Woman Denied Entry To Airport Lounge For Wearing Ugg Boots

A woman was denied entry to Qantas Club business class lounge at the Melbourne Airport in Australia over her choice of footwear. On December 13, Joanne Catherall, vocalist for English synth-pop band Human League, tweeted that she had been refused admission to Australia's largest airline's business class lounge for wearing the popular sheepskin boots.

The 55-year-old British woman tweeted that the boots she was wearing were deemed 'sleepwear' by the airline and alleged that the staff asked her to buy some shoes to gain entry to the lounge.
 

Denied access @Qantas business class lounge in @Melair Melbourne Airport apparently Ugg (Australia) Boots are deemed sleepwear by the lady working there although no problem in any of the other lounges so far.Helpfully she suggested I go to one of the shops & purchase some shoes

- Joanne Human League (@Lubycat) December 14, 2017

Whereas what I had on were outdoor @UGG BOOTS pic.twitter.com/IPUPLV7QHf

- Joanne Human League (@Lubycat) December 14, 2017

Many on Twitter found this stance ironic considering that Ugg boots are an Australian product, and Qantas an Australian airline.

In response to her tweet, Qantas replied saying, ""We endeavor to remain consistant and uphold our Lounge's dress guidelines to all our guests."
 

Hi Joanne, we endeavour to remain consistent and uphold our Lounge's dress guidelines to all our guests . You may find details here: https://t.co/oiCgy2V1jR. Mark

- Qantas (@Qantas) December 14, 2017

Their website classes Ugg boots as sleepwear.
 
Many on Twitter were amazed by the absurdity of the rule and criticised Qantas
 

I'm sorry but @Qantas this is pure snobbery. I always wear Ugg boots to travel in as they r so comfy & ive never not been allowed in a Lounge in America, Europe or the UK

- BettyBoo (@bettycarlyle) December 14, 2017

Absolutely unbelievable!, I agree with you. I'm a ugg lover and do not consider them to be sleepwear. They can have their lounge & I will keep on rocking my uggs

- Sherry G (@SherryG72150848) December 16, 2017

However, others pointed out that the rule is not a new one and that they agreed with the airline.
 

QANTAS thinks pajamas and Uggs are not appropriate travel attire. I totally agree #TravelFashion #Sydney pic.twitter.com/UfvGloMxSG

- Jen Pollack Bianco (@lax2nrt) June 13, 2015

Standards. Their airline,their rules.

- Viking (@viking661) December 15, 2017

In March this year, two women were barred from boarding a United Airlines flight for wearing leggings.