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The grinches at a flight attendants union representing United Airlines cabin crew recently forbade its members from donning festive apparel such as Santa hats, reindeer antlers “and the humble Christmas jumper,” Paddle Your Own Kanoo reported.
I, admittedly, love the winter holiday season, so perhaps I’m a bit biased.
But don’t you think that’s going a bit far?
According to PYOK, “the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), which represents United’s 22,000 cabin crew, has told it’s members that they shouldn’t wear anything that might detract from their ‘professional image as Safety Professionals.’”
Lame.
My neighborhood fire station puts wreathes on the fronts of their fire engines and trucks. Do those detract from their professional image as safety professionals?” Um, no.
Keep in mind, United encouraged its flight attendants to show their personality.
And let’s not forget that it was United flight attendants who performed a fun safety briefing-Night Before Christmas mashup
I’m not saying we need flight attendants with all sorts of flair:
But some small features certainly don’t hurt anyone.
Side-note: I flew a Delta and a Delta Connection (SkyWest) flight yesterday. None of the flight attendants were decked out in Christmas gear. A pilot, though, wore an oversized necklace of Christmas lights while bigging passengers farewell.
Why It Might Add Some Much Needed Light Humor
I was at LAX yesterday.
It was a living hell.
The airport was crowded, people were stressed, families were traveling (we were one of them) … It was first world chaos.
There was definitely a need for Christmas cheer — even on flights.
I’m not saying we need flight attendants dressed up as elves at Santa’s workshop. That detracts from a safety professional image.
But a couple of Santa hats — or even just secular holiday aprons — may loosen the mood and bring a little bit of cheer.
But don’t get me started if they want to dress up for Halloween.
What Do You Think?
Should flight attendants be allowed to show some holiday spirit? Please share your thoughts in the Comments section below!
—Chris
Featured image: ©iStock.com/Povozniuk
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Absolutely FA’s should be able to dress up for the holidays just like everyone else. It puts a smile on people’s faces and helps during stressful travel times.
The union sounds like the Grinch.
Yes, as long as they acknowledge all the holidays, not just one.
Celebrating every holiday is celebrating no holiday. Why don’t we let individuals decide what holidays they want to highlight as their personal favorites.
This is what is wrong with many FA’s. They interpret the “We are primarily here for your safety” as “We are ONLY here for your safety”. Seriously though I do think there should be limits to what is allowed.
I’m with @Barry. Kwanza, Hanukkah, and Ramadan should all get equal billing. Otherwise you either need to go the Air France route with no sign of your religion or fly for a country that has a state religion like Iran.
I agree with Barry – all holidays and religions employees chose or none.
But I am baffled about people only wanting separation of church and state when it suits them. We need to stop forcing one set of beliefs on everyone, no matter how reasonable we think it is. For the record I am of Christian faith.
Absolutely they should if want to . They have a stressful job and it’s good for them to dress up and spread cheer . Merry Christmas and remember the reason for the season
Long it doesn’t interfere with any duties, then go for it.
No harm in wearing holiday themed scarves/neckties, or santa hats and reindeer antlers at boarding time. (Think these should be removed at takeoff by flight crew, but let ground duty people wear them all day if they wanted)
Keep in mind this is a union recommendation, not a corporate one. It is the FAs own elected representatives making this recommendation which is equivalent to the FAs general consensus. But, yes… it is far reaching. I’m sure there must have been an incident where one ruined it for all in the recent past.
One accessory on top of their uniform is more than ample to curb everybody from going overboard. Pin, hat, earring, neclace, bracelet, novelty manicured fingernail set, scarf, etc… just one.
I think it should be ok for domestic flights, not international.
I miss seeing a christmas pin or?? also the sky clubs were decoration less except for pointsettas??