Southwest Airlines Mocks Women They Harassed For Dressing Too Sexy

Posted by Jessica Valenti at 12:00 PM on September 18, 2007.

This post, written by Jessica Valenti, originally appeared on Feministing.

You know, I honestly didn't think I could think any lower of Southwest Airlines. Then this happened.

Southwest has offered a faux apology mocking the women they harassed. Seriously. Company President Colleen Barrett released the following (obnoxious and perhaps further harassing) comment:

"From a Company who really loves PR, touche to you Kyla! Some have said we've gone from wearing our famous hot pants to having hot flashes at Southwest, but nothing could be further from the truth. As we both know, this story has great legs, but the true issue here is that you are a valued Customer, and you did not get an adequate apology.

Kyla, we could have handled this better, and on behalf of Southwest Airlines, I am truly sorry. We hope you continue to fly Southwest Airlines. Our Company is based on freedom even if our actions may have not appeared that way. It was never our intention to treat you unfairly and again, we apologize." (Emphasis added)

Charming. The "apology" was followed by Southwest promoting new reduced fares called...wait for it...mini-skirt prices.

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Tagged as: women, sexism, travel, southwest airlines

Jessica Valenti is the executive editor of Feministing.