A Burlesque Dancer Says JetBlue Barred Her For This ‘Inappropriate’ Outfit

A Seattle burlesque dancer known as Maggie McMuffin recently booked a flight on JetBlue and endured more than the usual inconveniences. One understands the necessity of security lines, wait times, takeoff delays, and cramped legroom. That’s part of the begrudging pleasure of knowing an exciting destination lies at the other end of grueling trip. However, Miss McMuffin experienced quite the humiliation regarding her chosen attire, which — compared to her dancing duds — was downright tame. Here’s one of this lady’s costumes, and it looks like a lot of work. There’s no such thing as rolling out of bed to work as a burlesque performer. McMuffin’s hair, makeup, and costume are all in place, and the preparation likely takes forever.

So, when McMuffin travels, she likes to kick back and relax without all those fancy duds. She simply tossed on a pair of shorty shorts and headed to the airport. Without issue, she traveled on JetBlue from New York City to Boston, but when she tried to connect for her Seattle flight, the trouble began. Crew members told her she was dressed “inappropriately” and could not board the flight. McMuffin later told Seattle’s KIRO 7 that she “felt disrespected,” for the entire crew had discussed her shorts before delivering their verdict. McMuffin’s friend, Molly McIsaac, relayed her friend’s plight as it happened, along with photos of the offending outfit.

No explanation was given except that the pilot said her clothes would prevent her boarding the plane. The flight lead asked if she had anything else to wear, and told her if she didn’t they could rebook the flight for her. Maggie ended up having to go to another terminal to buy a pair of women’s sleep shorts in XL for “proper coverage.”

Sexism is alive and well in this world. How does what Maggie was wearing effect her ability to fly? It doesn’t

McMuffin popped over to an (undoubtedly expensive) airport shop to purchase some coverup attire. The situation must have been an embarrassing one, especially because these shorts were simply “short.” Nothing was hanging out of the back end, but the JetBlue crew felt differently.

The airline did refund the cost of the coverup and provided “less than $200 in credit” for a future flight along with an apology. The important part of this whole mess is that McMuffin eventually arrived safely in Seattle — where she can dress as she pleases — but this situation was no fun for anyone.

(Via KIRO 7 in Seattle)

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