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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
Bill19
Explorer C
I wish you a speedy bankruptcy. Shame on you. Is Cotton Mather on your board of directors?
Eric12
Explorer C
I travel a lot and was horrified to hear of the unethical and unfair treatment of the young lady. If she were an overweight female wearing the exact same outfit, no one on your airline would have even considered saying anything to her for fear of legal actions that may be taken against the airline. If your company has a problem with her attire, you should have DISCREETLY and privately addressed the situation to avoid humiliating the girl. The way that you addressed the situation was very rude and tasteless. I travel a lot due to my work (U.S. Army) and really like your aircraft and courtesy normally. I have even taken a flight on one of your aircraft en route to Kuwait before OIF 1. I feel that your decision reflects poor judgement and a bad sense of business sense and I will no longer seek to travel with your company and will recommend that all of my fellow servicemembers do the same. She has the right to dress as she wishes as long as it is not lude or distasteful, and there are hundreds of thousands of young women that choose to dress the same way. I believe that this small episode of poor judgement will cost you a signifigant amount of money from people that feel as I do and I hope you start following your own policies. I hope that she takes this to court and wins A LOT of money in punitive damages!!!
Loviniya
Explorer C
I don't know care what they did to her, that's her and the airline problem, if Southwest will give me a better deal and service than other airlines which usually does, then i don't have a problem, i will for sure fly with them.
jerrya
Explorer C
Either SWA owes the young lady a genuine apology or they owe her a bonus for helping them pull off a magnificent PR stunt. I'm as yet unsure which occurred.
Debra_Casper
Explorer C
Southwest has won a new customer with me! Southwest must be like me -sick and tired of seeing women's underwear and breasts. I'm sure you are not tho'. If women want to dress to expose underwear they should not be affended when other customers complain. She was on the Today Show and I saw the interview. She was asked to stand up and let everyone see the outfit she was wearing on the plane. When she sat down, I clearly and so did everyone else viewing the show saw her panties. The interviewer even made a comment about maybe someone could see her underclotheing and she said that she crossed her legs. Oh! That was great because now I see her butt cheek! I know exactly what the airline and other passengers were complaining about. All the comments on this blog is women who like to show themselves and men who enjoy it. It is disrepectful to women. I majored in fashion merchandising and I love fashions. Skin is not fashion. The body covered up with its curves is much more flattering. I don't get my self-esteem from dressing so men and women will notice me. I get my stares from respect and confidence. More women need to respect themselves. I know I will get blasted for these comments but not from people whose opinion I respect anyway. Thanks for allowing my viewpoint. I will be watching for flights deals with Southwest in the future!!!!!!!!!!!!
Patricia1
Explorer C
One more thing, I better see you asking the guys with there underwear hanging out of their past to cover up the next time I fly because you can bet that I will be pointing them out to you. If you don't react to them in the same way than you will definitely have a sexual discrimination suit on your hands.... Oh wait, that's right, I won't be flying you again until you admit you were wrong! Sorry is not a 4 letter word.....
The_Truth
Explorer C
Who made southwest the fashion police?There was nothing wrong with what that young lady was wearing.The fact that southwest went out of their way to mention that she works at hooters shows exactly the kind of mindset thats at work here.Shame on you southwest,I hope she sues your pants off.(not literally of course, then you couldn't fly your own airline)
Greg_McGowan
Explorer C
Have you gone off the deep end? What next burkas for every woman? Utterly and completely out of line, I was stunned to think that your company would behave so. I sincerely she sues you and gets everything she seeks. Wrong Wrong Wrong Southworst. Until I hear/read a public apology, the employees who banned her, lectured her are fired I'll fly any other airline no matter the cost. You cannot be trusted.
Suzanne1
Explorer C
Southwest Airlines Co. Contract of Carriage-Passenger (Sixth Revised) Page 10 (F) Comfort and Safety-Carrier may refuse to transport or remove from the aircraft at any point any passenger in the following categories as may be necessary for the comfort or safety of such passenger or other passengers: (1) Persons whose conduct is or has been known to be disorderly, abusive, offensive, threatening, intimidating, or viloent, or whose clothing is lewd, obscene, or patently offensive:
Amy22
Explorer C
Why would SWA care if a 23 yr old girl wears a tank top and mini skirt? Unless it was indecent (and should have been reported to the police), the customer did not deserve to belittled and embarrassed.
Greg_Hastings
Explorer C
Won't ever fly Southwest again. might not have on the right cloth's. Bad move on Southwest Airlines part. should fire the one who choose to make that discision. Airlines are not our mom's and dads and don't have the right to tell anyone how to dress we live in America. I spend $10,000.00 a mo. on airline tickets Southwest won't be getting any of my money ever. I agree with Duke suit their BUTTS OFF.
carolinagirl
Explorer C
Southwest give me a break! I can't believe this even happened you would have thought the girl was naked but after you see the picture she is no where near it. If its a family airline they shouldn't sell tickets to individulas. Next they'll say you can't fly if you are a single unwed mother. I believe you should have a right to wear what you very well please as long as it isn't indecent in the eyes of the law. You should have a choice of what to wear especially if it is comfortable to you. It's something you can control unlike the small confined seats on the plane. People should stop trying to push their religion, fashion sense and moral preferences on others we are all different. Get over yourself. The only thing we have to do as passengers is to buy your ticket, shut your trap and get off the plane when it lands at your destination without endangering the flight itself......sad state of events
Kelle
Explorer C
Where is the SWA police when Mr. Butt Crack sits next to me and is so large he takes up a good portion of my seat? How about Mr. Belly that flashes us all when he puts his bag in the overhead? Sorry Southwest, but you lost my company's business. I don't do business with discriminatory hipocrites.
Matthew_Lyons
Explorer C
Southwest Airlines Mission Statement The mission of Southwest Airlines is dedication to the highest quality of Customer Service delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, individual pride, and Company Spirit. "Embarrassing paying customers. Getting even with customers that are more attractive than yourself and the other members of the flight crew. Talking down to the client and giving them advice on how to dress." Your company bites!
T_Lince
Explorer C
Legitimate question to the people who feel the girl's outfit was not obscene: how far would an outfit have to go before you DID consider it obscene? If having your hoo-ha visible does not count as obscene, what does?
Christopher_Smi
Explorer C
I understand that some of your passengers think that Kyla Ebert was dressed inappropriately, but acting as wardrobe police should never be the role of a Southwest flight attendant. The flight attendant should have told the complaining passenger(s) that it is not appropriate for Southwest employees to act on subjective opinions about another passengers atire. Shame on you. Southwest should publicly apologize immediately.
DI
Explorer C
SHAME ON SOUTHWEST...THIS IS WHY I no longer fly with you. when my grand child was 2. was crying and I asked your host for water. she took 30 minutes to get back to me. Was RUDE and nasty. and a fellow passenger gave me a bottle water for my baby.When she finally did come back with it..I wanted to tell her to shove it up where the sun does not shine but I was just so upset!!!! To this day I fly only Delta and Alaskan Airline ...your big lost becasue I must fly 20 times a year..I tell all my friends and family too.
AJ1
Explorer C
apologize and hire her as your new spokesperson...that is the only way out of this.
Chris211
Explorer C
I think Southwest owes this woman an apology. I also think the Steward in the situation needs to be counciled about how to professionally address any concerns of this nature. At the front of the plane with all passengers watching is not professional. She did not look offensive in any way. She is an attractive young woman that is dressed like any other young woman would. I can not see how that outfit could be considered inappropriate in today's society.
Sandie
Explorer C
I thank the airline and wish others would follow suit. I am sick and tired of young men and women going around with thier undies showing. I have several daughters, they all know there is a time and place for various outfits. I would have been appalled to have had one of them fly dressed like that... much less to have paraded her on National TV
Diana_Mitchell-
Explorer C
First, a traveler has to get to the airport at least 2 hours before flight time so that they can undress to get through security. Second, once you've gotten through security you have to wait another hour before you can board your plane. Third, after you've boarded the plane you sit on the tarmac for another 7-11 hours without water, fresh air, food and with overflowing toilets. And, the traveler pays for this privilege...apologize to the young lady. You wouldn't have embarassed a MAN that way and besides, what planet are you from? I've seen people more scantily clad going to McDonald's. I hope she sues the pants off of Southwest Airlines!
Pat111
Explorer C
I CANNOT BELEIVE Southwest made her do that! I'm ashamed for this company! What next, you'll kick someone off if they don't act a certain way YOU want them to or some one else does? SOUTHWEST - you need to take another look at how you handle things.
Pat111
Explorer C
OMG she was NOT naked! She could have been wearing a a very low top but she didn't! she sat down and you didn't see anything! MY GOODNESS! Some people are just stupid. She was not at all demeaning or provacative.
S_5
Explorer C
Clearly this Hooters girl is just trying for publicity, or to get a shot in Playboy. Everyone assumes that she was wearing underwear-she never says she was and not one of the "journalists" who have interviewed her have asked her. Even if she was wearing a thong, her butt would clearly have hung out of that skirt anyway she moved. I'm a frequent SWA customer and it doesn't bother me at all....
SS1
Explorer C
KUDOS SWA!!!! As a 32 year old mother of 2 young girls I find it is too often that I have to worry about the lack of clothing they see in public. At one point in our world, one had to go seeking to fulfill their desires to see unclothed women (& men), now it surrounds us at every turn, including some religious functions. Young women should learn that the whole world was never meant to see scantily clad bodies. Our society & the media condone the attire of young women as being "the norm." A woman can cover necessary parts & be attractive in a classy way. More people need to stand up for what is morally right & what should be a higher standard. Stand your ground SWA & don't let the general public & media change your moral stance in an immoral world. We will stand behind your company & fly SWA as long you do!!
Michael_and_Chr
Explorer C
Thank you, Southwest, for being a "Family Airline." We appreciate your pricing, all your professional people (in every area of your corporation) and, especially, the dignity you maintain. We applaud your actions which, as usual, were done most professionally. Thank you for your perspective - that there is more than just one person on your plane. The service you provide is exceptional. Keep it up! Mike and Christine Holmes
P___Patel
Explorer C
I am so outraged at the moral judgements SW seems to choose to make. Gee, if I were an airline, a strict dress code would be on top of my list of things to make right. Perhaps if SW instilled the same sense of righteousness when they picked the attitudes of their flight attendants. I remember when I last flew SW, not only did they attendant roll her eyes at every customer that made a simple request, but she responded begrudingly and often used an indifferent or rude tone. What ever happened to customer service? Perhaps, SW Airlines should focus on the better treatment of customers and the importance of service before going ahead and nitpicking what their customers should or shouldn't wear on a flight. Better yet, perhaps they should try not to sell more tickets than they have seats for on a flight. Please try to uphold a good business ethic rather than some poor judgement call on a girl's outfit. Also, I love the added pictures of the peanuts on the side of this page. Nothing screams service like 2cent snacks - that is how much you pay for them isn't it? Which by the way, SW hasn't even bothered to serve, along with drinks, if the flight is too short or there may be some 'trubulence'. One note of advice, you are a business and the way you treat your customers reflects the profits you make. You are not a Church, school, or a parent, or a public rule maker, so leave all your morality checks and lessons at the gate, please.
Henry_Kulesza
Explorer C
Your flight attendant who had a hissy fit and scolded the lady with the short skirt in plain view of other passengers should be fired... period. Flying today is not a pleasant experience and airlines should do what they can to alleviate stress, not increase it. SW and many other airlines treat customers as cattle. Anything that can be done to make paying customers feel more appreciated SHOULD be done. I've found that your flight attendants are often rude and uncaring. Although I was a long time customer, I've recently switched to a different carrier and have no regrets. This arrogant behavior and your lack of willingness to make things right with your customer only supports my decision to change carriers. Shame on you. What's next? Will you be handing out full-length robes to all passengers in the future?
william_n__mill
Explorer C
way to go. the young lady was inapproprately dressed for a public flight. stand your ground, don't give in to public (dumb) outcry. for the most part, people don't have a clue about morals or ethics in our world today. yeah, i'm one of those bitching christians, as a matter of fact i'm a christian pastor. ms. ebert needs her bottom covered when in public (maybe even spanked) her mother surely isn't as proud of her as she presented on the today show. when i fly i'll definitely use swa. again thanks for taking a stand for what is right. remember, it's never wrong to do what's right, even though it may not be the easiest route to take. maybe you should give the flight attendent a raise. ha ha. no, really, they need to be acknowledged for doing the right thing. God bless and keep up the good work. bro bill in kentucky
Dwen_V__Green
Explorer C
I travel Southwest whenever locations afford me the opportunity. I've loved flying this airline for many reasons such as prices, customer service, convenience, flight attendants, etc. Unfortunately, I am very disappointed with the recent news of the passenger and her questionable attire. I've taken every opportunity to recommend SW to anybody that travels and will no longer do so in the future. Without a doubt, this is one of the worst cases of using poor judgement in handling a situation of this type and it will most certainly affect my choice in using Southwest for future travel. Wake up SW - you need a "clean-up" crew and a major management overhaul to fix this one. Regards, "very shocked and outraged customer"
Liz1
Explorer C
Way to go SWA!!! As a young (31) Christian mother with daughters, I find it refreshing that someone stood up for this issue. What some consider respectable & acceptable clothing is off by a long shot!! Our family will continue to support you & other companies that strive to make this a better world for our children to grow up in. Toughen up your policy & don't back down, it will indeed be a "bumpy flight"!!... But well worth it for our countries morals & future!!
T_1
Explorer C
I am glad you did that...her skirt was way too short. If I had been on the plane, I would have been offended. When someone sits down in a skirt that short - everything is revealed. What is she saying about herself?
C__Swanson
Explorer C
I have flown Southwest quite a bit and generally have been very please with the service and perfmance. Is this really an issue of attire or of customer service. I belive it is the later. Maybe the employee was correct in addressing the concerns (complaints) of another customer. However, to do so at the expense of another paying customer certainly does not make good business sense. Southwest had an opportunity to make both customers happy....the first by discussing the situation with the young lady (in privat) and finding a sollution and the second by sending her an apology letter (rather than a second lecture). Southwest blew it and now will have to pay the price, one way or another. If not in some monetary settlement then by what is no doubt a PR nightmare. As for me, I will keep flything with them....that is until they tell me my suits are not good enough 🙂
Rey_Ximenes
Explorer C
I can't believe what we're getting to. Now the F. Attendants are the morality police also. Wasn't SW the airline where the FA's wore "hot pants"? Maybe a little hypocritical? When I flew to Nashville 8-4-07 on SWA-74 the FA threw a guy off the plane because he didn't jump fast enough for the FA when she was explaining to him about the emergency exits. She said she didn't like his attitude! I was sitting right behind him and I didn't hear him say anything ofeensive or contrary, just that he wanted to put his MP3 away first. He was escorted off the plane. It turned out he was an Army Ranger, one of ours, I was disgusted.
Michael_Kosa
Explorer C
Your company blew it on this one. Kayla Ebert will have her day in court. Unfortunately, it will be the flying public that picks up the bill. While it is admirable that you are standing behind your employee I am afraid that the decision to keep her off the flight was capricious and arbitrary. Southwest will be lucky to settle this one out of court.
Francisco_Delga1
Adventurer A
The morals of our country are obviously backwards. For the people defending what she was wearing you obviously do not have class. You are blaming Southwest for asking her to change.. she still made the flight and the flight attendant did not tell her in front of everyone.... A month later she wants to make a big deal about it... can we say MONEY!!!! Perhaps instead the media should be focusing on Southwest Airlines and its 35 plus years of putting customers first.. Southwest has done a lot for our communities, our country, our troops and countless charities.. yet we are focused on a woman who was half dressed and giving her credit? Give me a break... For all those who condone what she has done you should be ashamed of yourselves. GO SOUTHWEST USS BLOG BOY
Brianna
Explorer C
KUDOS SWA!! I am a 32 year young mother that has to worry about what our 2 daughters see EVERY single day!! It seems we can't go out anywhere without seeing some young teen or college age girl letting it all hang out in an outfit they consider to be cute. It shows the decline in our society as a whole when these outfits (or lack of) are considered acceptable. So many parents condone their daughters attire choices when they let them purchase &/or purchase it for them. They do not realize the path they are sending their daughters down. What happened to dressing with class & a touch of elegance? It's time more of us took a stand on the moral issues that face this country & quit backing down because "it's not politically correct." You have our families full support as long as you stand firm.
Janis_Licuanan
Explorer C
September 7, 2007 Excellent that 'old school' still exists on SouthWest Airlines. The young people are dressing so that they entice others to 'lust' after them. But no one is teaching them this. Not even their parents. I'm about ready to write to fashion designers and do a motherly (verbal) spanking about their influence on our young. I'm trendy and fashionable also, but seriously the 1930's and 1940s style of dressing was fantastic. Modest, classy & promoted more respect to an individual. Cross your fingers for me, I'm gearing up to write letters to those fashion designers. I've flown Southwest before. I enjoyed it. And I will continue.... Hint: The way you dress reflects your personality. The world around you will note this and gain an impression of your character (personality) by the way you dress.
Mrs__Lovett
Explorer C
You are not fashion consultants. You are not hall monitors. You're a cut-rate trash airline and you obviously hire pitiful little people who need to humilate others in public. I hope she sues you into bankruptcy.
Arturo_Salazar
Explorer C
Way-to-go Southwest! Nothing like injecting some puritanical bs into a routine flight. Your over-zealous and probably jealous employee who escorted a paying customer out of a plane for what she was wearing just cost your company a huge pr scandal. This just cements my choice to never fly Southwest and living in SF where the new terminal was opened, that's not good for either of us. STOP TELLING PEOPLE WHAT TO WEAR!!
Dennis_S_
Explorer C
I fly SWA quite often between Tucson to Las Vegas. What this young woman was wearing was tame compared to some of the out fits I have seen on other women or even other men. I have seen skirts/shorts on some young women getting onto a SWA flight so short you wonder why they wore anything in the first place. I have also seen some "overweight" women and men wear outfits that should just not be allowed to be seen in public. I think SWA blew it here. If you are going to enforce a dress code, then establish that code and make absolutely sure every customer is made aware of it BEFORE they come to the airport. If this outfit was so bad why was she not stopped before getting onto the plane. I guess associates at SWA do not always follow the same rules.... if there were any.
Mark24
Explorer C
Being polite, but firm; standing your ground. Good work! I support Southwest's policies. Young people in particular need a guiding hand, because no one speaks out any more to tell them how tasteless their appearance is becoming. Come on, folks, let's wear shoes on our feet, and cover our colorful body art so as not to make spectacles of ourselves. And while we're on this subject, I think it's incredibly tacky for people to bring beverages onto the aircraft. I'll bet spills of soft drinks and coffee cost the airlines millions of dollars in cleanups every year. Let's ban those as well. I mean, people aren't allowed to carry their own drinks into a restaurant, so why should be be permitted to carry them on board aircraft?
Mike_Sincero
Explorer C
WOW!! A lot of jealous women on this blog. Get over it ladies; she's hot, you're probably not, and SWA screwed up. I refuse to let an airline police dress codes or set the rules for morality. She was doing nothing wrong or illegal. if people (women) have an issue with how "ladies dress now-a-days" they should stay home pregnant and barefoot where they belong. Funny how it's women who support the airline and oppose the passenger. Get over it!
Trish5
Explorer C
Thank you Southwest Airlines for making the correct judgement call! It's too bad more businesses don't have the guts to do the same. And women out there. . . cover-up. Be tasteful in public. Wouldn't you rather have men look at you with respect (because your clothes are tasteful and you wear them well) as opposed to, "she looks like a tramp -- I bet she's easy"? Be examples for the girls younger than you!
L_H
Explorer C
I am 24 years old. I enjoy getting dressed up and going out just as most women my age, but sometimes it is just not appropriate. If you watched the Today show clip, when she stands up she pulls her skirt down further and her shirt to cover up as well. It is doubtful that she did this on the flight. I think Southwest did the right thing. They have the right to refuse service to anyone in lewd clothing, or clothing found to be inappropriate. That is part of our agreement in buying a ticket with them. I think it was completely fair of them to ask her to cover-up more and in the end let her take the flight with a blanket. While I personally do not have a problem with her outfit, I can see how many would. If a company gets complaints they are going to do something about it and I can 100% see how they'd get complaints from other customers about what she was wearing. Good Job Southwest and addressing the issues of your customers. You won't be losing my business. I completely see your reasons and your compromising effort is great. Thank you.
Dianne1
Explorer C
Has everyone lost their minds? Did nobody live through the "60"s and "70"s when we all wore mini-skirts and hot pants? Has no one been to a "family" beach and seen almost naked women? I think you should let this young lady fly for free for the rest of her life! Time will take care of her "youth and good looks"...let her enjoy herself while she can!
rudder10
Explorer C
I'm not flying Southwest again
Sarah10
Explorer C
I am sick and tired of women thinking they can dress however they want to in public. I am not worried about Ms. Eber being humiliated by Southwest airlines, especially if she was willing to dress that way in the first place. Finally someone was willing to take a stand in order to let people know that this type of dress is not acceptable. Bravo Southwest Airlines for doing the right thing. --Sarah
Tolerance__
Explorer C
Well, it looks like I am the only young, working mother in this entire country that was proud of Southwest Airlines. I think it is my "right" not to be assaulted by someone's elses "right" to expose themselves. Call it old-school, old-fashioned- I believe in modesty. Guys cheer it, want it and call out for more exposure. Girls flaunt it, expose it and use it whenever they can. How sad that she has to "sue" for her own lack of modesty and lack of good taste. I know, I know- it's everyone else's fault that she was dressed that way- surely not her own. We are supposed to tolerate those who are "expressing" themselves- but no tolerance is given to those who don't believe in that expression/lack of modesty. Clearly a one-sided tolerance.
Robyn_Carnes
Explorer C
KUDOS KUDOS KUDOS to you, Southwest Airlines, for taking a stand on this issue while thinking about every other paying customer on that plane. I saw what the girl was wearing this morning on the Today Show and it was absolutely inappropriate given the current situation. Now if she had been working at a Gentlemen's Club, perhaps this would be a different story. Every wife, parent, and child thanks you for taking a stand for something. I am proud to fly Southwest Airlines.