Delta Air Lines seized on one of its competitor’s publicity nightmares Monday — encouraging customers to travel comfortably as United faced backlash for its so-called leggings ban.
United Airlines stirred controversy Sunday for barring two young girls from boarding a plane because they were wearing leggings that didn’t comply with the airline’s dress code for its “pass riders” benefits program, which allows United employees and dependents to fly for free or a discount.
Delta took the opportunity to remind riders that their leggings are welcome onboard Delta flights.
“Flying Delta means comfort. (That means you can wear your leggings),” the airline tweeted with a winky emoji.
Flying Delta means comfort. (That means you can wear your leggings. 😉)
— Delta (@Delta) March 27, 2017
United defended the policy Sunday because pass riders are essentially “representing” the airline, a spokesperson told the New York Times. The airline also clarified that travelers who don’t fly with the benefit program can wear leggings.
But that didn’t stop many from expressing their outrage on social media over what they called a sexist policy, including celebrities like Chrissy Teigan and Sarah Silverman.
2) She's forcing them to change or put dresses on over leggings or they can't board. Since when does @united police women's clothing?
— Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) March 26, 2017
“Like most companies, we have a dress code that we ask employees and pass riders to follow” United said in a statement. “To our regular customers, your leggings are welcome.”
