Virgin Australia Passenger Accused of “Showing Too Much Skin”

We have the skinny on another passenger being told to cover up because her outfit was allegedly too revealing.

A couple of months ago, we wrote about Southwest Airlines passenger Kayla Eubanks being told her attire was “lewd, obscene and offensive.”

A similar incident recently occurred Down Under.

News.com.au reports that Virgin Australia passenger Catherine Bampton was told she couldn’t board her flight from Adelaide to the Gold Coast this past Wednesday morning.

Her offense? One of her flight’s pilots apparently thought her outfit was too revealing.

(Don’t you love the irony of an incident involving too much skin and an airline with the word “Virgin” in its title? Especially given that the Virgin brands practically pride themselves on being cheeky. Virgin Redheads, anyone?)

The below tweet (and this post) display the purportedly offensive clothing choice:

Traveller, 23, stopped from boarding Virgin Australia flight after pilot said she was ‘showing too much skin’ https://t.co/oV9c5WqaqZ

— Daily Mail Australia (@DailyMailAU) January 14, 2021

That pilot should never take a flight — especially on a budget airline — to Las Vegas.

She told news.au.com that a Virgin Australia staff member “told me in front of everyone that the pilot was refusing for me to board the plane because of the clothes I was wearing. I was in so much shock and was so confused because my clothes weren’t revealing…It was so embarrassing and humiliating.”

Ms. Bampton was told, “The pilot doesn’t like people showing too much skin. I asked her if you couldn’t show your arms and back and she didn’t know what to respond.”

This article says, “NCA NewsWire understands the string tie at the back of the top was the issue.”

What is Virgin Australia’s Dress Code?

On its website, Virgin Australia’s “Looking the Part” section says:

Virgin Australia has a list of minimum dress requirements. To board our aircraft Virgin Australia guests must wear:

• Footwear (thongs are acceptable) – all adults and children who are capable of walking must wear suitable footwear
• Shorts, or a skirt, or pants/trousers – suitable clothing that covers your bottom half
• A shirt (singlets are acceptable)

Note: Guests wearing clothing that displays offensive language or symbols will not be permitted on our services. If you do not meet our minimum dress requirements, you will be prevented from travel until you are dressed appropriately.

Ms. Bampton put on a light jacket she was carrying. That seemed to solve the issue and she was able to take her trip. Virgin Atlantic says it’s reviewing the incident.

Was Her Clothing Too Revealing?

I don’t think Ms. Bampton’s outfit was all that offensive. Revealing? Perhaps it shows a little too much of her bare back. But her slacks seem fine. She does seem to be just pushing the boundaries a bit. But overall, she appears relatively put together. And her private areas are covered up.

So, meh.

Let me put it this way: I’ve seen far less tasteful clothing on airplanes. Perhaps you have, as well.

A-Dress This in the Comments Section!

What do you think? Was her outfit too revealing and worthy of her being denied boarding? Or is it fine? Please share your thoughts below!

Featured image: ©iStock.com/Ryan Fletcher