{"id":642893,"date":"2026-05-01T14:35:12","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T14:35:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/642893\/"},"modified":"2026-05-01T14:35:12","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T14:35:12","slug":"virgin-australia-under-fire-after-young-woman-told-to-cover-up-before-flight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/642893\/","title":{"rendered":"Virgin Australia under fire after young woman told to ‘cover up’ before flight"},"content":{"rendered":"

Virgin Australia<\/a> has responded after a woman complained<\/a> she was told to “cover up” in the airline’s lounge.<\/p>\n

Sophie Blackley, who appeared on FBoy Island Australia<\/a>, was wearing an all-in-one activewear<\/a> body suit before boarding a flight recently.<\/p>\n

While the burgundy suit covered the 29-year-old\u2019s ankles, wrists, and neck, it was the large cutout in the back that staff allegedly took umbrage with.<\/p>\n

Sophie vented her frustrations on social media<\/a> and asked if the Virgin staff member who told her off is \u201cfrom another planet\u201d.<\/p>\n

But the airline told Yahoo Lifestyle that it has very strict and easily findable dress policies for its lounge.<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/p>\n

“Virgin Australia lounges maintain a smart casual dress standard to ensure a comfortable and consistent experience for all guests,” the spokesperson said.<\/p>\n

“Our team members may ask guests to adjust attire where it does not meet these guidelines, and this is done respectfully and in line with our policy.<\/p>\n

“We are reviewing the matter to confirm it was managed appropriately and in accordance with these standards.”<\/p>\n

Do you have a story to share? Contact au.lifestyle.ent@yahooinc.com<\/a><\/p>\n

What are Virgin Australia’s and Qantas\u2019 dress code rules for their lounges?<\/p>\n

The dress code rules are included in the airline’s terms and conditions on its website, which clearly outline the conditions of entry.<\/p>\n

It states that a “smart casual” dress code applies at all times, a perfect blend of relaxed and professional.<\/p>\n

“Virgin Australia reserves the right to deny entry to the Lounge to any person who does not meet appropriate dress standards, in its absolute discretion,” the terms and conditions state.<\/p>\n

\"Sophie<\/p>\n

Sophie was wearing a bodysuit with a large cutout in the back.<\/p>\n

(Instagram\/sophiekaos_)<\/p>\n

Qantas has a very similar policy for its lounge access, with the airline requesting visitors have \u201csmart casual\u201d attire on.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese guidelines are intended to create an environment everyone can enjoy, so please be mindful of your choice of clothing and footwear when visiting Qantas Clubs and Business Lounges in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney,\u201d the website states.<\/p>\n

People are not allowed to wear singlets, boardshorts, thongs, or ugg boots.<\/p>\n

Those wearing \u201chead-to-toe gym wear\u201d will also be denied entry, as well as those with clothing featuring \u201coffensive images or slogans\u201d or anything that is \u201crevealing, unclean or torn\u201d.<\/p>\n

High-vis uniforms are accepted, as long as they\u2019re clean.<\/p>\n

Want the latest lifestyle and entertainment news? Make sure to follow us on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram, <\/a>and TikTok<\/a>.<\/p>\n