorer C
"(By the way, would anyone ever imply that a man who reads Playboy or goes to Hooters is not worthy of respect? Naaah Ã
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
I hope she doesn't sue Southwest! Even if she does, I certainly want SWA to win!
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
I forgot to add this to my previous post, so here it is. Press the flight attendant call button to show your support for Southwest. *Ding!* I pushed it. :) I LUV SWA!
Cabriana
Explorer C
Southwest - The infamous "line up" it's A - B - C time airline! And now they are they fashion police. I am able to pay $$$$s for my ticket (which SW happily accepted), remove my flip flops and get stripped searched before ever getting to the gate, but I cannot wear a simple mini-skirt with a basic shirt and actually "board" the plane without being ridiculed by SW Airline employees who are in no position to judge me or what I wear! Unbelievable. And then the President has the nerve to comment with humor - WOW! Yes, I will be looking at other options the next time I fly. Go JetBlue!
Cygnus
Adventurer C
You Kyla apologists (whose business SWA neither wants nor needs, thank you very much) are forgetting one thing that was explained perfectly well in the original post: the Today show producers had to censor where her underwear was exposed on the set. Poor Kyla, she was soooo ashamed of what was done to her that she was forced to proffer herself again before Matt Lauer. I've been at parties where young ladies have worn similarly short skirts so that they can let others see London, France, and her other geographic entities. They want the attention, modesty be damned. Is THAT what Susan B. Anthony et al. crusaded for? Are you "unrepressed" women posting here so selfish to think that you can dress any way you want and that it has no effect on anyone, or no one has the right to notice? I guess you don't want to wear burqas; you just want everyone else to wear blindfolds. (The same does go for the guys with the pants around the kneecaps, BTW.) BTW, Kyla's Myspace page is perfectly relevant because it shows her complete lack of character, much less clothing. She's desperate for attention, and I still say SWA needs to back Keith. Shame on Gary Kelly and Colleen Barrett for not doing so.
Not applicable
Way To Go, Southwest!... Southwest Airlines Communications Director Brian Lusk, you have nothing to apologize for in the issue of a flight attendant asking a skank to cover up her legs. This passenger is a gold-digger, and I......
bottom_line
Explorer C
SWA isnt going anywhere. I dont see a stock change or bankruptcy in the future. they will lose customers, even gain some. And for 90% of you that say you wont fly SWA again over this, have fun wasting $100's elsewhere as for most of you budget minded travellers that isnt a possibility so have fun on the bus maybe? not every airline goes where you need to go. and for those of you with deep pockets good for you but im sorry southwest isnt going away. time to let the issue go, this is old news people, its not like any of you are getting any settlement $ or anything. as for this ISOLATED issue lets remember it started over ONE employee's decision. Ive flown out of 80% of southwest's cities and have not seen an issue like this even with the number of "questionable" passengers out there.... solution- terminate the employee, make it right with the girl, yes i know the apology wasnt the greatest but whatever, the issue is done with, this debate can go on for years but in the end SWA will still be in the top 5 family airlines...and thats the bottom line. keep in mind this will be my one and only post in this section
bottom_line
Explorer C
wait wait and I had to add just one more comment it made me laugh a few comments up. "Virgin Atlantic" is based out of the UK and flys international destinations which SWA does not yet so unless your flying to the UK or other worldwide destinations you are SOL...
bottom_line
Explorer C
wait scratch that last post virgin america is new to me i was thinking virgin atlantic... even so unless you fly between the astounding 5 destinations they serve only. (as opposed to SWA's 60) you are still SOL
Dng_boy84
Explorer C
Maybe the situation could have been address better but HAS anyone ever know that the Contract of Carriage-Passenger states the following on page 10 "persons or whose clothing is lewd, obscene or patently offensive" can be removed or refused to transport they do have the RIGHT to do so nothing was done for NO reason there are reasons this was done!
Brandolyn_in_Ok
Explorer C
SouthWest should have never apologized to this girl. I agree with the above poster that claims that she's a gold digger, only I want to push it even further to call her a media hound. She wants publicity. I've seen her myspace page, and frankly, I feel that she has no respect for anyone AT ALL, and how dare she force her loose morality on the rest of us passengers? I am not an employee of SWA, but I am totally sure that the press is only hearing one side of the story. It would've been nice to have seen SouthWest actually defend its employees instead. After Southwest gave her tickets in good faith, only to have her accept them, and then return them after she was asked if she would mitigate further, I was firmly convinced that all the girl cared about was publicity. Btw, I'm not ashamed of the human body and actually think it's the most beautiful thing on earth. I do, however, believe that there is a time and a place for everything, and frankly, choosing to use a crowded airplane with children as a place to show off one's body in a rather inappropriate manner is not the proper time or place. This girl has a Myspace page filled with her nakedness. Isn't that enough?
Francisco_Delga1
Adventurer A
WHERE ARE ALL OF THESE NEGATIVE COMMENTS COMING FROM?? SOUTHWEST HAS ALWAYS BEEN KNOWN FOR ITS HUMOR AND FOR PUTTING ITS CUSTOMERS FIRST. WHAT IS WRONG WITH OUR SOCIETY. I E-MAILED ALL OF THE TALK SHOWS AND MY LOCAL NEWSPAPER ABOUT HOW SOUTHWEST HAS DONE A LOT FOR THE TROOPS. THEY SENT ME CARE PACKAGES, MAILED ME A BIRTHDAY CARD, MAILED PHONE CARDS TO OUR TROOPS OVERSEAS... YET YOU GUYS WANT TO SIDE WITH A HOOTERS GIRL... THAT MAKES A LOT OF SENSE... THOSE THAT CLAIM THEY HAVE CHANGED TO A DIFFERENT AIRLINE...ALL I CAN SAY IS WHEN YOU GUYS GO BROKE FROM PAYING HIGHER FARES.. REMEMBER HOW MUCH MONEY YOU COULD HAVE SAVED AT SOUTHWEST.. THEY TRULY CARE FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS.. FRANCISCO
Kimberly5
Explorer C
I said it before... and I will say it again.... I WILL CONTINUE TO FLY SOUTHWEST! You cannot convince me that -whatever her name is- did not look more provacative than she let on with the TV interviews. If she was so embarrassed by the situaion, why is she subjecting herself to this media -exposure-? My opinion... It's all for the money. I will continue to fly Southwest for the reason that I have come to love them over the years. Fair Airfare Costs On Time Arrivals Schedules That Are Not Subject To Change Once Published and most of all... HAPPY EMPLOYEES! (it is pleasant to fly with a company who make you laugh!) Actually, I am kind of disapponted that Southwest had to apologize for the stink that -whatever her name- raised. But I guess they did what they felt that they had to do under the media microscope.
JA1
Explorer C
Okay, so there's no formal written dress policy on Southwest. OKay...so what would make for inappropriate dress? Perhaps if Kyla's skirt was an inch shorter...two inches. Maybe it would have been okay for her to board the plane wearing no skirt....wearing only a thong? What if someone decides to board topless? I guess that would be okay since there is no dress policy. To all the men reading this blog: lets all board our next flight in our boxers and tighty-whities.
Jessica18
Explorer C
I think it is completely ridiculous what happen to this lady. This is a free country and anyone should be able to wear WHATEVER they want. Who are ya'll to decide what is appropriate or not?? I was recently on a Continental flight where a woman wore a swimsuit top. Nothing was said to her. Her "private" parts were covered. We as US citizens have that right. I am seriously considering never flying again with Southwest. Seriously disappointed.
Carolyn10
Explorer C
As a young woman who frequently travels for both business and pleasure, I was appalled to read about Southwest's recent PR release making fun of the recent incident involving another young woman being kicked off of a flight for her attire. How can you say that you're proud of your hot-pants past and claim not to be "fashion police," yet remove this paying customer from a flight? The fact that is is not the first time that this has happened is enough to make me determined never to book a flight with Southwest. I work hard for my money and I will not spend it on a company who feels justified in judging my personal fashion choices. Disgusting.
Marcia2
Explorer C
I found some articles on the subject of scantily clad and misbehaving women, if anyone is interested in reading them. LadyÃ
JA
Explorer C
As a poster previously stated: "the Contract of Carriage-Passenger states the following on page 10 Ã
Randy7
Explorer C
Anyone that saw the Dr. Phil Show yesterday could clearly see Kyla is a fraud looking for money and not an apology. The real apology she and her greedy lawyer are looking for is for Southwest airlines to show them the money. To me it's obvious she figured being told to adjust her clothing is enough embarassment and trauma for Southwest to pay for the boob job she recently got. Ironically a post-op visit to her plastic surgeon in Tucson for breast enlargement surgery was the purpose of the flight. The girl has no shame, and will do anything to get attention and money. Wake up people who still support this con artist wannabe victim.
Doc1
Explorer C
I GUESS IT JUST COMES DOWN TO CARING ENOUGH TO TRY TO DO THINGS FOR THE GOOD OF EVERYONE..I THINK SOUTHWEST HAS BIGGER FISH TO FRY BUT THE WOMAN ALSO NEEDS TO TURN THIS IN TO BRAINDAMAGE CITY..SHE WAS EMBARRESED BIG DEAL...WHAT IS THIS MOMMY HAS TO WRITE A LETTER FOR HER>>>I THINK SHE GOT ON THE FLIGHT IT LANDED IF SHE DONT LIKE IT TAKE A BUS NEXT TIME>>>>
Ace_Face
Explorer C
Humor in the workplace can go too far. Southwest shot itself in the foot with the lame puns in its half-baked conditional apology. Either apologize or don't apologize, but apologies should never be diluted with jokes.
Tom_Wiggin
Explorer C
This woman's clothing was not "lewd" or "offensive," and the way she has been shamed and mocked--and by Colleen Barrett, a woman!--is absolutely appalling. Ms. Ebberts was not exposing herself or conducting herself in an objectionable way. The latest incident, involving Ms. Qassim's attire, has made it even clearer to all intelligent observers that your company is backward and encourages misogyny. Southwest will not receive any business from me until you begin to show respect for ALL of your customers, and I will be sure to encourage everyone I know to choose other airlines.
Laura5
Explorer C
I have a new respect for SWA now and I do think they've handled the matter about the half nude passenger with humor and dignity. Why on earth would a woman want to wear something that makes her look like a hooker I'll never know. I like what someone commented earlier about - would you want your mother (assuming she's not a prostitute - lmao) to see you wearing that in public? lmao. Shame on that skanky piece of trash for flashing her wares in public like she did - if she doesn't feel ashamed, she should be! I wouldn't want to be on a flight where a man or a woman dressed like a piece of trash. Surely if they can afford to buy a plane ticket, they can afford to buy enough clothes to keep their privates from public debut! We (as families and mothers) are ashamed and disgusted by such displays. (sigh). I don't think SWA needed to apologize - let's take a stand against the pervs and sluts of this world and make this world a better place.
Doug6
Explorer C
I fully support your staff making decisions on customer attire which does not reflect family values and uphold a standard of decency. Many who fly with you do not wish to be subject to exposure which borders on tasteless if not out right indecent. Way to go Southwest Airline...you've got my vote and my business!
P_K_JONES
Explorer C
To all the Kyla Ebberts in the world.....when you dress the way you do you are looking for attention, so if you don't like the kind of attention you are getting either cover up or SHUT UP!!!
DJ6
Explorer C
I am amazed at how shallow people can be. For those who claim to have flown with Southwest for hundreds of flights, they're going to take their business somewhere else over such silliness? Carrying 93 million passengers a year, there are going to be differences. Get over it and concentrate on the important things in life. I'm sure the company has done many great things, and to lose business over this? Crazy. I'm sure they will continue to do the great job they always have. Good for them!
P_K_JONES
Explorer C
someone mentioned earlier that she weighed 300 pounds and would probably be asked to leave the plane if she dressed like this kyla person. Let me ask all you drooling males out there who are blasting SOUTHWEST, if kyla weighed 300 pounds and was maybe not very attractive would you be as sympathetic with her (or) if you had to sit next to her (all 300 pounds) on the plane would you enjoy all that exposed flesh (OR) would you complain to a flight attendant and ask that she be removed from your space? I wish someone would post the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Keith would never have approched kyla if other passengers had not complained. this was probably far more embarrassing for him than for the young lady who likes to exibit her wares. (just check out her web page, this is not a person who gets embarrassed easily). being a front line employee for (any) airline is a very delicate position, these people have many roles, it's not good enough to be an excellent employee, give 110% to the job, and always have a happy smile, they also occasionally have to address unpleasant situations such as passengers who disrupt the well being and comfort of the other 100 plus passengers on the plane. and yes the flight crew in a manner of speaking ARE the police. They have to make on the spot decisions to protect everyone. and as posted above SOUTHWEST does have the legal right to ask someone to leave the plane if their dress is is not appropriate. I have very high respect for Colleen and Gary but in this case I'm dissapointed that you felt you owed Kyla an apology. I know... public pressure is a B*%@h and you are doing what you think is right. Just like Keith was taught to do. Keith is the one who needs the apology for all the static he has had to deal with. he had that dreaded 'on the spot 'decison to make and he performed his job appropriately. Funny....I haven't seen him on all the talk shows looking for his 15 minutes of fame.
billhudson
Explorer B
My oh my, how times have changed. "Someone Else Up There Who Loves You". Trademark hot pants-Esquire Magazine- Most beautiful airline stewardesses distinction; Mermaid airplane billboards. It's a legacy of Southwest Airlines, seems to have been forgotten by many Southwest employees. It was a big part of the initial business model. The girl didn't look so much different to me than than that early day attire & corporate projection. Yes, things need to evolve and mature, we can't stop progress. But there's nothing wrong to let things happen that remind us of where we came from.
Marcia2
Explorer C
To quote the Smart Feminist with Amazing Cleavage: "Ah, apologizing in typical Southwest style. Does that mean snarky and flippant? Because thatÃ
Marcia2
Explorer C
Dear Southwest CEOs and Employees, Please brace yourselves with what I'm going to reveal. I believe the attention starved Ho (I mean Kyla Ebbert) may have some claims to sue the pants, panties or tops off you'all. Here is a post by a member in this forum: http://glennsacks.com/blog/?p=1142#comments 1. AnonymousPampleteer Says: September 8th, 2007 at 1:02 pm I think it is outrageous that this airline was interfering with this woman's right, as underwritten and encouraged by every family court in America, to do everything in her power to attract and ultimately trap in reproduction and/or marriage, some economically above-average or even upscale male on that flight. Everyone knows that average incomes of males who fly are higher than those who take the bus, and certainly her chances were pretty good of being seated next to a male or two, and if not, one imagines that no such prospective male targets would have objected to her changing her seat in their direction if she so chose. Here this poor, hardworking Hooters waitress was utilizing her well-developed and practiced professional skills to do what she could to attract male attention, and that nasty airline stole from her the opportunity to maximally exploit the circumstance of being a semi-clad young female on a passenger jet. I say that she sues the airline for depriving her from the 20 year child support annuity which she surely could have trapped from some male on that flight if the airline had simply allowed her to procede without their malicious and tortious interference. In settlement, Southwest Airlines should allow her to travel completely naked or wearing whatever scant attire she chooses on as many flights as it takes for her to trap a high-earning male, while requiring their own flight attendants wear burkas, so as to not draw any male attention away from this poor, self-esteem damaged young "lady".