United Airlines has revised its appearance standards for uniformed, customer-facing employees in what it calls an effort to be more inclusive. Today, it revealed those details to employees.
United Airlines Unveils More “Inclusive” Appearance Standards
In a memo to employees reviewed by Live and Let’s Fly, United praised individuality and inclusion:
We’re committed to creating a more inclusive culture where our employees feel welcome to be their authentic selves at work and celebrate their individuality, while also serving as ambassadors for our global United brand.
United says this is to “celebrate the qualities that make our employees unique and allow team members to connect with our customers on a more human level.”
In June, United promised to share the full list of dress and appearance changes, but teased the image above and noted “significant and more inclusive changes” would occur concerning:
- visible tattoos
- nose piercings
- hair
- make-up
- nails
Kate Gebo, United’s Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations, said:
“As the face of United, our customer-facing teammates can provide an even better experience for our customers when they look and feel their best. We’ve spent the last several years listening to the feedback we’ve received from our employees and our Business Resource Groups to develop these revised standards. We’re confident that these modernized and more gender-inclusive appearance standards will provide a more authentic representation of the people and cultures that make United the company it is today.”
Details On United Airlines New Dress And Appearance Standards
Today, the new policy was announced in detail and will take effect on September 15, 2021. At least initially, it will only impact flight attendants and customer service representatives. Later in the year, United plans to widen the policy to include pilots, ramp workers, and other employee groups.
- Tattoos
- Customer-facing employees will be permitted to have visible tattoos on their arms, wrists, ankles and feet, as long as they are no larger than a United badge and are not offensive to customers and your fellow employees
- Offensive content includes violent, obscene, sexual, racist or objectionable content and any imagery that includes weapons.
- Facial Piercings
- Employees may choose to wear one nose piercing, as long as it’s a small stud and does not interfere with your work and safety
- Hair length
- Employees may wear their hair down, pending its shoulder length or shorter
- Nails
- Nail polish and embellishments will be permitted for all employees, as long as they are understated and complement your uniform
- Make-up
- Makeup may be worn by all employees, as long as it is applied conservatively so that it looks natural
United shared these pictures as well:
United also added:
At United, we believe we are all connected by the similarities we recognize and the differences we celebrate in each other. We’ve updated our appearance standards to empower our employees to represent themselves in the way they feel most confident. Our modernized appearance guidelines promote a supportive, encouraging, and positive environment for our employees and customers alike.
CONCLUSION
You can expect to see flight attendants, gate agents, and customer service reps at United have a lot more discretion in their dress and appearance starting this autumn. The new changes are not as draconian as originally imagined and take effect on September 15, 2021.
This is so stupid. Since when is appearing professional analogous to “inclusion?” I never batted an eye at those rainbow AFA pins but frankly I don’t want to see a person with wild hair or a male with long fingernails or anything like that. What ever happened to professionalism as a virtue?
Oh noooo, poor you. How will you ever recover from your ticket agent looking different than you or not living up to your specific visual expectations? P*ss off, troglodyte.
United is caving to the mob. And the mob is never satisfied. Were there complaints from customers that FA’s were not being “gender inclusive”” or “modernized”?
Making the customer(not employee) feel best is their job. If FA’s don’t like the dress/appearance rules, then they can work elsewhere.
United is trying too hard. This is dumb.
ugh you’re so sensitive, is the customer service worker’s nail polish and little tattoo triggering you snowflake? lol
Looking professional as a representative of your employer has nothing to do with being “inclusive’, If we really want to get technical, shouldn’t United just hire anyone who applies for a job there? That would truly be inclusive. And absurd, just as this garbage is. Hey, if they want their customer-facing employees to look as if they just got out of Statesville, that’s on them. But it’s idiocy for a corporation to lower their standards like this.
Why do you even care what other people choose to do with their bodies??? Get a life lol
I mean, people can do whatever but I agree some of this shouldn’t be allowed, or at least I am not a fan of it. I personally find nose rings or other piercings (excluding earings) to be unprofessional and not something I would really care to see from a FA, male or female.
I won’t complain about it, but not going to be thrilled if my next FA has a nose septum piercing and a lip piercing.
I’m pretty sure all these people complaining would get over pink hair, tattoos, and a nose ring very quickly if that FA gave them a PDB and provided heartfelt service.
United is doing the right thing here, even if a bunch of older folks are upset about it. United still has dress standards, they’re just giving more leniency on things that mean a lot the employee, but do not harm any other person in any way at all.
Don’t waste your time and energy with these ass clowns Jerry. Haters will be haters regardless. And you’re right, if the FA gave them a PDB and GREAt service, boy oh boy would they give in!!!
@ Matthew — None of this even looks unusual to me. It is silly that this policy is necessary.
As a pilot for a United Express carrier, I am appalled at these new policies. We should all look clean and professional and tattoos , piercings and wild hair do not give that image. What a shame the PC world has become.
I am not bothered by this but it will result in less professional appearance in some United staff.
People should realize that some of these things that are now allowed hurt themselves. There are better job opportunities and less racism with better appearances. The non-obese, well dressed Black man will fare better than the obese Black man with tattoos and nose rings.
Part of the reason for this change may be that good help is harder to find. Employers have to lower their standards.
Unfortunately that is exactly the problem. You’re saying if the man confirms to white cultural norms he’ll do fine and be successful. United, and society as a whole, endeavor to change that mentality.
White cultural norms? WTF?
Have you ever been to Latin America? Anyone in any professional position in that region is required to be well dressed, well groomed and no tattoos, piercings nor other attention grabbing adornments. This is very much part of their culture, to the point that Americans are east to spot on a street in San Jose, CR or Buenos Aires or San Salvador; we’re the ones wearing shorts and a t-shirt to public places. Latinos (outside of the US) dress up, especially for work. And they’re often shocked that we don’t. Same holds true in most of Asia. This isn’t about “white cultural norms”, so you can return the CRT excrement back to the dumpster where it belongs.
@storieguy7: 100% agree.
Jerry, you aren’t as worldly as you make yourself out to be. If you’ve done business in South Africa, you’d see that Africans are professionals too and dress accordingly in their culture. Being dressed well isn’t an American thing. In fact, the cultures that have moved here have brought much of it with them.
It would make me uncomfortable to board a plane whose pilot looks like they are straight out of statesville, regardless of the color of their skin.
I spent time at a Muay Thai camp a few years ago. Some of the instructors had tons of tattoos and a couple didn’t. I asked one why they had no tattoos and he said that they both want to be phys Ed teachers and that was never going to happen if they were inked up.
I’m still wondering why you had to include “black” in your example rather than simply stating “man vs. obese man?”
Derek, Derek, Derek, what a racist one like you would say. Any shame is only YOU!! IF YOU DON’T LIKE THE CHANGE, FIND A BROOM TO FLY ON NEXT TIME. HA HA HA!!
The fact professionalism standards have become a race and gender issue is PATHETIC.
I don’t care who you **** , what sex you want to be or what color your skin is… When you are in charge of being a crewmember on a $40 million machine traveling 600 mph with hundreds of lives in your hands you look professional. End of story.
you think a tattoo will make them not be able to do thier job? you’re ridiculous, “professionalism” was a bullshit word made up to control people, if you’re being paid to do a job then you’re professional
as long as you wear the uniform and are respectful to customers I think you should be able to express yourself however you want with YOUR OWN body, policing how other people look is stupid and never should have been the norm in the first place
What about those employees who don’t or don’t wish to identify to a particular gender? Employees should be allowed to wear whatever they want to wear (with obvious exceptions, I’m not saying they should be allowed to show up to work in jeans or PJs). Someone shouldn’t have to wear a female or male uniform if they choose not to do so.
@Alan Brint: this stupid policy has nothing to do with how people dress but how they look. If a male FA wants to wear a dress, good for him. Now, looking like a cow with a ring on the nose is not a dressing issue. I don’t think it belongs into a serious corporation but since United is not serious I could not care less for what they do. They actually should let the liberal employees take over and do whatever they want. Wall St will have the last word or you don’t think it is all about the money?
You do realize that a nose hoop ring is not permitted by these new policies correct?
That is why I don’t fly United. Since when tattoos, piercings and other weird stuff is considered inclusion?
Ok Boomer
@UA-NYC: I fly Delta which is much better than UA. UA is for snowflakes like you.
Must be all hat & no cattle, if you fly DL, the most progressive, inclusive company in the industry there is
You’re so delicate that you cannot look at a tattoo, but you’re calling another person “snowflake”? That’s awesome.
I’m also guessing that all the grampas and grandmas in these comments shouting at the sun about all this are the first who would pretend they are about a free market. This is how a free market works, Snowflakes.
Sounds like they are having a hard time recruiting people. When all else fails, lower the bar.
Once again (and again, again), UAL is busy trying to look good and politically correct. It’s really unfortunate that UAL can’t invest some of its “we’re really woke” wasted time and PERHAPS invest it in the people that pay the damn bill.. the customers. Most UA non-hub Clubs STILL closed (way behind AA, DL).. STILL NO Polaris Club openings specifically scheduled.. STILL NO glassware in premium cabins..
Let’s hear more about the CUSTOMER experience..
Let me guess…..having a neat and kept appearance is (similar to being ontime for things) now too white?
Why Asian and Middle Eastern airlines will always be the pinnacle of grooming and appearance standards.
I’m just glad that with this change at United, now Whole Foods employees will have a second career path to pursue.
The comments are extremely on point and some really funny… Trader Joe’s’ especially! But seriously, when did the maximum weight requirement lapse? To me, making way for a FA to walk down the aisle is more disconcerting than a nose ring or colorful tattoo.
This doesn’t go far enough. At this point, why even have uniforms and appearance standards? What if someone wants to “express” themselves by wearing a tank top, shorts, flip flops, and a backwards baseball cap? Let’s also allow disheveled beards and dirt under fingernails, because hey “my body, my choice.”
I guess this means there will be no dress code for non-revs as well ? Crop tops, obscene T-shirts and torn jeans anyone? As many have stated, why have a uniform or dress code at all ? This is all about employees being able to “express” themselves…. and when you’re done expressing yourself what next – what will United come up with next to top that ? Save it for your days off or your club nights … but we all know this conversation is useless as
1. All other airlines will have to cave in with their employees who now see what United is doing.
2. It’s already being done by Disney Corp – anything goes – because 3-4 year olds need to be exposed to every adult message and lifestyle and cultural styles out there.
3. Who will be next ?… Southwest, American, Delta ? Surely not Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar, JAL ?
4. No wonder Americans are the laughing stock of the world. We have dumbed it down to every profane thing out there.
Pretty soon airline staff and other companies will probably become just full of non-generic, unidentifiable human tissue. Who is in charge here ??…. what am I looking at ? – man, woman, trans, the janitor, an employee or the boss? What pronouns do I use – just “they” and “them” ? Talk about confusing but most of all very disturbing and annoying – we simply don’t need people to “express” themselves while working – lipstick on a guy, blue nail polish on a guy ? Some tattoos are very offensive with violent or obscene depictions – yeah, go ahead and plate my food while I stare at all of that. Sickening United, and almost hard to believe you put weird abnormal people first instead of (probably) the majority of employees who see something radically wrong with this unnecessary move. They didn’t even consult employees on this, just listened to the few that continue to need a “safe” place 24/7.
Good news – your standard United employee isn’t going to have an offensive / racist / violent tattoo…that’s more in the realm of the “patriots” who stormed the Capitol (who for many commenters on this blog are probably less threatening than a male UA FA w/painted nails)
@UA-NYC – who besides you said anything about anyone being threatened ? I will say I’m confused and annoyed that I have to look at some girly guy for longer than I care to with lipstick, blue nail polish and that lovely pompadour hairdo they all wear (ala Mr. Megan Rapinoe). Your individuality, expression, freedom and 24/7 safe place should not be foisted on everyone else. Take it someplace else, save it for your days off.
The Japanese have the correct view of tattoos: they’re a sign of criminality and anti-social attitudes, A few people in the west get them because they’re dumb/want to look tough/hip/trendy. Visible tattoos, in the absence of cultural significance ( eg Maori from NZ) , are unacceptable in public roles, and should be forbidden by employers. They can be removed via laser treatment.
Hey Paolo if you’re so uncomfortable with people having tattoos close your eyes or pay for peoples laser removals … if you’re not willing to do either how about you mind your business on what people do to their own bodies 🙂 thanks.
Express yourself to your heart’s content “off the clock”- not at work.
Bluish or pink eyeshadow is common, business-like, and certainly not natural.
This news is ok with me. Good help is hard to find (hire) so a bigger pool is better for United.
Here for the conservative tears.
Oh noes! The world is changing! My faint heart can’t handle guyliner!
They get triggered at the smallest things these days! If only we stayed in 1950s American forever, with all that entailed, life would be perfect for them.
A lowering of standards, and there’s no other way to put it. If you are delighted by the display of tattoos and piercings on airline staff, then stop bitching about people wearing wife-beaters, shorts and sandals on board the next flight to Orlando. Because it’s the all same thing – “expressing yourself”. Or, as I’d call it: going down the drain.
I believe we all have our own vision of “professionalism” and non-obtrusive. I am proud of United for the change. No one person has walked in another’s foot steps, believes what another fully believes, nor looks like another. United like all of us, should applaud folks for being who they really are. When someone can be just that, they no longer live or act in fear. They become joyful, peaceful and happy employees. Kudos to United for allowing each of us to be ‘WHO WE ARE” not what someone else thinks we should be.
This policy will last until some liberal is triggered by someone with a tattoo of the American flag.
I use to be an employee with a questionable standards regarding dress however I would love to wear a standardized uniform to my current job. I wouldn’t have to spend ridiculous amounts of money on suits and other work clothes. However I refuse to question anyone’s wardrobe choices … it’s none of my business and this is not a reflection of their ability to do there job! Most of us are guilty of wearing dress shirts and yoga pants for zoom meetings. Extreme dress codes are just dog whistles for racism.
I work the ramp for UAL at Newark. I can’t wait to finally roll up my sleeves and show off my flags – American flag on the right arm, Rebel flag on the left, sure to trigger plenty of folks, luckily the union will keep me in the job.
Confederate flag celebrating the traitors to America? Good luck with that one at EWR bro.
Too many people in here are more impressed by looks than performance. As John Madden said about coaching John Matuzak, “I don’t care if his hair is long, I care if he jumps offsides.”
Passengers don’t want to “feel good” or care about flight staff that have to “feel good” to get through the day; THEY WANT TO FEEL SAFE. United has gone off the rails – it’s just wrong – looking at the male FA in this photo who is wearing lipstick and blue nail polish. Seriously, is this supposed to be accepted as normal ??????? Thankfully there are still some of us who see it as unnecessary, unnatural and morally wrong. Fly your planes and and run an airline United, not social statements and social services. Ridiculous.
For a fact, over the years, there have always been a fair amount of employees who simply can’t or won’t wear the current (and past) uniforms properly – too tight, too loose, pant legs scuffing the floor, wrinkled, not pressed, stained, bad hairdo’s, jewelry that was too odd, large, ugly, etc. I’ve seen people who look like they were ready for the disco or are one step above looking like a janitor, just did yard work, etc. Standards were supposed to be met and enforced but somehow the same slobs prevailed — and United thinks these extra, new allowances, individuality and “authentic selves” won’t turn into a circus ??
Body weight is a far more important issue than bodily adornments. United should enforce a weight standard. If it thinks it should coerce employees into getting vaccinated for their health and safety, surely it should coerce them into maintaining healthy body weights. Fatties get fired.
This is the beginning of the end of professionalism with Flight Attendants . I am a FA and are hearing what comes next from those who will be changing their appearance when allowed to do so . The tats and piercings will soon be completely out of compliance . The make up and hair is already over the top. A good example is a FA with long hair ( braided ) close to their hips and when walking down the narrow aisle of the aircraft , they deliberately swing the hair back and forth many times striking the customer sitting in the aisle seat . The managers and sups will never be able to monitor these new body art and hair allowances .. A sad day is about to come for the ” Professional Flight Attendant ” and what it has meant to so many of us through the years .
Did I fly with you recently? Are you LAX-based?
For those who clearly don’t know how to read. No where was it stated that Professional uniform standards were no longer a thing. United did not mention letting their employees walk around with messy hair or 100+ Piercings/tattoos. And I hope you all know a flight attendants job is primarily safety and not customer service right ? Who cares about the glassware or anything else most of these other people are mentioning. if the flight attendant is properly trained in safety and on top of that provides great customer service/engagement there should be no issue with them having a body modification or painting their nails or even having their hair out/colored. You can have pink hair and still look put together you can have a tattoo and still be an intellectual person. Hell most of our cops have tattoos most of our teachers and college professors as well. A tattoo or piercing or colored hair on another person is not causing you any harm .. and if you don’t like it close your damn eyes or look away.
United staff will continue to wear their uniform as they have been since the beginning of time, but now those who have tattoos or any of the other “changes” that are now allowed (who are btw capable of amazing service and keeping us safe just like any other person) can feel less afraid of losing their job over some people who just can’t seem to handle that the world is no longer just black and white. For those of you suffering over this change get a life . I guarantee you some of these people with piercings and tattoos are more dignified and work harder than a lot of the cry babies in here.