Woman Banned From Airport For Wearing Surprising Footwear

They’re cute. They’re comfortable. They’re cozy. Uggs are a favorite footwear choice for travelers. But did you know they could get you banned from airport lounges?

Indeed, the Australian boots—made popular as a best beauty and style staple over two decades ago—have landed a woman in hot water at the airport. How, you wonder? They were deemed ‘sleepwear’ by the Melbounre Airport business-class lounge, according to a Twitter post by Qantas passenger Joanne Catherall.

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
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
Uggs have been the butt of fashion jokes for years. Indeed, the sheepskin boots tend to lose their shape when worn too often, and can look slouchy. Still, some of Hollywood’s fashion darlings have been spotted out and about in their Uggs.

Hilary Duff out and about in New York in her Uggs

With new styles coming out every season, and celebrities traipsing the globe wearing Uggs, there’s no indication that the boots are going anywhere any time soon. According to People Style, Uggs are an it-girl’s favorite footwear, and celebrities prove they’re perfect for any occasion—except, perhaps, the Qantas Airlines business lounge.

About the author

Jill Di Donato

Fashion Editor

Jill is a New York native who holds a BA in Literature from Barnard College, and an MFA in writing from Columbia University. She is the author of the novel Beautiful Garbage (She Writes Press, 2013) about the downtown Manhattan art and fashion scene in the 1980s. A former staff writer for The Huffington Post and Bustle, Jill comes to Culture Trip after working with Refinery 29, Vice, Salon, Paste Style, Los Angeles Times, Nylon, Shopify, Autre, and producing content for emerging fashion labels. She teaches classes about fashion and culture at Barnard College and The Fashion Institute of Technology. Her prized possessions are her Gucci fanny pack, vintage rocker t-shirts, and her grandmother's collection of costume jewelry. She's always on the lookout for a gem-encrusted turban.