Delta tightens grip on flight attendant image

ATLANTA—Delta Air Lines has issued a detailed memo outlining appearance requirements for flight attendants, including a stipulation on proper undergarments, which has raised eyebrows in the aviation industry.

The two-page document, obtained by multiple news outlets, provides comprehensive guidelines for grooming, attire, and personal presentation for both prospective and current flight attendants.

Among the various appearance standards, the memo specifically states that flight attendants must wear "proper undergarments" which "must not be visible." This directive has drawn particular attention from industry observers and labor advocates.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, a Delta spokesperson characterized the underwear rule as part of an effort to make the company's appearance guidelines "more specific." The spokesperson emphasized the airline's goal of transparency and clarity for job candidates.

"In the interest of transparency and clarity for all prospective candidates, we are encouraging people to 'dress for success' and give a great first impression as they aspire to join the flight attendant ranks," the spokesperson said.

The memo underscores the importance of flight attendants' appearance in customer service. "Delta Flight Attendants spend the most time with our customers and are the face of our airline," the document states. "The customer service experience begins the moment a Flight Attendant puts on their uniform."

Beyond undergarments, the guidelines cover a wide range of personal grooming and attire standards. Hair color must appear natural, without "stark highlights or unnatural shades." Long hair must be secured away from the eyes and pinned up if it extends past mid-back.

The memo also addresses personal hygiene, stating that "personal cleanliness and hygiene must always be maintained." It specifies that eyelashes should look natural and nails must be uniformly colored, prohibiting neon colors, multi-color designs, glitter, and hand-painted or airbrushed nails.

Tattoos must be covered, and the memo explicitly states that bandages are unacceptable for concealment. Body piercings are strictly regulated, allowing only a single nose piercing with gold, silver, white pearl, or clear diamond/diamond-like studs. Earrings are limited to two per ear, with size and style restrictions.

Clothing requirements are equally detailed. The memo mandates that attire "must be professional and fit properly," with dresses and skirts required to be at or below knee length. Footwear is restricted to closed-toe flats, heels, or slingbacks, and athletic shoes are prohibited. Flight attendants who wear the male uniform must wear ties with button-collared dress shirts.

The guidelines extend to behavior during the interview process, prohibiting profanity, chewing gum, and using phones or earbuds.

Delta's memo does include a provision for religious accommodations, stating, "We will work with you to accommodate a specific manner of dress or physical appearance in keeping with religious beliefs or practices unless it causes a safety hazard or other undue burden on the company."

Delta Air Lines, headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the largest airlines in the United States. The company employs thousands of flight attendants and operates a global network of flights. This new memo comes as the airline industry continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and seeks to rebuild passenger confidence and loyalty.