A burlesque performer was denied permission to board an airplane at the international airport in Boston for a connecting flight to Seattle operated by JetBlue Airways because her shorts were too short, causing Maggie McMuffin to search the airport to purchase a pair of sleeping trunks for $22.00 so that she can get home.
Shorts Too Short for Female Passenger to Board Airplane
Photographs of the short shorts worn by Maggie McMuffin were posted by Molly McIsaac at her official Facebook Internet web site.
After waiting at the gate for approximately 45 minutes, McMuffin was reportedly approached by an employee of the airline at the gate who informed her that — after a discussion with members of the flight crew — what she was wearing was inappropriate and that the pilot decided that she either wear something more appropriate or be denied the opportunity to board the aircraft.
Her request that she wear a sweater or blanket around her waist to cover the short shorts was not granted, causing her to purchase the sleeping trunks, according to this article written by Maria Guerrero for KIRO 7 News in Seattle pertaining to the incident which occurred on Wednesday, May 18, 2016; but she was supposedly offered to be booked on another flight.
Earlier that day, McMuffin flew as a passenger from New York to Boston wearing a sweater with long sleeves, thigh-high socks and short shorts with no issues.
Response From JetBlue Airways
A spokesman for JetBlue Airways released this statement:
The gate and on board crew discussed the customer’s clothing and determined that the burlesque shorts may offend other families on the flight. While the customer was not denied boarding, the crew members politely asked if she could change. The customer agreed and continued on the flight without interruption.
We support our crew members’ discretion to make these difficult decisions, and we decided to reimburse the customer for the cost of the new shorts and offered a credit for future flight as a good will gesture.
McMuffin did receive a credit of approximately $200.00 from JetBlue Airways — as well as a refund for the purchase of her sleeping trunks — but she wants an apology from the pilot; a clear and consistent dress code for airline passengers; and either cash or a more significant refund.
Summary
I am not sure I would egg McMuffin pertaining to the short shorts she wore, as her buns were not showing, from what I can see. I have personally witnessed women wearing apparel which was more revealing — such as shorts and skirts — and therefore truly inappropriate for wearing in public.
Then again, I have people wear sandals where their feet spill out of them. In fact, I would rather sit next to McMuffin than many of the 21 passengers we hate on flights.
McMuffin does raise an interesting question: should there be a formal dress code for passengers of airplanes in general to which people can adhere?
Source: the official Facebook Internet web site of Molly McIsaac.
