A United Airlines passenger was very unhappy about a flight attendant wearing a Keffiyeh, which she called terrorist attire in a scathing post on Facebook. But that passenger now faces trouble of her own after it has emerged that she was likely a United retiree traveling on her flight pass.

United Airlines Non-Rev Decries Flight Attendant For Wearing “Terrorist” Keffiyeh

A United passenger took to Facebook to complain about a flight attendant wearing what appears to be a Keffiyeh, a cloth head covering that can also be draped over the shoulder and has come to be a symbol of Palestine, on a flight from New York to Chicago.

“How is it ok to be dressed as part of a terrorist group and be in uniform working? [UA flight] from LGA to Chicago on January 15, 2025.”

a person on an airplane

She posted this on a Facebook Group for United employees and when called out for her post, purportedly dug in and refused to back down.

Per JonNYC, United Airlines may be investigating this non-rev passenger, who could lose flight privileges (or if sponsored, the employee may lose them). It appears this was a retiree. These sorts of public grievances are frowned upon when pass riding.

Some thoughts:

  • Even if the Keffiyeh is meant as a visible sign of solidarity for the Palestinian people in the war against Israel, it is a stretch to call it a terrorist symbol…
  • While United’s uniform policy is looser than others and permits accouterments like a Palestinian flag pin, I don’t believe such headgear is permitted
  • As I’ve long argued when these sorts of issues arise, I don’t think any sort of political or religious symbol is appropriate on airline uniforms, full stop
  • That includes items  Keffiyeh, rainbow flag pins, Christian crosses, and “Blue Lives Matter” badges
  • The only items that should be visible are wings, nametags, and flags designating language spoken (which could include the flag of Palestine if the flight attendant speaks Arabic or Israel if the flight attendant speaks Hebrew)

Again, expressing support for divisive causes does not support the “we’re primarily here for your safety” narrative. Wearing divisive uniform items is not appropriate in a confined metal tube, especially by someone in a position of authority over passengers onboard.

No, I don’t want flight attendants to express individuality. I want flight attendants to look uniform and focus on safety and delivering great service.

Taking this issue public was a mistake for the United retiree and I think she greatly exaggerates the link between the Keffiyeh and terrorism. But she is right that this is not an appropriate uniform item.

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