Singer denied entry to Qantas lounge over Ugg boots

The offending Ugg boots belonging to Joanne Catherall of the Human League. Photo / Twitter

Australia's flagship carrier, Qantas, has refused lounge entry to a 1980s pop icon because she was wearing Ugg boots.

Joanne Catherall, vocalist for English synth-pop band Human League, was denied entry into the Qantas business lounge in Melbourne for wearing the iconic Australian shoe, news.com.au reports.

Whereas what I had on were outdoor @UGG BOOTS pic.twitter.com/IPUPLV7QHf

— Joanne Human League (@Lubycat) December 14, 2017

The 55-year-old singer was refused admission because she was wearing the popular sheepskin boots, which are on the airline lounge's list of banned footwear.

"Denied access @Qantas business class in @Melair Melbourne Airport apparently Ugg (Australia) Boots are deemed sleepwear by the lady working there," Catherall tweeted.
Qantas responded, "Hi Joanne, we endeavour to remain consistent and uphold our Lounge's dress guidelines to all our guests", adding a link to their dress code policy.

The Human League performing at Auckland's Logan Campbell Centre this year. Photo / Doug Peters,Ambient Light

According to Qantas' domestic lounge dress guidelines, sleepwear, "including UGG Boots and slippers", is deemed "too casual or inappropriate".

However, the internet coming to Catherall's defence and calling Qantas' guidelines "stupid".

I’m sorry but @Qantas this is pure snobbery. I always wear Ugg boots to travel in as they r so comfy & ive never not been allowed in a Lounge in America, Europe or the UK

— BettyBoo (@bettycarlyle) December 14, 2017

Why are they deemed as “sleepwear” you don’t wear them in bed!! @UGG @UGGUK

— Lyndsey Fitzpatrick 💔♻️🔜💝 (@LyndseyFitz) December 15, 2017