WARNING: The following story is likely to make your blood boil.
Shannon Watts – a mother of five from Colorado and founder of pro-gun control organization Moms Demand Action – shared on Twitter Sunday that young passengers getting on board a flight from Denver to Minneapolis were not allowed down the walkway unless they changed outfits.
Two girls in particular, one of whom was 10 years old, were barred from boarding because they were wearing leggings.
They had to actually cover up more and wait for the next flight to Minnesota.
The incident has gone viral – with everyone from People Magazine to The New York Times picking it up – and United responded to Watts on Twitter by writing that they “have the right to refuse transport for passengers who are barefoot or not properly clothed.”
As used in this context, that response has not sat well with many people on social media, including quite a few you’ve probably heard of…
The Opening Tweets
This is how Watts alerted social media to the situation.
The United Response
The airline checked and said the passengers in question appeared to be family members of employees and were therefore held to a high standard, per company bylaws.
Patricia Arquette†Responds
@united Leggings are business attire for 10 year olds. Their business is being children.
And Chrissy Teigen
I have flown united before with literally no pants on. Just a top as a dress. Next time I will wear only jeans and a scarf.
And Sarah Silverman
Hey @united I fly a LOT. About to go on tour all April and changing all my @united flights to other airlines.
And Andy Richter
.@united I have flown numerous times while displaying an egregious mooseknuckle. What’s a male over 10 have to do to get noticed?
And Seth Rogen
We here at @united are just trying to police the attire of the daughters of our employees! That’s all! Cool, right?
And William Shatner
I’m going to start wearing leggings! Is that against the rules?
And Wil Wheaton
Whoever runs @united’s Twitter today is working overtime, because United is a shitty airline with shitty policies.
And This Person
A boycott may very well be underway shortly. Or at least a large number of folks in leggings while they fly United.
There Was Ths Great Burn
Ya burnt!
And This Amazing Observation
Could the girls have worn THESE on board?
And This Astute Find
Go ahead and think of a response to this point, United. We’ll wait…