Airline outfit outrage
Woman’s shock at being told clothing ’too skimpy’ to fly
A YOUNG Gold Coast woman was shocked and confused after claiming she was told she would not be able to board her Virgin Australia flight as she was showing “too much skin”.
Catherine Bampton, 23, said she was waiting to board flight VA1447 from Adelaide to the Gold Coast on Wednesday morning when she was approached by one of the airline’s ground crew.
She was “publicly embarrassed” by the female staff member, Ms Bampton said.
“She told me in front of everyone the pilot was refusing for me to board because of the clothes I was wearing,” the Palm Beach resident said.
“I was in so much shock and was so confused because my clothes weren’t revealing.”
Miss Bampton then claimed the crew member asked if she had another top to put on and was asked to wear it.
“It was so embarrassing and humiliating,” she said. “Everyone else waiting to board the plane was sitting there watching … and you could see they were staring in shock with their mouths open.”
As the university student went to board shortly after, she asked the crew member to explain what was wrong with her attire. According to Miss Bampton, the woman responded: “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.”
Miss Bampton was wearing sneakers with high-waisted trousers and a high-necked halter top at the time. She wants an apology from the pilot and the airline to be aware of the situation: “I don't want them to do it to other people because they shouldn’t be allowed to do that.”
It’s understood Virgin staff felt the way the “bikini-style top” was worn was unsuitable for travel. Minimum dress requirements are listed on Virgin Australia’s website, stating guests who don’t meet the requirements can be prevented from travelling until dressed appropriately.
According to the website, passengers must wear the following in order to board:
Footwear (thongs acceptable) – all adults and children capable of walking must wear suitable footwear;
Shorts, skirt, or pants/ trousers – suitable clothing covering your bottom half;
Shirt (singlets are ok); A Virgin spokesman said: “The dress guidelines on our aircraft are similar to other airlines here in Australia and the vast majority of those who fly with us meet or exceed them.
“It’s always been our intention those who travel with Virgin Australia feel welcome and have a comfortable journey.
“We’re undertaking a review of the incident. While no formal complaint has been received as yet, we’ve proactively tried to reach out to better understand what happened.”