In news that probably shouldn’t have surprised as many people as it did, Saudi Arabia’s national airline has a strict dress code in place, prohibiting flyers from wearing revealing clothing.
The controversial reminder was picked up by mainstream media last week when it was published on a now deleted page on Saudi Arabian Airlines’ website.
Although the site made mention of both men and women requirements, mainstream media and the general public seem to have focused on the rule against female flyers wearing short, thin, tight and exposing clothing. This includes any outfits that would expose their legs or arms.
However, men were also called out and reminded that they too should avoid wearing “shorts exposing legs”, while both sexes were advised that they would not be allowed to board barefoot.
The web page caused quite a stir among the travelling public, who seemed genuinely surprised to hear that the national airline of a conservative country would have a strict dress code.
Among them was NSW politician, Darren McLean, who said it was “incredibly disrespectful to women”.
https://twitter.com/DarrenMcLeanKAP/status/895975282762317825
And there was this group of Twitter users, who urged people to look elsewhere if they want to show off their arms and legs:
easy dont fly Saudi Arabian Airlines
— markbauman1948@gmail (@markbauman19481) August 12, 2017
So much for freedom on expression. Simple answer to that. Don't fly Saudi Arabian Airlines. Job done!
— Northy (@bjnorthy) August 12, 2017
https://twitter.com/Kalimeralynn/status/896773496910602240
But it was Kevin who asked an interesting question…
Why on earth would you fly Saudi Arabian Airlines? https://t.co/fBbqYr36oe
— Kevin Childs 🕷 #RejoinEU #IAmEuropean 🏳️🌈🇪🇺 (@KevinChilds101) August 11, 2017
The answer to which is probably, those who understand Saudi Arabia’s strict clothing policy and will happily adhere to it in order to experience the country.