Overview

In a jaw-dropping incident that has sparked outrage online, three women were reportedly kicked off a Spirit Airlines flight from Los Angeles to New Orleans merely for wearing crop tops. This unexpected controversy unfolded last Friday, causing turmoil and disbelief among both the passengers and those following the story across social media platforms.

The Incident Unfolds

Tara Kehidi and Teresa Araujo, the two friends at the center of the incident, explained that they decided to remove their sweaters to cool off due to the malfunctioning air-conditioning system in the airplane cabin. In an interview with ABC7, Kehidi described their attire, stating, "We were wearing crop tops... just a little bit of stomach showing."

Aggressive Intervention

As the story goes, a male flight attendant approached the women and allegedly instructed them to "put something on" in a manner that came off as both aggressive and dismissive. In response, they asked him if there was an official dress code they were violating, expressing confusion over being targeted when many other passengers were also dressed lightly.

Support from Fellow Passengers

Adding to the drama, fellow passenger Carla Hager, who was seated nearby with her toddler, chose to stand in solidarity with the women. Hager reportedly remarked, "If your body is inappropriate, then so is mine because I also have a crop top under my sweater." In her act of defiance, she removed her own sweater, asserting that if the two friends were to be removed, she and her child should be too.

The Aftermath

Unfortunately, her support led to a collective ousting from the flight. Video footage later surfaced, showing Hager trying to gather her belongings while her child cried, further amplifying the emotional weight of the situation. Disturbingly, both Kehidi and Araujo returned home feeling humiliated, stating they were treated "like criminals" as fellow passengers stared in disbelief.

Airline Policy and Legal Considerations

According to the airline's Contract of Carriage, Spirit Airlines reserves the right to deny boarding or remove a passenger if they are "barefoot or inadequately clothed," or if their clothing is "lewd, obscene, or offensive." However, the contract does not specify what constitutes "inadequate" clothing, leaving ample room for interpretation and, ultimately, controversy.

Final Outcomes

Despite offering to cover up by putting their sweaters back on multiple times, the women were met with refusals, ultimately leading them to spend an additional $1,000 on a last-minute Delta Airlines flight. The duo had planned to celebrate Kehidi’s birthday in New Orleans, but instead, the incident has left them with feelings of anger and betrayal.

Public Reaction and Future Prospects

As this story gathers traction, these three women are now considering legal action against Spirit Airlines. The public's reaction has been fierce, with many expressing support for the women while others question the airline's decision-making. Will Spirit Airlines respond to this growing scandal? Only time will tell—but one thing is for sure: this crop top controversy has sent shockwaves through the travel community!