A Spirit Airlines passenger says she was stunned after being denied boarding at Miami International Airport this week due to the length of her shorts, a confrontation that spiraled into the arrest of her sister and ignited debate over the airline’s newly updated dress code policy.
Tanasia Grayer told CBS News Miami that the incident occurred on July 16 as she prepared to board a flight to Chicago. She claims a Spirit Airlines gate agent blocked her from boarding solely because of her attire, despite having worn a similar outfit on her inbound flight days earlier.
“We were getting ready to board the plane, and the lady at the front desk, she stopped me and said: ‘You’re not getting on a plane like that,’” Grayer recalled. “I said, ‘Like what?’ She said, ‘With those shorts.’”
The situation quickly escalated. Grayer, who said her checked luggage had already been sent ahead to Chicago, had no other clothes to change into and described being treated “like a criminal.”
Her sister, Jessica Kordelewski, who attempted to intervene, was ultimately arrested and charged with disorderly conduct by Miami-Dade police.
The dramatic encounter has raised questions about the clarity and enforcement of Spirit Airlines’ dress code, especially after a policy update in January 2025 expanded the company’s rules on passenger appearance.
Spirit Airlines Defends Policy
In a statement to CBS News Miami, Spirit Airlines defended its decision, stating:
“Our records show a Guest was not in compliance with our Contract of Carriage and refused to comply when provided an opportunity to do so. The Guest and their travel companion were eventually denied boarding after displaying disruptive behavior. Further questions should be directed to law enforcement.”
The airline’s revised dress code prohibits “see-through clothing,” “exposed breasts, buttocks or other private parts,” “lewd, obscene or offensive clothing and tattoos,” and traveling barefoot. Industry experts say the change gives airlines broad discretion over what they deem inappropriate attire.
“Spirit, in particular, imposed new rules in January to make inappropriate dress more defined in their Contract of Carriage,” said Clint Henderson, a blogger for The Points Guy. “They’re well within their rights.”
Public Reacts to Dress Code Enforcement
After Grayer’s story went public, travelers expressed disbelief over the airline’s response when shown her outfit — a pair of casual shorts and a robe.
“Honestly, it’s not even bad,” said flyer Jayden Jungra. “The fact that she got kicked off the flight for that is pretty crazy.”
“Every girl, no matter what they’re wearing, should be able to express themselves,” added another traveler, Makayla Boubert.
Grayer, now back home after rebooking with a different airline, says she won’t be flying through Miami again.
“I’m going home, getting on a flight and going home. I won’t be back in Miami at all,” she said.
