Delta Airlines to flight attendants: "Wear proper undergarments" in new uniform memo

Delta Airlines recently issued a memo detailing appearance requirements for flight attendants during interviews, training, and career advancement. According to the memo, flight attendants must wear "proper undergarments," which must remain invisible.

Delta stressed the importance of a professional and neat appearance. The memo stated, "Delta Flight Attendants spend the most time with our customers and are the face of our airline. They must be passionate about enhancing each customer's experience while embodying the Delta brand." The memo emphasized that the customer service experience starts when a flight attendant puts on their uniform.

Here are some of the specific guidelines outlined in the memo:


- Hair must be naturally colored and secured above the shoulders if long. For hair extending past the mid-back, it should be pinned up.
- Eyelashes should appear natural.
- Nails should be simple and subtle, with no neon colors, multi-colors, glitter, or hand-painted designs.
- Tattoos must be covered, but bandages are not an acceptable solution.
- A single nose piercing is allowed with specific allowed studs, including gold, silver, white pearl, or clear diamond/diamond-like.
- Only two earrings per ear are permitted, smaller than a dime and not hoops.
- No visible body piercings other than a single nose piercing.

The memo also specified appropriate clothing. Dresses and skirts should fall at or below knee length, and athletic shoes are not permitted. Flight attendants must wear closed-toe flats, heels, or sling-back shoes. Those in the male uniform are required to wear a tie with button-collared dress shirts.

During interview days, Delta upholds a strict policy against profanity, gum chewing, and phone or earbud use. It stated, "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 aims to maintain its brand image by enforcing these appearance standards for flight attendants.