Plyboy Playmate Claims American Airlines Attendant Told Her to ‘Button Up’ Before Boarding Flight
Sara Blake Cheek, a former Playboy Playmate and sports analyst, publicly called out American Airlines for what she describes as discriminatory treatment by a flight attendant. The 34-year-old model alleges that she was singled out and told to “button up” her shirt before boarding a flight out of Atlanta on August 31, even though other women wearing similar outfits were not asked to do so.
The Incident at Atlanta Airport
Sara Cheek took to X (formerly Twitter) to share her experience, accompanied by photos of the outfit she wore. The ensemble included a black sports bra or crop top underneath an open yellow flannel shirt, paired with leggings and sneakers. She revealed that a flight attendant stopped her at the gate and demanded she button her shirt, implying that her attire was inappropriate due to her “big boobs.” Cheek pointed out the inconsistency, noting that other women dressed similarly were allowed to board without comment.
Frustration Over Inconsistent Enforcement
The model’s frustration was compounded by a series of travel difficulties, including a canceled flight earlier in the day and multiple delays. In her social media posts, Cheek sarcastically remarked about being a platinum member of the airline program while facing what she perceived as unfair treatment. She highlighted the apparent discomfort and bias in the enforcement of the airline’s dress code, which she felt targeted her body rather than her clothing.
American Airlines’ Response
American Airlines responded swiftly, apologizing for any inconsistent or unfriendly service and assuring that the incident would be investigated internally. The airline emphasized its “deep culture of respect for both our customers and our team members,” noting that shared feedback had been passed to crew leadership to prevent future occurrences. American Airlines also reached out to Cheek, offering that a company specialist would review her case and invited her to provide contact information.
Previous Dress Code Controversies
This is not the first time American Airlines has faced scrutiny over dress code enforcement at boarding gates. In 2022, former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo was reportedly asked to cover up before boarding a flight while wearing a similarly revealing outfit. More recently, comedians Chrissie Mayr and Keanu Thompson were asked to change clothes publicly before a flight, though they were not informed specifically what rules they violated. Critics have accused the airline of targeting influencers and enforcing vague dress standards in ways that feel performative and discriminatory.
Broader Criticism and Calls for Change
The incident with Cheek has reignited discussions about body-shaming, inconsistent airline policies, and the policing of women’s attire in public spaces. Supporters and onlookers expressed outrage at what they consider unfair treatment based on appearance, urging airlines to adopt clearer, fairer guidelines that respect passengers' dignity. This case underscores the challenges airlines face balancing professional appearance standards with sensitivity toward diverse bodies and fashion choices.