Delta Air Lines has issued a clear message to those aspiring to join their team of flight attendants: the key to success starts with how you present yourself.
In a recently released two-page memo, Delta laid out strict appearance guidelines for potential hires, focusing on their attire during interviews, training, and throughout their careers. Among the notable requirements, one rule in particular stands out: the necessity of wearing proper undergarments.
According to Delta, underwear is a must, but it should never be visible. This updated guideline is part of a broader effort to clarify and specify appearance standards. “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,” a Delta spokesperson shared with the Daily Mail.
The memo outlines a comprehensive set of rules covering grooming, hair, jewelry, and clothing, aimed at ensuring a polished, professional look for all Delta employees. The document emphasizes that flight attendants are not just employees—they are the face of the airline. “Delta Flight Attendants spend the most time with our customers and are the face of our airline,” it states. “The customer service experience begins the moment a Flight Attendant puts on their uniform.”
The guidelines extend to personal grooming as well. Hair must appear “natural-looking” with no extreme highlights or unnatural shades. Long hair must be neatly tied back and secured away from the face, and if it extends beyond the middle of the back, it should be pinned up.
Cleanliness is also a priority. Employees are expected to maintain high standards of hygiene, with natural-looking eyelashes and uniform nail colors being a requirement. “No neon colors, multi-color, adornments, glitter, hand-painted designs, or airbrushed nails are permitted,” the memo notes.
Tattoos and body piercings are also addressed. Tattoos must be covered, though using bandages as a cover-up is prohibited. The memo is specific about acceptable piercings as well: “Only a single nose piercing is permitted, and gold, silver, white pearl or clear diamond/diamond-like studs are the only ones allowed. No other body piercings can be visible. Only two earrings per ear are allowed — but no hoops. Earrings must not be larger than the size of a dime.”
Delta’s appearance guidelines continue with a focus on clothing, ensuring flight attendants maintain a professional look at all times. Dresses and skirts must be at or below knee length, and shoes are limited to closed-toe flats, heels, or slingbacks. Athletic shoes are not permitted, and male uniform wearers are required to don a tie with button-collared dress shirts.
Delta also enforces certain behavioral standards during interviews. Profanity, chewing gum, and the use of phones or earbuds are strictly prohibited during interview day. The airline stresses the importance of professionalism from the very beginning of the recruitment process.
While Delta enforces these strict guidelines, they have made it clear that accommodations will be made for religious beliefs or practices. “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,” the memo clarifies.
Delta’s latest guidelines demonstrate their commitment to maintaining a polished and professional image, reminding prospective flight attendants that appearance matters—starting with the basics, like wearing proper underwear. These rules are designed to create a cohesive and professional look that aligns with the high standards Delta is known for, ensuring every flight attendant represents the airline with pride.
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