Fitness influencer Edda Pilz, 25, known online as Edda Elisa, was denied boarding a Lufthansa flight during a heatwave because her shorts and crop top were deemed too revealing by airline staff. The incident occurred as temperatures reached around 30 degrees Celsius, and Pilz was wearing tight-fitting sportswear to stay cool.
Boarding gate confrontation
According to Pilz, a Lufthansa employee stopped her at the boarding gate as she attempted to scan her boarding pass. The employee reportedly told her, “You cannot board.” When Pilz asked why, the staff member replied, “You have nothing on. You are naked.” Pilz insisted her outfit was normal sportswear, but she was instructed to cover up. She retrieved a jacket, put it on, and was then told to zip it fully closed before being permitted to board.
Influencer's response
Pilz, who lives in Berlin, criticized the tone of the interaction, stating: “If there are rules, I accept them. But then show me the rules.” She shared a video of her experience on social media, where she boasts 637,000 TikTok followers and 552,000 Instagram fans. Pilz has also appeared on German reality TV shows such as Ex on the Beach and Sommerhaus der Stars.
Lufthansa's statement
Lufthansa responded by stating that the specific words used by the employee “do not correspond to our standards” and would not have been used by their staff. The airline explained that passengers must wear clothing “appropriate to the character of a public journey” that does not impair the well-being of fellow travellers from diverse backgrounds. This forms part of its general conditions, with staff permitted to exercise discretion. The airline confirmed it takes reports of inconsistencies seriously and reviews such incidents internally.
Broader context
Airlines worldwide reserve the right to refuse “offensive” or “inappropriate” attire under their terms and conditions. Reasons include preventing passenger conflicts, ensuring safety during evacuations, and maintaining hygiene standards. Definitions of “appropriate” often remain subjective, leaving scope for staff judgement. The story has reignited discussions on balancing personal comfort in hot weather with shared cabin standards.
