Should airports enforce a dress code? (Image: Getty)
A major airport in the USA sparked debate around acceptable airport attire in an X post where it announced “We’ve had enough.” Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Tampa International Airport claimed it wanted to become the “world’s first Crocs-free AND pajama-free airport” in a joke post published yesterday (February 26).
The tongue-in-cheek post started with the message “We’ve seen enough. We’ve had enough.” and went on to say “The madness stops today.” It took issue with people wearing pyjamas to the airport in the middle of the day, and urged people to have a “difficult conversation” with loved ones who might commit this fashion faux pas.
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The airport previously took a swipe at Crocs – a favourite with Gen Z (Image: Getty)
But while the airport later admitted in a statement to USA Today that the post was purely a joke, it did spark a lively debate around acceptable clothing when flying and whether dress codes should be imposed.
Its statement said: « Tampa International Airport regularly shares lighthearted, satirical social media content as part of our ongoing effort to engage with our followers. Today’s post about ‘banning’ pajamas was another playful nod to day-of-travel fashion debates. We encourage our passengers to travel comfortably and appreciate our loyal followers who enjoy the online humor. »
Spirit Airlines recently updated its policies to ban inappropriate clothing (Image: Getty)
While airports generally don’t have dress codes, there have been incidents where travellers have been denied boarding or asked to leave airports due to their clothing choices. In 2024, two women wearing crop tops were kicked off a Spirit Airlines flight departing from Los Angeles after they refused to put their jumpers on.
In 2025, the budget airline updated its contract of carriage, warning that passengers that were “barefoot or inadequately clothed” may be denied boarding or asked to leave the plane. Spirit’s terms and conditions clarify that this includes ”see-through clothing; [being] not adequately covered; exposed breasts, buttocks, or other private parts”.
It also bans clothing and body art that’s “lewd, obscene, or offensive in nature” and warns that it can also deny boarding passengers that have “an offensive odor unless caused by a qualified disability”.
The post has sparked debate about airport clothing (Image: Getty)
No UK airlines or airports have yet issued similar guidelines, beyond recommendations to wear comfortable clothing, although some airport lounges do enforce dress codes. No1 Lounges who operate lounges in major airports including London Gatwick and Heathrow confirm on its website: “Yes, we have a dress code in place. We ask all our guests to wear smart-casual clothing.”
It clarifies: “Our dress code stipulates that we reserve the right to refuse admission to anyone wearing clothing which we deem to be unsuitable. This includes themed or fancy-dress outfits, clothes with slogans that may cause offence, sports shirts, beach flip flops, vests, and clothing that exposes midriffs or upper thighs.
“Our My Lounge spaces are designed to be a little more relaxed and informal, encouraging guests to dress comfortably and express their individuality. Casual clothing, trainers, flip flops, and athleisure are welcome at My Lounge.” However, it clarifies that inappropriate items such as fancy dress were still banned from these spaces.
Tampa International Airport later revealed its post was ‘lighthearted’ (Image: Getty)
While intended to be humorous, Tampa International Airport’s post sparked debate around how to dress when flying. One poster said: “I love this! Let’s go back to the way it was in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s!”, adding photos of smartly dressed people on planes in decades gone by.
However, another poster said: “I’ll dress nice again when we’re not treated like cattle at the airport and on the plane.” While another pointed out: “How are you even classifying clothing as pajamas to begin with? Are sweatpants, yoga pants, children wearing soft clothes pajamas?”
Would you support dress codes at airports and on planes? Have your say by commenting below.
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