Atlanta-based 
Delta Air Lines
has experienced “a large influx of candidate interest” amid the search for its next generation of flight attendants
. To help prepare candidates, the airline recently provided an update to its dress code
guidelines.
From grooming to phone usage, Delta believes its flight attendant appearance requirements will promote a memorable experience for passengers
. Even prospective employees are subject to some rules.
Welcoming, elevated, & caring
According to the New York Post, Delta recently shared its appearance requirement memo, which explains the expectations of the flight attendant role.
“A Delta Flight Attendant is expected to deliver a Welcoming, Elevated and Caring experience while creating moments that matter for our customers. The customer service experience begins the moment a Flight Attendant puts on their uniform. The Delta uniform represents always putting safety first, pride in the Delta culture and demonstrates a genuine graciousness that will be remembered by our customers.”
Flight attendant candidates must also remember a few things for their interviews. Although they will not quite have uniforms, Delta will not accept any individual wearing clothes with profanity on them. Chewing gum and using earbuds and phones are also prohibited.
“Starting with the interview process, we look forward to you showcasing your brand readiness and passion for our brand!” the airline said.
Detailed expectations
Once hired, the inflight worker must follow more detailed expectations. For grooming, personal hygiene “must always be maintained.” Those with facial hair must keep it trimmed and neat, while eyelashes cannot extend to an extreme or unnatural length or volume. Fingernails can only be one color and may not be neon, multi-color, glitter, or feature hand-made designs. Visible tattoos are not allowed and must be concealed by clothing or makeup.
Flight attendants with long hair are required to pull it back, keeping it secured away from the face and eyes. The color must also “be a natural-looking hue” with “no stark highlights or unnatural shades.” Jewelry allowance includes one side-nose piercing with a pinhead stud colored gold, silver, white pearl, or clear diamond. However, no other pieces of jewelry are permitted.
Photo: Channing Reid | Simple Flying
All clothes “must be professional and fit properly.” This means that dresses and skirts should be of an appropriate length at or below the knee. Close-toed shoes, heels, or shoes with a slingback are permitted, while athletic-type shoes are not. Any flight attendant wearing the male uniform with collared dress shirts must wear a tie. Interestingly, Delta also reminds the inflight workers and candidates that “proper undergarments must be worn but must not be visible.”
Delta also accommodates specific dressing choices related to religious beliefs as long as they do not cause “a safety hazard or other undue burden on the company.” The airline said more information can be requested by emailing its accommodation department.
“The face of our airline”
Earlier this month, Delta held information sessions in Seattle, Orlando, New York, New Haven, and Minneapolis–St. Paul for those interested in becoming a flight attendant.
Rachel McCarthy, Delta’s Vice President of Inflight Services in Atlanta, said the carrier is already focused on next year.
“As we wrap up our busy summer schedule, our sights are now set on 2025. “We’re seeking candidates who exemplify Delta’s values and have what it takes to provide our customers with the welcoming, elevated, and caring service that sets Delta apart.”
Delta is accepting English-speaking and bilingual applicants. Each candidate must have a high school diploma, GED, or high school equivalency and must be at least age 21 when submitting their application. They must also be able to work in the US and read and write English fluently.
“Delta Flight Attendants spend the most time with our customers and are the face of our airline,” the carrier said. “They must be passionate about enhancing each customer’s experience while embodying the Delta brand.”