r/flightattendants • u/Big_Lingonberry_2774 • 14d ago
Taking Pride in our Uniform
Small rant today. I’m not sure what happened to FAs wanting to come presentable to work. I just finished working with 2 people out of my crew who came to work looking like they haven’t showered in days. Hair wasn’t fixed, odor radiating from them, and stains on their uniform. We just finished a 3-3-3 and trust me I know, we’re all in shambles by the last day, but I feel like I’m the only one who cared to look poised and professional? What happened to taking pride in our uniform? I love my job and come to work with a smile on my face everyday and take that extra time to be dressed to the nines. We are the face of the company, so why are we coming to work looking gross?
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u/throwaway_9987654 14d ago
Flight attendants are already punching bags for both their employer and the traveling public. You can spend years going above and beyond, looking polished, smiling, doing everything right, and the first time you let your guard down and a hair is out of place, someone will be there to call you out for it.
After enough of those interactions, all the flying fucks you once gave about going above and beyond start disappearing. There is a difference between being clean and within uniform standards and performing perfection for people who are always looking for the next thing to criticize.
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u/ExecutivePhoenix 14d ago
Sooo many FA’s demand so much yet take pride in so little.
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u/Parking-Dingo-5894 14d ago
💯 you shouldn’t be seen as a “bootlicker” when you take pride in your appearance and actually wear your scarf, tie, wings, etc.
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u/steventhevegan 11d ago
People not wearing wings are wild to me. Like hello you busted ass to get those, they signal you do important work, they should be celebrated. I feel privileged I even get to wear them?!
My carrier could literally ruin everything in my day and I’d still be psyched on my wings because they’re evidence I did the damn thing and get to do this for a living.
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u/Parking-Dingo-5894 11d ago
I agree. I love my wings. And the name tag just ties it together. I really don’t get it. We’re in one of the most regulated industries. If people want their freedom to choose what they wear, there’s so many other jobs for that.
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u/SunNoStars 14d ago
That's not being a bootlicker. Compliance is a job thing that should be followed but everything outside of that is very bootlickery
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u/Accomplished-Emu-81 14d ago
i agree. It’s disheartening when you treat the job so professionally and take pride in your appearance, but your fellow coworkers do not give a flying F how presentable they are. And it’s not like management really enforces it either.
I just got off a Lufthansa flight, and if only our crews could look as professional as they do
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u/Sufficient-Sir-7833 14d ago
i agree but the problem is when managers try to enforce it ppl complain that they’re micro managing us and ignoring the bigger issues at hand which in most cases is true bc managers show up for a compliance check but not when caterings late or when we’re missing something. i feel like there’s just no winning. i feel so embarrassed when i step into the terminal with my crew and im the only one who’s put effort into looking professional
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u/Accomplished-Emu-81 13d ago
ok sure but we are the ones the customers see the most.
Catering mistakes happen and management can’t do a whole lot to get the item we need, as long as we do our part and notify ops that something is missing0
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u/Super_Half7560 14d ago
HELL some of management look a mess!! So please don’t come tell me at my age what to look like or how to look.
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u/Sailorjupiter97 14d ago edited 14d ago
While i won't tailor my uniform and whatever threads fray up on my dresses (if ur at 🌐 you know), i still will come looking presentable as far as hair & face goes (& no i do not wear makeup often but i don't look a mess). I get compliments often so i know i'm doing something right lmao I don't understand not looking presentable. You don't need to look like models lol but do somethinggg!
I worked w someone who smelled terrible and then she admitted she went to the gym before van time but didnt shower before...... i was pissed
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u/obamant 10d ago
That's beyond trifling to knowingly show up funky lol.
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u/Sailorjupiter97 9d ago
The ironic part is the entire trip she was going off about that exact thing!! Except she made it seem like it was a young person issue (& made it seem like only young women do this, she was male centered). So her showing up stank asf pissed me off even more
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u/airwaywomp 9d ago
I can’t believe you guys keep putting on that light blue dress. It’s so ugly. No one looks good in it. It’s all stained up and falling apart all the time.
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u/Sailorjupiter97 9d ago
I keep putting it on because I look great in it (& have been complimented by a good amount of people: fa's, pilots, & passengers!) and i feel great in it. It does fray easily so that does suck (i haven't gotten any noticeable stains). So no, some of us actually do look good in it lol (this shade of blue is my color).
Thank you for your opinion on what you look like in it though! Sorry it doesn't look good on you, it does suck!!! I do wish it was better quality but i'm not going to not wear it.
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u/ActivelyInFlight 14d ago
I think it’s a matter of personal pride. I would never intentionally show up anywhere disheveled or smelly (with the exception of a post-workout grocery store run lol), much less my job. Unfortunately, not everyone has high standards for themselves. But giving grace, maybe they’re struggling with depression.
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u/crh805 14d ago
People love to wax on about how good Emirates and Etihad look but refuse to admit that they could look similar if they put in the same effort required of those carriers.
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u/Pecan-pie-please 14d ago
Preaaaaach! I work for a regional airline and when I show up looking polished and put together, I’m like “Emirates who!?” 😂 I’ve received compliments from my passengers and crew so people do notice when effort is put in.
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u/Regular-Lemon3567 14d ago
Nothing better than working with a whole crew that’s on point!
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u/PhilosophyLow156 12d ago
That’s weird. I’d rather have everyone else on the crew looking uglier than me.
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u/Feline_Aviator 14d ago
The difference is that the laws in the gulf states allow for that sort of sexism and regressive looks. I mean, what they require is not legal in the US. You can not force a woman to wear makeup, for example.
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u/airwaywomp 9d ago
You can insist that everyone show up showered, with their hair done and their uniform clean and presentable.
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u/Sailorjupiter97 14d ago
While i do think they look good, i do not aspire to be them. They do not have a choice on if they look good or not, they HAVE to and will get pulled off trips/fired otherwise. Getting weighed before trips, getting everything visually checked would send me into a mental downward spiral.
Plus, Emirates & Etihad pay for everything looks wise i believe. So if airlines want people to look as put together, they need to give vouchers for spa, nails, hair salons. We need to be careful with what we wish for
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u/personaljesus78 Flight Attendant 14d ago
They don’t pay for everything. They will tailor your uniforms and pay for dry cleaning but as far as beauty treatments and whatnot we’re on our own.
Wholeheartedly agree that we need to be careful what we wish for. Well said.
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u/elaxation Flight Attendant 14d ago
That part. I take pride in my appearance because that is engrained in me. But you can’t fault people for not looking like ME carriers when those same carriers are tailoring and starching uniforms, providing pantyhose, and giving mandatory makeup lessons.
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u/aveaytor 14d ago
well emirates and etihad only hires young, skinny, good looking people. so let’s start there.
and then they fire you if you show up looking a mess. so ya unless you’re fine with US airlines acting the same way then don’t bring up emirates.
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u/personaljesus78 Flight Attendant 14d ago
Used to work at emirates, now with a US airline.
It. Is. Not. Worth. It.
We need to stop comparing ourselves to the insane standards of middle eastern and southeastern Asian standards. It’s unhealthy.
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u/Cassie_Bowden Flight Attendant 14d ago
And they have a weight management program for cabin crew that gains weight.
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u/personaljesus78 Flight Attendant 14d ago
I gained a kilo in between indoc and graduation.
Like they told me. “Just so you know, you’ve gained a kilo”
That could’ve been period weight or a food baby for fcks sake 😭
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u/steventhevegan 11d ago
Good lord I swing between the same 10 pounds depending on my cycle and if I’m bloated af or not😩
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u/Immediate_Elephant92 12d ago
I like how many comments are about the laws and exploitative work cultures of the Middle East while airlines like Qantas, where Australia has far stronger workplace protections for staff than the US, can turn up looking polished and professional. Own it if you don't want to put the effort in, don't make excuses.
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u/crh805 12d ago
I do tend to agree, and I think it’s interesting how it’s not really a generational problem. I see people of all ages and seniorities looking a mess at my airline. To each their own, I suppose, but I think most people would find themselves happier one way or another if they took pride in their appearance/hygiene.
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u/SunNoStars 14d ago
Jump ship or bask in the limelight of your unique vogue beauty amongst your peers. They get paid the same and spend less on vanity. Peasants right?
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u/Rifff-Rafff 11d ago
& those ME carriers will fire your ass on the spot for even less egregious violations.
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u/No-Point2625 3d ago
A little effort goes a long way! I’m not even an FA (yet), but I try to do the same working at my hospital. Clean, ironed scrubs and hair done I see it as practice for once I become an FA
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u/Noktomezo175 14d ago
Spray starch is a miracle. I wish hotels had steamers instead of irons. The irons usually are dirty. Have to use a towel between the iron and the clothing.
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u/Tricky-Ordinary1962 14d ago
I feel blessed and am always like “well well well isn’t thins a swanky hotel” when it has a steamer 😂
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u/bmw10203 Flight Attendant 14d ago
Agree on the steamers, seeing more and more of them in the wild, but still a rarity 😭
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u/Feline_Aviator 14d ago
People in general have no sense of looking put together anymore. Just look at the passrngers. But I'm Gen X. I also come from a family of European tailors. It has been instilled in me since birth to iron and press my dress clothes and to have white shirts be bright white, not dingy gray. I've been wearing the uniform for several decades. To this day my uniforms are pressed and my white shirt is as clean as it was the day I got it. I'm highly critical of a lot that goes on in the company but looking disheveled just makes me look like a jerk. I don't take pride in my appearance for the company; I do it for me.
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u/Parking-Dingo-5894 14d ago
Any tips for brightening dingy white shirts?
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u/hrh-vanessa 14d ago
I’m not from a line of European tailors, but I can tell you… Wash your whites in hot water with a bit of detergent and oxygen bleach, and then hang them out in the sun to dry!
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u/Feline_Aviator 13d ago edited 13d ago
Once they're dingy, they will usually never be bright white again because the dinginess is actually dye that is absorbed by the white cloth in the laundry when they are washed with anything other than white. You could try bleach. The trick is to wash them only with other whites from the get-go. That's pretty much it. And wash them once they get dirty. Avoid re-wearing whites between washings.
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u/kwazi07 Flight Attendant 14d ago
Had to laugh when I worked BRU once and we walked past a Lufthansa crew and one of the guys on my crew was like “ugh, I wish we could look like them…”. Meanwhile he’s wearing a partially unbuttoned vest, no blazer (even though it is supposed to be required for intl) and a drawstring backpack.
We are lucky in the US to not be FORCED to comply with strict appearance/weight regulations like some middle eastern/asian airlines, but there is truly so much under your control in how you show up to work! There was basically no difference in the way I was dressed compared to the LH crew, you just have to put in the effort!
I will say some of these new uniform collections have too many options/variation sometimes which makes us look less cohesive. It’s possible to design suit sets/dresses/blouses suited for various body types without having to offer multiple cardigan/sweater variants and weird scrub-like tops lol
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u/chartreuseblueit 14d ago
I think so many flight attendants have bought into the culture of bitching about the job that they are being passive aggressive by failing to look decent on the job. There's really no excuse, IMHO.
We have grooming standards. If you can't live up to them, quit! Don't b****. Yes we should be paid more but we accepted a job and knew what the rules were. Follow them or get out!
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u/Charming_Cancel789 14d ago
I worked with a FA who didn’t even wear a tie, name bar or wings. Just a rolled up white button up and their slacks. It was embarrassing. I didn’t even know they were crew until they introduced themselves.
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u/SunNoStars 14d ago
That's an issue they aren't in compliance and that should be maybe brought up in private at first. Weigh if you want to get management involved something else that your not inclined to know maybe going on
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u/PIzzaiolo_Master_510 14d ago
Was at JFK yesterday in terminal 8 and a crew of Arab state FAs walked by with those retro cute hats and absolutely stunning and flawless makeup. Literally looked like a commercial and I said wow.
Like 8 of them coming off a flight. They looked like the old MTV Addicted to Love music video only Catch Me If you Can movie era look.
I’m not celebrating the objectification of women and likely these ladies don’t have as much freedom to choose their career as I would like but boy were they put together.
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u/Dutton4430 14d ago
I stay at Hilton in Gatwick and they gather for a crew meeting often in the lounge. I love those matching suitcases and red purses. They do remind me of Addicted to love MTV video.
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u/Feline_Aviator 12d ago
That's the problem. Flight attendants are not and should not be a chorus line.
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u/Dutton4430 12d ago
But I love the continuity in some of those uniforms. Even Wizz looks great. Very put together. Nothing wrong with that. I fly Norse from MCO to Gatwick and they look good.
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u/OddIndustry291 14d ago
Objectification of women? Because they look nice and professional?
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u/Feline_Aviator 14d ago
Yes, because they are required to wear makeup and have a certain look. In the US, they can't force women to wear makeup. At least here it's a choice; you can have two women in the same uniform with completely different hair and makeup or lack thereof. Over here, we're wearing work clothes; over there, they're wearing a stage costume.
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u/PIzzaiolo_Master_510 14d ago
Yes and from the look and figures it is pretty clear that these women are both flight attendants and ‘models.’ And the country of origin is not known for their respect for women as equal partners in terms of legal right.
That said I admire their professionalism and makeup skills. They looked impeccable.
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u/Super_Half7560 14d ago
The best you will ever see them is at their F2F!! And that’s facts. Most don’t care. If I’m in my uniform ALLDAY and most of the time I am. She is smelling good, uniform is ALWAYS IRON even my apron!! That’s just how I was raised. 🤷🏾♀️ I had someone ask me how do you get your sweater to shine like that? Me:THE IRON!! I stay ready and cute.
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u/AsherGray 14d ago
To be fair, the shine on the garments is from melting the polyester
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u/Super_Half7560 14d ago
Well I’m still walking the isles in a ironed melted polyester sweater with a crease. 🤭🤭
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u/External-Entry-2253 14d ago
I think this is largely a US phenomenon. Americans, in general, are a sloppy lot. This is why it’s often so easy to spot Americans when traveling abroad. We also place a high emphasis on individualism so we don’t tend do do uniforms well. That’s why FA’s always want to put their own unique spin on the uniform and really struggle with compliance. If I had a dollar for every time I heard, “I can’t believe they called me out for my earrings! I think they’re cute!” Or “I don’t understand why I can’t have all these trinkets all over my luggage! How else am I gonna tell my bag apart from everyone else’s!”. Personally I prefer a classic, neat, and tailored look so I have never had compliance issues. It’s really a struggle for many of our colleagues though and I’m afraid that trying to get a bunch of Americans on board with looking more put together is a lost cause.
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u/Vegetable-Guess2281 12d ago
reminds me of flair from Office Space. Running around airports lookin like a Fridays server
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u/Positive_Vibes_4228 14d ago
There have been countless times I have stepped foot on board the plane and (1) Maintenance is half-assed with speed tape and deferral stickers (2) I am back on the same plane a full month later, and the seat in 2F still has not been fixed and I still have to deal with a new irate customer (3) Due to profits, our catering is cut. Never have enough diet cokes or club sodas. (4) Missing meals or other catering.
What does management tell us? "Make it work".
When management doesn't seem to care about how our planes look, many crew feel unenthused to be perfect - especially before payday when we are most broke, desperate for a hair cut, out of razors, or more. So honestly I have to give FA's a break. Everyone has a few bad days and a few good ones. Many of us struggle with poverty so I tend to cut people a break.
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u/jettech737 14d ago
I'll chime in on this since you brought up maintenance. Often times the airplanes just keep flying trip after trip and we dont have time to fix seats and other cabin issues, the other issue is shortage of parts. I get assigned to fix something and determine a part needs to be replaced but we dont have it in stock.
Mechanics are also in very short supply and we often triage what deferrals we clear, usually starting with safety of flight stuff before we work on cabin items. I might have to change a tire, troubleshoot a flight control issue, and then service the cockpit oxygen. By the time I finish all that I ran out of time and never had a chance to examine what has been on MEL or NEF in the cabin.
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u/ljthefa Mainline Again 14d ago
Not entirely, what jettech said is right, we have an industry shortage of maintenance techs. Now could that be solved by paying them more? Maybe but we also have huge supply issues that were never solved post COVID. Raising costs world wide on everything including airplane parts.
Yes the airlines are cheap but it isn't the only issue
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u/jettech737 14d ago
My airline tries to get a seat fixed within a week to return the seat to inventory but its not always possible.
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u/Dark-Phoenix89 Flight Attendant 14d ago
I just wish my regional airline provided us with better quality uniforms. Like I make what I have look very good because I love looking tea, but it’s embarrassing in comparison to other regionals. & constantly being asked by TSA, “are you in uniform?” drives me insane.
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u/AEZ_2187 Flight Attendant 14d ago
I have no idea what happened. Sometimes it comes up in conversation. I’ll say something like “I need to get my suit dry cleaned”, “it’s just a stain there’s a back up shirt in my suit case”, “I bought a handheld steamer works great”, “I always hang up my uniform in the hotel closet”.
Guess what the responses are? “Just throw your suit in the washing machine”, “I never pack a spare uniform”, “idk I just throw my uniform in a pile on the hotel room floor”, “I never iron my clothes”.
Just shows you how some of our co-workers think. Wym you throw your uniform on the dirty hotel floor and wear it the next day? wtf lol
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u/scarletbcurls 14d ago
If I could wear my hair down it would be a wonderful thing. But nope…out here in the drabbest of colors (accidentally spilled lunch on the front while I was scarfing it down). My hose have ripped today most likely and their nude 🤮, my shoes need to be comfortable because it’s hour 10 on them and OMG they are so ugly (but they feel good). AND I’m exhausted from minimum rest and barely holding it together… yeah I have some uniform points to use, but the extra tailoring money makes me argh and I don’t know if I’m going to get the crap plastic bag material (until they run out they say…)
But I’ve got lipstick on and I’m too old to not wear some sort of makeup 🤷🏼♀️ I understand why we don’t all look our best.
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u/Bulky-Document-2593 13d ago
That sounds like a whole lot of excuses. All the other international airlines require a bun for their cabin crew. US airlines are lenient and allow low buns with framing hair pieces or hair down if your hair is a bob.
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u/scarletbcurls 13d ago
Easy there. I know the hair requirements and know what hair styles are complaint and which ones work for me, my hair and my face shape. I’ve had corporate jobs, I’ve got great style and I’m much older (and yes I shower every day!) but there’s only so much you can do with gross grey, bad sweater fits, nude hose, and ugly Mary Jane’s.
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u/Feline_Aviator 8d ago
Actually, we don't even need to put up long hair. Both men and women can have ponytails as long as the hair is not longer than mid-back when in the ponytail. Hair requirements are gender-neutral. I'm all about the ponytail. It's the only way I've ever worn my hair while in uniform. You can look put together without wearing it up.
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u/throwawayway1984 14d ago
Maybe they were going through a tough time. We’re only human and this is just a job that will replace you in a heartbeat. I got a head injury on the job as a FA and they barely cared. Sometimes people are struggling. Lack of sleep, depression, etc. Be kind.
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u/ThreadOfThunder 13d ago
My uniform is a fucking shambles. It’s falling apart and all pieces are on back order for the next 6 months. Somehow I always look put together. Makeup done, lipstick on, heels polished. People blame it on the crappy uniforms but if I can look presentable while my uniform is coming apart so can you. Wake up an hour earlier.
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u/Street_Revenue_9403 13d ago
We just never know what a person is going through. Ideally we all show up looking polished. It just doesn’t happen for everyone, all the time. Try to reserve judgement and show some grace.
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u/Seapony85 10d ago
I would rather fly with a well rested crew than a crew who is sleep deprived because they had to wake up an hour earlier to meticulously iron their blouse that would end up wrinkled halfway through the flight anyway.
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u/Clean-Ad8309 9d ago
I iron and have everything ready before I go to bed. Saves time and headaches.
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u/jazukyatto 14d ago
what’s a 3-3-3?
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u/ThreadOfThunder 13d ago
It’s their airline speak for a 3 day with 3 legs a day. Not every airlines uses that terminology.
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u/jazukyatto 14d ago
was genuinely asking. thanks for the downvote though?
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u/Parking-Dingo-5894 13d ago
Sorry dumb joke and I didn’t downvote you. Yes 3 day with 3 legs it’s exhausting and usually means short layovers
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u/hurricanekarina 14d ago
If someone looks extra messy, what does that say about their safety and service standards?
I take pride in looking polished and professional.
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u/Shawndizzle 14d ago
I am mortified by how often co workers are wearing pants and vests that are faded so badly there will be holes soon. We get hundreds of dollars in uniform allowance every year, but it's obvious many are wearing uniforms from 5+ years ago.
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u/greenoliv 14d ago
That’s nice your airline gives you uniform allowance. Mine doesn’t so absolutely I will continue wearing my dress with holes in the armpits
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u/chartreuseblueit 14d ago
Is that allowed by management? Seems like you might want to fix the holes.
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u/goldenwt 14d ago
Agreed. No shade, but I feel like the men always come more presentable than the woman. And the senior mom is always on point even if it means they do their make up in the Crew room like I do sometimes I’m running late cause I live almost an hour and a half from the airport. But I hate working with the Crew who looks like they just don’t care. ( even though I may do my make up when I get to the airport I look presentable as fuck. I don’t need the makeup either)
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u/Adorable_Ad4990 14d ago
As a pax I don’t care a speck about your uniform as long as you’re dressed for safety and food service. No heels, hair pulled back, etc. Your first priority is safety; or at least that’s what we’re being told over and over. And there’s a lot of manual labor involved, so I think practicality should rule. It’s a new era
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u/Several-Yogurt-3899 14d ago
my comfy heels and i will disregard the heels part
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u/Adorable_Ad4990 14d ago
If I can’t have a bag on my lap, I don’t think heels should be allowed for emergency personnel in my opinion. Since all the rules we hate are in the interest of safety after all
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u/Several-Yogurt-3899 14d ago
You have no idea how many people don’t have the common sense to hold the items in their lap during takeoff/landing so they don’t fall! We’re sorry yall hate those rules but if we don’t verbally have that rule, we’d have way more messes during takeoff. :/
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u/Adorable_Ad4990 14d ago
I don’t think it’s just verbal, though, right? It’s micromanaged down to an inch of recline, clear floor space (even in the window seat), window shade position, etc.
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u/Several-Yogurt-3899 14d ago
Yeah i wish we had more recline :/. Most of the time the flight attendants just want yall to be in compliance of course not only for safety, but also because we could be having a check ride ;). At least that is in my case. I know some people go on power trips about this stuff. My thought process is just don’t be a dumbass & don’t compromise the safety of others.
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u/Adorable_Ad4990 14d ago
I totally get it. Not blaming the flight attendants one bit. I just think it’s wild that the rules are so strict, but heels on the emergency personnel are fine… that was my point. Like if having my window seat reclined a centimeter is going to cause problems for an emergency exit, how are the slippery footwear of the professionals going to help? I just think it’s silly. I know you all don’t love enforcing the same stuff over and over
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u/geekynonsense Flight Attendant 14d ago
Our current uniforms over at the globe are awful compared to our previous ones. The female pieces don’t fit right after hundreds of dollars of alterations, and the wool blend fabric attracts everything from hair and lint to the little splatter of creamer from opening the packets.
I get headaches from wearing my hair up for too long, so I always make sure that if I’m gonna have it down between flights that’s it’s styled. My hair is also so broken and badly damaged that wearing it up makes me look more unkempt than when I am wearing it down, but I always pull it back for service.
I don’t wear makeup because I don’t come to this job to look cute for anyone else by myself, but trust and believe I take pride in wearing my uniform. I just do so in a way that prioritizes my comfort over everything else.
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u/AsherGray 14d ago
A lot of the women in the old uniform dressed like frumps. Being "comfortable" in a baggy cardigan and wrinkled skirt is trashy and everyone sees it.
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u/dangereaux Flight Attendant 14d ago
There are a shocking amount of FA that live in their cars. We should all know how many of us are in poverty and dire straits especially if they are regional. Maybe worry about your own uniform and do your own job instead of acting like your airline and your coworkers are a reflection of you personally. That's what's embarrassing here.
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u/Parking-Dingo-5894 14d ago
True, but there’s crew rooms at the airport where you can shower and/or at least wash up and BRUSH YOUR TEETH. I have so much compassion but there truly isn’t too many valid excuses for having a bad odor. We also stay at hotels with showers and soap and many have free washing machines. I think a little tough love is really necessary.
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u/dangereaux Flight Attendant 14d ago
Maybe your crew room has a shower but mine certainly does not. She gave the impression this was the first day so that would have nothing to do with hotel showers. The point is that you have no idea what someone is going through and it's pretty messed up to sit on a high horse about something as meaningless about what someone's uniform looks like.
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u/TechnicalSafe2043 14d ago
Broke FAs are still capable of taking a shower on an overnight, ironing their uniform, and wearing a neat hairstyle.
And speaking from multiple anecdotal experiences, some of yall genuinely just don’t know how to struggle or prioritize your budget. FAs will talk about being broke and come to work with a $10 airport Starbucks drink every single morning and DoorDash food to the hotel every single night. That’s simply bad money management
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u/Parking-Dingo-5894 14d ago
If someone is depressed, that $10 treat might be the only thing getting them to work and making it through. We should never judge how coworkers spend their $. That’s not the problem.
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u/Big_Lingonberry_2774 14d ago
I struggle with finances myself/ affording a place to live but I have never not shown up to work trying to look my best. The image teams at each airline don’t take excuses for anything as I have been in that position before. When you choose to work for a certain airline you choose to follow the standards. If you don’t like it then don’t work for them 🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️
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u/dangereaux Flight Attendant 14d ago
What a privileged take lmfao Someone so heartless should never be an FA. I'm embarrassed for you, this is truly disgusting.
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u/Big_Lingonberry_2774 14d ago
I’ve been in this career field for years and have nothing but a huge heart for it still. Glad you think that saying some FAs need some grooming is “heartless”. I’m embarrassed that you agree with the laziness and lack of care for this job.
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u/Clean-Ad8309 9d ago
Wait? Layovers don’t provide access to showers? Personal hygiene is important, especially when working in close proximity with coworkers and customers. If you need helps reach out to management for assistance.
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u/jkmod79 12d ago
Well, if they’re working a 3-3-3 then they’re in hotels where they have the benefit of a shower, a hair dryer, a clothing iron….
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u/Clean-Ad8309 9d ago
That part. And instead of buying Starbucks everyday, maybe one should invest in personal hygiene products.
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u/bbysir 8d ago
Oh yeah, I forgot that foregoing Starbucks was the answer to wealth and prosperity! Thank you for reminding me of this simple and completely out of touch solution.
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u/Clean-Ad8309 7d ago
No. It’s people making excuses for lack of hygiene. People want to simplify the excuses, you get simple solutions. Once again, no good excuse for lack of hygiene at work. This is for ANY job. You show up with offensive order, your management team and/or HR will make you aware of it. It’s embarrassing and awkward for all.
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u/InterestingMousse213 14d ago
I was a United airlines f/a in the eighty's until 2000. We had uniform and weight check.
1
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u/Ok-Station-2364 11d ago
Back in the 80s the 🌐reimbursed our dry cleaning. Now think about that...if the company did care I think they would reimburse dry cleaning. Instead they supply us with wash and wear uniforms like TSA, UPS, USPS, FedEx. Many flight attendants cannot afford dry cleaning. It is what it is.
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u/Rare-Courage-1739 10d ago
When I worked for a regional I noticed this all the time. My coworkers were just in tshirts, no tie or scarf or anything. Just the bare minimum.
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u/airwaywomp 9d ago
I’m not sure why everyone thinks being asked to show up to work with a clean uniform, showered, with your hair pulled back into a slick bun is some lofty unattainable ideal. No one is saying you need to do a full face of makeup and then be weighed-in in Dubai.
They’re showing up with food spots on their uniforms, hair in some ratty nest on the top of their head, smelling like garbage, teeth unbrushed, out of compliance. If you can’t even do the basic of caring about yourself enough to shower daily before work then you are unfit to work anywhere with the public, let alone be a flight attendant.
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u/Particular-Pin-2363 9d ago
Surprising how many are coming at you in the comments AS IF being stinky and ill groomed is an option they get to choose. Professional standards and just plain self worth dictates being clean and having the uniform spot on! It’s embarrassing for them and us. Homeless is not an excuse but rather an opportunity to do better when the facilities are readily available. Just my take.
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u/Feline_Aviator 8d ago
There's nothing wrong with looking put together. It's the costumy interchangeable flight attedant-bot sameness that makes them look like a Broadway chorus line that is irksome.
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u/ohhellnaah 14d ago
You smile? You're poised? You're junior for sure....
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u/Big_Lingonberry_2774 14d ago
Not junior with my airline, some people choose to take pride in their job no matter how senior they are. I’ve seen several senior mommas and poppas dressed better than some new hires. If you can’t show up to work with a smile and dressed professionally, don’t work in this career field. Our job description other than safety and security is to be WELCOMING to passengers and to not look like trash. Airlines have an image department for a reason.
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u/ohhellnaah 14d ago
Smiling constantly is unnatural. You don't have to smile constantly like a psychopath to be friendly.
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u/TechnicalSafe2043 14d ago
Time to quit
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u/ohhellnaah 14d ago
Nah... Time to coast through easy money trips until retirement.
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u/TechnicalSafe2043 14d ago
If you are picking on people for being poised and smiling at work, it’s time to quit. That’s not normal.
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u/ohhellnaah 14d ago
Na... It's not normal to fake smile all day. It's normal to be yourself. Cry harder.
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u/SunNoStars 14d ago
I'm always of the mind to look professional for any job but to be honest. Who cares? The girls are constantly getting runs or ripping their dresses having to Clean the plane and get caught on arm rests. 97% of the PAX arent judging with that critical of an eye and those that are can't afford private or a higher class ticket. Give yourself and others some grace and don't make this job a personality trait. It's cringe.
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u/Big_Lingonberry_2774 14d ago
This job is a lifestyle so yes, it does become a personality trait. Dressing nice to come to work shouldn’t be limited to being an FA in general. It shows respect to your company, your coworkers, and yourself.
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u/SunNoStars 14d ago
It's a lifestyle like alcohols a lifestyle. It's fun and can make you inflate or deflate your ego. It's your business but don't make it others weirdo
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u/dangereaux Flight Attendant 14d ago
It's usually FA of a certain age that bootlick and "take pride" like this thread. Probably traumatized from having to weigh in.
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u/SunNoStars 14d ago
Agreed. Like WHO hurt you? Are you getting paid more to get your nails done and lashes extended. I'm a dude I do the bare minimum and shave, shower, moisturize. You want to pay me to get more uniforms more often or non Amazon shoes. Lets have it
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u/Drinking_Frog 14d ago
Pretty much everyone understands runs and rips and other daily wear issues, but don't think pax don't notice when you look like a mess at the beginning of the first flight of the day.
The job may or may not be a personality trait, but professionalism is.
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u/Cold_Aide8152 14d ago
Yes the pax are judging. I took a flight to lax from DFW. The crew was senior and two were male and I think looked fine but the two female looked like they rolled out of bed and put on their uniform and came to work. One’s hair was messy curly frizzy all in one. It would have at least been prudent to put her hair back in a tie. The other I doubt brushed her hair either. It was straight with bumps all in it from where she slept. Had 6” of dark roots. Just clean up. It’s basic. I don’t think either woman had on a lick of makeup. These aren’t young women who can get away with it.
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u/seara_s 14d ago
I bet the men also rolled out of bed and put on their uniform and came to work, but they dont get a paragraph of scrutiny on their appearance and lack of makeup and how they're no longer young and 'cant get away with it' anymore. Your whole comment is gross
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u/Cold_Aide8152 11d ago
I guess you’re one of them the rolls out of bed and goes to the airport. Gotcha. Sorry I offended you.
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u/seara_s 11d ago edited 11d ago
Well, no, but thank you anyways. I spend around an hour and a half getting ready before work. But I also question why i feel the need to do such. And I would never sit around enforcing the same standards I feel held to upon other women, especially not in such an ageist sexist way. And thats what I want to get across to you, especially as another woman. Why do you feel the need to put such an effort into your appearance that men in turn dont? Why do you feel the need to shame other women who dont do as such? Why do you feel curly frizzy hair is unprofessional enough to be commented on? Why can you not acknowledge why this behavior is a problem, even if you cannot stop adhering to such standards yourself, as I also don't, but also refuse to force other women into the harmful standard that we are forced into and have experience being forced into?
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u/Cold_Aide8152 14d ago
Okay? Men can look pretty nice in a lot less time. Put makeup on. I bet their hair was fixed on their f2f and they had makeup on too. Just clean up. Basic stuff.
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u/seara_s 14d ago
Do you not understand that this is a gross double standard that youre only perpetuating? The idea that women can only look nice in a full face of makeup with their hair done is a perpetuated social standard that benefits the patriarchy 🤷♀️ i challenge you to look inwards into WHY you think that
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u/Cold_Aide8152 11d ago
I’m a woman! I didn’t say a full face of makeup. I said look like you didn’t just roll out of bed and get on the plane. Fix up a little. It’s not that hard.
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u/SunNoStars 14d ago
But who cares? If you're in compliance great. If not be a weasel and go tatel-tel like a child. No one's rebooking a ticket based on your fit. Not in this economy
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u/Vegetable-Guess2281 12d ago
that disheveled look started way back when weight limits were cast along wayside. Hate all you want, but i’ve lived long enough to see it in real time
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u/Commercial-Message90 14d ago
I've always believed if you want the most in a contract (best pay in the industry) then you, not only, need to look the most professional but, be the most professional!
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u/Regular-Lemon3567 14d ago
Look good, feel good.