United Airlines has been accused of bodyshaming and sexism after barring two teenage girls from boarding a flight because they were wearing leggings.

The girls were set to board a flight from Denver to Minneapolis on Sunday morning.

The incident sparked a social media storm after another passenger at Denver International Airport, Shannon Watts, tweeted about what happened.

She said the girls' father was wearing shorts at the time and was allowed to board the flight.

Ms Watts, the founder of anti-gun violence group Moms Demand Action, tweeted: "This behaviour is sexist and sexualizes young girls."


1) A @united gate agent isn't letting girls in leggings get on flight from Denver to Minneapolis because spandex is not allowed? — Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) March 26, 2017 2) This behavior is sexist and sexualizes young girls. Not to mention that the families were mortified and inconveninced. — Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) March 26, 2017

The airline defended the action, explaining the girls were travelling under an employee travel pass that includes a dress code.

The dress code bars pass travellers from wearing spandex or Lycra pants, including leggings.

@united @shannonrwatts if leggings aren't allowed then what about shorts & dresses. Sounds like united Airlines is body shaming — Kayjay (@KayJ_Em) March 26, 2017

United Airlines spokesman Jonathan Guerin said the company was standing by its decision because the teenagers were essentially representing the company.

"We would ask the same of pass riders who were wearing flip-flops or who were wearing clothing that revealed their undergarments or torn, tattered jeans," he said.

He added they would not have been turned away if they were paying customers.

But many Twitter users condemned the action, with one saying: "If leggings aren't allowed then what about shorts & dresses. Sounds like United Airlines is body shaming."

Hey @united I fly a LOT. About to go on tour all April and changing all my @united flights to other airlines — Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) March 26, 2017 Turns out United bans leggings, torn jeans, and shorter shorts for free employee pass tickets. Still @united should update policy. — Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) March 26, 2017 I have flown united before with literally no pants on. Just a top as a dress. Next time I will wear only jeans and a scarf. — christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) March 26, 2017

Another tweeted: "The only place @united's Contract of Carriage mentions clothing is regarding safety. Were these dangerous leggings?"

Celebrities also had their say on the matter, with model Christine Teigen tweeting: "I have flown United before with literally no pants on. Just a top as a dress. Next time I will wear only jeans and a scarf."

Comedian Sarah Silverman wrote: "Hey @united I fly a LOT. About to go on tour all April and changing all my @united flights to other airlines."

Actress Patricia Arquette tweeted: "Turns out United bans leggings, torn jeans, and shorter shorts for free employee pass tickets. Still @united should update policy."

Actor William Shatner, wrote: "I'm going to start wearing leggings! Is that against the rules? #outdatedfashion #outdatedrules."

He then tweeted a picture of himself in leggings while portraying Captain Kirk in Star Trek, adding: "See? I've done it before."