
Hey, lovelies, buckle up because we’ve got some spicy airport drama to unpack! Sara Blake Cheek, a 34-year-old former Playboy Playmate and OnlyFans sensation, found herself in a bit of a fashion face-off with American Airlines. While trying to board a flight out of Atlanta on a Sunday night, a flight attendant called her out for her outfit, insisting she button up her shirt before stepping on the plane.
Sara, who’s also a sports talk show host on The VIP Ballers with over half a million social media followers, wasn’t exactly dressed to scandalize. She rocked a black bandeau under an open yellow flannel, paired with jeggings, high socks, and sneakers - hardly a red carpet scandal! But apparently, it was enough to ruffle some feathers, and she took to X to vent her frustration.
Posting a snap of her look, she quipped, 'I was unaware that American Airlines had a dress code that said you can’t wear athletic attire if you have big boobs.' Ouch, Sara, tell us how you really feel! She also pointed out the perceived double standard, noting other women in similar outfits - just different colors - weren’t asked to cover up.
After Sara’s X posts started gaining traction, American Airlines slid into her mentions with an apology. They emphasized their 'deep culture of respect' for customers and team members, expressing regret for any less-than-friendly service. Honestly, it’s the kind of corporate sweet talk we’ve come to expect, but they did promise to dig deeper.
'We’re truly sorry for your experience, Sara. We’ve shared this with our crew leadership and would love for a specialist to take a closer look if you can share your contact details privately,' the airline responded on X.
The airline also mentioned they’re taking the incident seriously, asking Sara to send over her info for a proper follow-up. This isn’t just a one-off either - American Airlines has had to rethink their policies on booting passengers for 'offensive' outfits after several high-profile cases in recent years. So, are we seeing a pattern here, or is this just bad luck for Sara?
Let’s rewind to 2022, when former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo had her own American Airlines showdown. While heading to Mexico, staff flagged her black crop top and bike shorts as 'inappropriate,' demanding she cover up with a blouse. Olivia complied by throwing on a large hoodie, but she couldn’t help but notice another passenger in a similar turquoise getup who got a free pass.
That fellow traveler even joked about the inconsistency, pointing out that Olivia looked more covered up despite the fuss. It’s the kind of eyebrow-raising moment that makes you wonder if airline dress codes are less about rules and more about who’s enforcing them on any given day.
Fast forward to the following year, and comedian Chrissie Mayr, along with her friend Keanu Thompson, faced a similar ordeal. Before boarding a flight to Dallas, Texas, they were forced to change outfits right at the gate - in front of everyone! Chrissie was decked out in sheer sparkly flared pants and a matching cropped top, while Keanu wore a jungle-print skirt with slits and a bralette.
Chrissie later told the Daily Mail it was a 'mortifying situation,' feeling singled out in a way she believed wouldn’t have happened if they fit different demographics. Keanu echoed the sentiment on social media, baffled at how their outfits were deemed inappropriate while they scrambled to change with no privacy. Talk about adding insult to injury!
American Airlines’ track record doesn’t stop at outfit critiques. Earlier incidents, like the removal of eight Black men from a flight over a supposed 'body odor' complaint, have led to lawsuits alleging racial discrimination. The NAACP even threatened to reinstate a travel warning against the airline, per View from the Wing, showing just how deep these tensions run.
In response to mounting criticism, American Airlines updated their guidance to prioritize avoiding passenger removal. The new policy insists staff can’t act solo - they must collaborate with a co-worker to resolve issues. Plus, the captain gets the final say only after a thorough assessment, and non-safety incidents require detailed reporting within 24 hours. It’s a step, but will it be enough to keep the drama at bay?
From Sara Blake Cheek to Olivia Culpo, these stories beg the question: where’s the line with airline dress codes, and who gets to draw it? One thing’s for sure - we’ll be keeping an eye on American Airlines to see if they can smooth out these turbulent skies. What do you think, darlings? Drop your hot takes in the comments!