Spirit Airlines Denied a Chicago Woman Boarding Over Her Shorts

On July 16, 2025, Tanasia Grayer, a Chicago woman, was stopped at the gate at Miami International Airport while attempting to board a Spirit Airlines flight home. An airline employee told her that her shorts did not meet the carrier’s dress code. Grayer, who was wearing shorts covered by a pink robe, said no one had flagged her outfit anywhere else in the airport and that she would have changed if told earlier. The situation escalated when her sister, Jessica Kordelewski, became involved. Kordelewski was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and trespassing after a warning. The sisters ultimately booked a flight on a different airline to return to Chicago.

Spirit’s Position

Spirit Airlines stated that Grayer and her travel companion were denied boarding not solely over the outfit but because they refused to comply with the dress code and displayed disruptive behavior. The airline updated its Contract of Carriage in January 2025, prohibiting passengers from boarding if they are “barefoot or inadequately clothed,” with examples including see-through clothing or attire exposing private parts, or clothing deemed “lewd, obscene or offensive in nature.” A Spirit spokesperson emphasized that the updated policy is intended to provide clearer guidance than many airlines’ vague, discretionary standards.

Traveler Reaction

Some travelers interviewed by CBS Miami expressed sympathy for Grayer, with one saying every person should be able to express themselves regardless of clothing, and another calling the denied boarding “pretty crazy.” Grayer said she would not wear the same outfit again to avoid future issues.

References: Spirit Airlines Passenger Claims She Was Denied Boarding Due to Shorts | Spirit Airlines passenger says she was denied boarding over shorts deemed “too short” | Spirit Airlines to Deny Boarding for Being ‘Inadequately Clothed’