Reading some headlines you might think United Airlines is waging a war on Christmas. That’s not really the case.
A number of blogs have talked about United “banning” holiday attire. That’s not the case at all. On the contrary, United is making an exception to its uniform policy this month to allow ground staff, flight attendants, and pilots to be a bit more creative in the spirit of the season.
While the focus has been on what is not permitted, I think it’s instructive to look at the entire memo sent to staff.
Every year, we commemorate the traditional holiday season by making an exception to our uniform guidelines. During the month of December, you may wear one of the following holiday accessories listed below. Accessories must be in good taste, in the spirit of the holiday, and not detract from your professional image. You must not alter your uniform in any manner. Adhere to all appearance standards and remember; you represent United when wearing your uniform.
- Female
- Conservative holiday scarf
- Conservative earrings
- One holiday necklace
- Conservative hair barrette
- Holiday hose/socks (with slacks only)
- One holiday pin
- Male
- Conservative holiday tie
- Holiday socks
- One holiday pin
The following items are not permitted:
- Head adornments (i.e., antlers, Santa hats, halos)
- Holiday vests or sweaters
- Holiday aprons
Now would it really hurt to let flight attendants wear festive red and green aprons or Santa hats? Probably not. But let’s not conclude that “Scrooge has made an appearance at United Airlines”.
CONCLUSION
Sometimes I realize I sound like a United cheerleader here and that is really not my intention. But the idea that United is against Christmas seems quite a stretch to me. This memo is several weeks old; a flight attendant sent it to me on December 4th, but I didn’t consider it newsworthy enough to cover. I cover it now to clarify recent headlines.
I’ll say this…United doesn’t use the term “Christmas” once in its memo on Christmas attire. Is that word verboten? But other than that, look for festively-adorned flight attendants and pilots with holiday neck ties on your next United flight.
image: British Airways
This whole hubbub is much ado about nothing. If you want to see a truly secular airline, try Air France.
The problem with allowing too much employee freedom on the holidays is you still have a brand to protect. There are many people who would come to work looking absolutely ridiculous. They want to keep it festive but classy.
Matthew, I am curious if you have any readers who observe Kwanzaa or Hanukkah and whether they are offended by a greeting of “Merry Christmas?” As for me, if I know that someone is, say, Jewish, I will wish them a happy Hanukkah out of respect, but otherwise I will generally say Merry Christmas and I honestly don’t think that folks are as offended by that as some in the PC world think.
How would you feel Andy if everyone started greeting you with happy Hanukkah or Kwanza ad nauseam? It would seem strange after a while because, it has nothing to do with you.
There are other holidays besides Christmas this time of year…. why not cover your basis and say happy holidays instead of assuming everyone celebrates your holiday unless having some kind of knowledge otherwise?
If you don’t think folks are as offended, ask them. Ask the others who are being greeted for a holiday which means nothing to them, but not being greeted for a holiday that is of great importance to them and see how they feel. They may actually not care, but instead of assuming everyone sees it from your lens, ask them.
Just a thought.
“If you don’t think folks are as offended, ask them” I believe that was the intent of my post?
Just my opinion – I would not be offended if someone in Israel wished me a happy Hanukkah even though it has nothing to do with me.
I think United is pretty generous, many companies allow no deviation from the uniform code under any circumstances.
As for greetings, I’m not aware that people are offended by being wished a Merry Christmas and if they are I hope they accept it’s in good faith. I’ve been wished well on both Jewish and Muslim feasts and indeed been to Passover and Eid celebrations as a guest just as we will have among our number Jewish and Muslim friends on Christmas Day – because what’s the harm in celebrating the things your friends celebrate – and let’s do more of it rather than be miserable!
I hope it’s not received offensively as that is usually not how it is given. In the US it is unfortunately just the default language. It is a well rounded life to be surrounded by friends and family who celebrate differently.
Your response makes it even worse. Israel is a Jewish state, but America is not a Christian one.
And, even more to the point, you don’t live in Israel, so it’s easy to say that you wouldn’t mind hearing this when visiting a *foreign* place. But what if you heard it every day in your *home* country/city/neighborhood?
Sorry, my comment was in response to Andy, above. It seems to have ended up in the wrong thread.
I hate the PC world. I’m Jewish , not offended by anything. Why can’t people just live and let live. If you are offended h someone trying to be nice but not understanding you.. you have problems ! But yes I know people who are offended because you can’t really “ dress” for Hanukkah but you can for Christmas. I say it’s totally fine to say Merry Christmas to anyone, we get the point
It’s good you are not offended by anything, but some people may care. Being PC is more about being respectful and not telling people they have problems if they don’t see, act, or respond like you.
That being said, I agree, it is in the spirit of things that people will hopefully receive a nice greeting. Even if slightly off.
A Santa hat is fine, better than the red neck decoration in the photo.
There is a “Christmas Wish List” for reserve flight attendants. So I doubt the word is banned.