By Richard Thompson

Air travel has certainly changed over time, and what once was an occasion that mandated dressing smartly has become considerably more casual.

Recently, Spirit Airlines issued a new dress code for its customers, after several news-making instances regarding customers being removed from flights due to their attire.

Now, customers on Spirit Airlines are subject to be removed from its flights if they are "barefoot or inadequately clothed (i.e., see-through clothing; not adequately covered; exposed breasts, buttocks, or other private parts), or whose clothing or article, including body art, is lewd, obscene, or offensive in nature."

Here are some other rules that airlines have regarding clothing. Do any of these surprise you?

1. Hawaiian Airlines

Passengers on Hawaiian Airlines are prohibited from wearing bathing suits, and "clothing must cover the upper part of the torso," says its Contract of Carriage.

Shorts are fine, but "speedos and bikini bottoms are not allowed," said Hawaiian Airlines. And bare feet are not okay either.

"In all cases, clothing must not be lewd, obscene, or patently offensive to others," said Hawaiian Airlines.

2. Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines passengers cannot wear clothes that are "lewd, obscene, or patently offensive," and passengers must wear shoes.

3. United Airlines

Similarly to Southwest, passengers on United have a pretty loose dress code. United Airlines' contract of carriage specifies that passengers must be "properly clothed."

Clothing cannot be "lewd, obscene or offensive," as well, and passengers have to wear shoes.

4. American Airlines

American Airlines' code of carriage does not specify what is not allowed, but says that passengers have to "Dress appropriately; bare feet or offensive clothing aren’t allowed."

5. Delta Air Lines

Delta's code of carriage does not have a specific dress code, but states that passengers can be removed when their "conduct, attire, hygiene or odor creates an unreasonable risk of offense or annoyance to other passengers."

6. Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways has a dress code for its business class and above passengers, says its website.

"Depending on your destination, there are different rules and regulations regarding the type of clothing you should wear. The dress code is designed to ensure passengers' comfort and safety while traveling, so it is important to understand the rules before departing," said Qatar Airways.

This dress code prohibits shorts, sportswear, and "overly revealing clothing," and business class passengers should be dressed "smart casual."

"Passengers should pay attention to the dress code when traveling in business class, as it will ensure their comfort and respect for other passengers," said Qatar Airways.

By April Lanux

Etihad Rail has announced a high-speed electric train traveling at 350kmph between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This innovative project will cut travel time to only 30 minutes. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Etihad Rail’s ambitious plan features six stations, including Reem Island and Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi. Key Dubai stops include Al Maktoum International Airport and Al Jaddaf. The high-speed rail marks a significant step forward in enhancing connectivity and sustainability.

A parallel project will establish a regular-speed train connecting all seven emirates. This train will reach Oman and link to the broader GCC Railway network. Traveling at 200kmph, it will accommodate 400 passengers per journey.

Economic Benefits of Etihad Rail Projects

Officials estimate the high-speed rail will contribute over Dhs145bn ($39.5bn) to the UAE’s GDP within 50 years. These projects not only boost the economy but also promote green transportation initiatives.

The high-speed and regular rail projects will elevate the UAE’s transportation network, delivering enhanced regional accessibility and reduced carbon footprints. While construction timelines remain uncertain, Etihad Rail aims to revolutionize travel across the region.