AMERICAN Airlines has been forced to apologize after a flyer was reportedly told to button her shirt by a flight attendant before she could walk on to a plane.
Model Sara Blake Cheek said that she felt targeted because of her body type after claiming that other passengers wore the same outfit without any issues.
She claimed that other passengers were wearing the same outfits without issue[/caption]
American abruptly apologized on social media after she posted about the incident[/caption]
She opened up about the incident in a series of searing X posts on Sunday, and even shared pictures of her outfit to prove a point.
The model said the tense interaction came after she was already frustrated as her American flight out of Atlanta, Georgia, was abruptly cancelled, rescheduled twice, and then delayed again.
When she finally prepared to board the flight, Cheek claimed that an attendant told her to button her shirt despite other women “wearing the same outfit” without issue.
“Glad I’m a platinum member,” said the model after tagging the company in the outraged post.
Cheek later shared a picture of herself wearing the outfit, which consisted of sneakers, leggings, a cropped halter top, and a baggy plaid long-sleeved collared shirt.
“I was unaware that American Airlines had a dress code that said you can’t wear athletic attire if you have big boobs,” she wrote in another post.
Just minutes after sharing the post, the airline quickly apologized, saying, “We have a deep culture of respect for both our customers and our team members, and we’re sorry for anything less than consistent and friendly service.
“We’re sharing this experience with crew leadership internally, and we’d like to have our specialist take a closer look if we can,” the airline wrote on X.
American urged Cheek to direct message the company so they could discuss the incident further.
Cheek is an influencer and mom from Florida who has amassed over one million followers for her posts about fitness and sports.
She’s also an outspoken advocate for women dressing in whatever outfits make them feel their most confident.
In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Cheek previously urged fellow moms to ditch their “hideous diaper swimsuits” and flaunt their curves.
“You aren’t a bad mom for wanting to be fit or look sexy in a bikini,” she said.
“Do whatever you have to do to make yourself happy at what you see in the mirror.
“A happy mom is a good mom.”
The U.S. Sun has reached out to American Airlines for any updates on the incident.
What should you wear on a flight?
HEALTH experts have warned travelers against wearing tight pants like jeans or leggings on a flight.
The pants can hinder circulation at elevation, and increase risk of blood clots pooling in the lower legs.
Plus, leggings could be a safety risk on the off chance that a flier gets caught in an aviation accident.
Instead, fliers are urged to wear medical-grade compression stockings, which counter the effects of a decompressed cabin, Dr. Peter J. Pappas, a vascular surgeon with the Center for Vein Restoration, said.
Compression socks and leggings have gentle pressure that encourages blood flow and prevents pooling in the extremities.
AIRLINE DRESS CODE
On its website, American stresses that it wishes for flights to be an “inclusive place,” but warns that travelers must be dressed in appropriate attire.
“Dress appropriately; bare feet or offensive clothing aren’t allowed,” American’s Conditions of Carriage states.
A Contract of Carriage is an agreement between the passengers and the carrier that defines the rights and liabilities of both parties.
Most airlines have them on their websites, so travelers should read over the terms before heading to the airport.
Generally, travelers are advised to cover all private areas and stay away from any graphics with lewd or insensitive materials.
Meanwhile, some health experts have warned that flyers shouldn’t wear jeans while cruising in the air.
