"Wear Undergarments" Memo From Delta Airlines Stuns Flight Attendants

Delta Air Lines has sparked controversy with its latest memo for flight attendants, which has drawn widespread criticism. The memo, titled "Flight Attendant Hiring Appearance Requirements," reads like a detailed fashion guide, setting out specific standards for how flight attendants should present themselves from the interview stage to in-flight service. Notably, the memo's most startling requirements include a mandate to "wear undergarments" and ensure they "aren't visible."

The airline, one of the oldest operating carriers in the U.S., has elaborated on its grooming, hair, jewelry, and clothing standards. The memo underscores that these guidelines are part of a broader set of appearance requirements.

"Delta Flight Attendants spend the most time with our customers and are the face of our airline," the memo states. "They must be passionate about enhancing each customer's experience while embodying the Delta brand. The Delta uniform represents safety, pride in Delta culture, and a genuine graciousness that will be remembered by our customers."

The memo also notes that the airline will make efforts to accommodate specific dress or appearance requirements based on religious beliefs or practices, provided they do not pose a safety risk or undue burden on the company.

Detailed guidelines include:

1. Light application of aftershave, cologne, and perfume is allowed.
2. Eyelashes should appear natural.
3. Facial hair must be neatly trimmed.
4. Nails should be well-trimmed and, if polished, should be a single, subtle color without adornments.
5. Tattoos must be covered.
6. Long hair should be secured above the shoulders and styled in a natural-looking color.
7. Jewelry should be limited to gold, silver, white pearl, or clear diamond-like studs, with only one side-nose piercing and up to two earrings per ear permitted. Other visible body piercings are not allowed.
8. Undergarments must be worn and should remain completely invisible.
9. Dresses and skirts should be at or below the knee, and button-collared shirts must be paired with a tie.
10. Footwear should consist of closed-toe flats, heels, or sling-backs.

The memo also specifies that on the interview day, candidates are prohibited from using profanity, chewing gum, or using phones or earbuds.

A Delta Air Lines spokesperson told the Daily Mail, "In the interest of transparency and clarity for all prospective candidates, we encourage people to 'dress for success' and make a strong first impression as they aspire to join the flight attendant ranks."