Flight Attendant Image Standards
AmericanAirlines·
Flight Attendant Image Standards
AmericanAirlines·
Dear Flight Attendants,
Uniforms are an important component of the AA brand and convey a professional and recognizable image to thousands of our customers every day.
As the people who have the most visible and personal contact with our customers, how you look in your uniform is vitally important.
We are pleased to offer you this updated Flight Attendant Image Standards brochure. It includes guidelines and regulations for wearing and using all
of the approved items in the Flight Attendant Uniform Program- including all of the pieces we have recently added. For your convenience and reference, these standards are also found on the Flight Service website.
Thank you for taking the time to review the brochure and for helping to ensure that the American Airlines brand is represented well and consistently.
Your image is our brand, and that is important to all of us!
All the best,
~+r--
Denise Lynn Vice President Flight Service
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Professionallmage | 4-5 |
General Appearance
Personal Hygiene
Uniform Alterations, Care & Cleaning
| Female Uniform | 6-11 |
Blazer
Short Sleeve Jacket Sweaters & Tailored Vest Skirt/Dress
Pants
Blouses
Maternity Items
Scarf
Belt
Shoes/Boots Hosiery/Undergarments Accessories
Hair Styles & Grooming
| Male Uniform | 12-15 |
Blazer
Trousers
Sweater
Shirts
Ties
Belts or Suspenders Socks
Shoes
Accessories
Hair Styles & Grooming
| Miscellaneous Male/Female | 16-19 |
Wings
Nametags/Language Pins
Employee ID Badges
Purser Stars
Pins
Serving Garments All-Weather Coat Scarf/Muffler Sunglasses Luggage
Holiday Accessories
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PROFESSIONAL IMAGE
Grooming and appearance are an integral part of a Flight Attendant's (F/A's) performance, along with safety and service procedures.
F/As are required to adhere to the uniform, grooming and image standards, and components contained in these regulations.
Variations from the current and standard uniform items are not allowed. In other words. if you don't see it here. it is not permitted.
Only company-issued uniform items are approved for use. The only exceptions are: shoes, hosiery, luggage and outerwear coats.
VF Solutions is the single official uniform supplier for American Airlines. Garments procured from any other source are not approved and may not be worn.
Crew Outfitters does not sell AA authorized F/A uniform garments with the exception of the AA vintage neck tie.
AA logo items are not approved for wear with the uniform.
Article 5.A Collective Bargaining Agreement States
"Flight Attendants shall wear standard uniforms as prescribed in these Company regulations at all times while on duty and such other times as may be required."
F/As are responsible for their appearance and performance. Failure to adhere to grooming and image regulations may result in corrective action up to and including termination.
F/As who are unable to meet the image guidelines due to a medical situation or sincerely held religious belief, should contact their Flight Service Manager or Human Resources to request an accommodation.
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General Appearance
Each F/A is readily identifiable as an American Airlines employee and is an important part of American Airlines' brand and public image.
All appearance and uniform regulations will be observed when wearing the uniform, including when deadheading and commuting in uniform as well as when in airport terminals and hotels. While in operations areas, uniform regulations may be relaxed for the purpose of comfort only. When leaving the operations area a F/A must be in full uniform compliance.
A F/A not in uniform at the airport to conduct company business is to present a well-groomed and neat appearance.
Personal Hygiene
Employees must attend to personal cleanliness to prevent perspiration, body and breath odors.
A lightly scented perfume, cologne or aftershave lotion may be used.
Teeth should present a clean, natural appearance. Employees must have a full frontal complement of teeth. Dental retainers must be gum toned or clear. Braces should be clear or silver.
Employees will strive to maintain a clean, smooth and clear complexion.
Noticeable hair in nostrils and in/on ears or underarms must be cut or otherwise removed. Eyebrows must be trimmed and long hair removed.
Female legs must be free of all visible hair.
Uniform Alterations, Care and Cleaning
Alterations approved for reimbursement are found on the Flight Service website.
Additional alterations are permitted at employee expense but must not alter the basic design or deface the garment. Altered garments must meet all uniform wearing standards.
Care and cleaning instructions according to garment label must be followed.
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FEMALE UNIFORM
The blazer, short sleeve jacket, vest or sweater will be worn for boarding, deplaning or while
in the terminal, unless the dress or maternity uniform is worn.
Blazer
The blazer may be worn over a blouse, dress or tailored vest.
The blazer is not to be worn over the short sleeve jacket.
Short Sleeve Jacket
The short sleeve jacket is to be worn fully buttoned and can be worn only with the pants or skirt.
The blouse may not be worn under the short sleeve jacket.
Sweaters and Tailored Vest
The company issued navy blue or burgundy cardigan sweaters ordered through VF Solutions are the only sweaters permitted for wear with the uniform.
The sweaters may be worn with the dress. The sweaters or tailored vest may be worn without the jacket.
The tailored vest will be worn fully buttoned over the blouse.
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Skirt / Dress
The skirt and dress ideally will be hemmed at the knee,
but no shorter than two inches above the kneecap and no longer than two inches below the top of the kneecap.
Pants
Pants will be no shorter than 112 inch from the floor at the heel of the shoe.
Pants may be worn without cuffs or with 1 114 inch cuffs.
Blouses
All blouse styles will be worn cleaned and pressed at all times.
The blouse will be worn
completely buttoned, and the collar will
be worn down.
The blouse will be tucked into the pants or skirt at all times.
The cuff of the long sleeve blouse may be turned up and pressed or tucked under during the meal service.
Sleeves on the short sleeve blouse may not be rolled up.
Maternity Items
Female maternity uniform items are available for order and can be worn by a female F/A only during pregnancy.
Scarf
One uniform scarf may be tied at the neck, worn around
the collar or tucked into
the neckline of the blouse, short sleeve jacket, or dress. No other use or wearing of the scarf is permitted.
The scarf is required with the V-neck blouse, short sleeve jacket, and dress without the embroidered crest.
The scarf is optional with the embroidered crest dress.
The scarf must be worn in the terminal, all public areas and during boarding/deplaning but may be removed during flight.
The scarf will not hang so as to interfere with safety or service during flight.
Belt
Only the current uniform belt is to be worn and will always be worn with the skirt and pants.
Shoes
Only solid dark navy or black, business dress shoes with both a closed toe and heel that are made of polishable leather or leather-like material are acceptable.
Dansko shoes that meet the above requirements may be worn.
Shoes may be trimmed with pewter, gold or silver tone buckles.
The heel and visible soles of shoes will be as dark as the shoe color. Heel height maximum is 2112 inches.
Shoes will be polished and kept in good repair.
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Boots
Plain solid navy or black knee length boots are permitted only when the all-weather coat is worn during cold weather.
Boots may not be worn in flight.
Hosiery / Undergarments
Hosiery and appropriate undergarments (including bra) are mandatory.
Hosiery may be sheer or opaque and must be seamless and without pattern or texture.
Allowable colors are black or dark navy, skin-tone and natural shades (including support hose).
Trouser socks in solid black or dark navy may be worn only with uniform pants.
FEMALE ACCESSORIES
Jewelry
The following items may be worn to accessorize the uniform. No other accessories may be worn.
Wristwatch
A wristwatch is required and must be simple and unadorned. The wristwatch band may be navy, white, black, brown, silver and/or gold tone.
Rings
A total of three rings may be worn. Engagement and wedding rings, when worn on the same finger, count as one ring.
No more than two rings may be worn on one hand. No ring may exceed the size of a U.S. quarter.
Earrings
One pair of matching earrings may be worn - one earring on each lobe.
Post or clip-on style earrings may be no larger
than a U.S. quarter. Small dangle style earrings
are permitted but are restricted to 112 inch in
total length. Gold or
silver tone, white pearl, gemstone studs or combinations are allowed.
Necklace
One single strand 114 inch in diameter gold, silver or white pearl necklace may be worn but may not be visible when wearing the scarf.
Wrist Bracelet
One or more gold, silver or pearl bracelets or bands may be worn.
Total width of all bracelets together may not be more than one inch.
Company-awarded length of service or recognition charms may be worn on charm bracelet.
Female Miscellaneous
Body piercing and tattoo adornments will not be visible while in uniform.
Ankle chains/bracelets, nose jewelry, and fingernail jewelry are not permitted.
FEMALE HAIRSTYLES AND GROOMING
Hairstyles
Hairstyles will be clean, neat and will be maintained in a professional manner that is appropriate for business wear.
Hair coloring is limited to natural human hair shade. Hair will be styled so that it does not require frequent handling or fall into the face when bending over.
Bangs will be no longer than the top of the eyebrows.
Hair below the top of the shoulders will be pulled back and secured at the sides.
Hair that extends more than eight inches below the top of the uniform collar will be worn back and up at all times.
Hairstyles may not be more than three inches in fullness and may not wave or curl outward to extreme volume.
A French Braid is appropriate if the length does not exceed eight inches from the nape of the neck and does not fall forward.
Cornrows, fully or partially braided hairstyles without beads or trim may be worn.
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Dreadlocks are not permitted.
If a wig or hairpiece is worn, it will be natural looking, of good quality and appropriate for business wear. Wig and hairpiece styles will meet all criteria for hairstyles and length.
Hairstyles will meet all listed criteria.
Hair Accessories
Only one hair accessory may be worn at a time. Approved accessories include barrette, barrette with pick, banana clip, comb, butterfly clip, or headband in gold or silver tone, pearl, tortoise shell, black or navy.
A solid dark navy or black
scrunch may be worn. With the exception of a headband, hair accessories may not be worn on the top of the head.
Makeup
Makeup will be appropriate for business wear and will complement the individual's skin tone and facial features.
Makeup will be worn and a fresh appearance maintained at all times while in uniform.
Makeup should be freshened as necessary, but never in view of the customer.
Nail Care
Nails will be medium length or shorter and will be buffed or polished.
Nail color will complement the skin tone and harmonize with the lipstick, makeup and uniform apparel.
All nails will match in color. French manicures (pink nail, white tip) are acceptable.
Nail polish will be maintained and free of noticeable chips.
Unusual shades and/or nail adornments are not permitted. For example: white, blue, black, green, fluorescent, rivets, individually highlighted nails, gold tips, or decals.
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MALE UNIFORM
Blazer
On IFS/AIFS/LFS flights the blazer will be worn during passenger boarding and deplaning.
On non-IFS/AIFS/LFS flights the blazer is required during boarding/deplaning (unless wearing epaulet shirt or the regulation navy cardigan sweater ordered through VF Solutions).
The blazer is worn in the terminal unless wearing the epaulet shirt or the regulation sweater ordered through VF Solutions.
Trousers
Trousers will be hemmed no shorter than 112 inch from the floor at the heel of the shoe.
Pants may be worn without cuffs or with 1 114 inch cuffs.
Sweater
The regulation navy cardigan ordered through VF Solutions is the only sweater permitted for wear.
Shirts
A regulation uniform shirt will be worn cleaned and pressed at all times.
Cuffs of the long sleeve shirt may be turned up and pressed or tucked under during the meal service.
Sleeves on the short sleeve epaulet shirt will
not be rolled up.
Only the epaulet shirt may be worn without a blazer or sweater.
Ties
An approved uniform tie
is to be worn at all times.
Ties will be fully knotted, tight and aligned at the top of the shirt collar.
Ties will not be tucked into the front of the shirt.
The "vintage" American Airlines neck tie sold at Crew Outfitters is acceptable as a uniform tie.
Bowties are not acceptable.
Belts or Suspenders
Either the approved uniform belt or suspenders will be worn
with trousers. Both will not be worn together.
Only solid navy or black suspenders will be worn. Suspenders will not be worn with the epaulet shirt.
Socks
Dress socks in plain solid navy or black are required.
Shoes
Only solid dark navy or black, business dress shoes with both a closed toe and heel that are made of polishable leather or leather-like material are acceptable.
The heel and visible rim of shoe soles will be as dark as the shoe color.
Shoes will be polished and kept in good repair.
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MALE ACCESSORIES
Jewelry
The following items may be worn to accessorize the uniform. No other accessories may be worn.
Wristwatch
A wristwatch is required and must be simple and unadorned. The wristwatch band may be navy, white, black, brown, silver and/or gold tone.
Rings
A total of three rings may be worn.
No more than two rings may be worn on one hand. No ring may exceed the size of a U.S. quarter.
Wrist Bracelet
One single gold or silver tone wrist bracelet may be worn.
The bracelet width may not exceed one inch.
Necklace
Necklaces may be worn but are not to be visible.
Male Miscellaneous
Body piercing and tattoo adornments will not be visible while in uniform.
Ankle chains/bracelets, nose jewelry, and fingernail jewelry are not permitted.
MALE HAIRSTYLES AND GROOMING
All hairstyles for men, including sideburns, will
be maintained in a professional manner and appropriate for business wear and will not extend below the bottom of the shirt collar. All hairstyles will be clean and neat.
Hair color is limited to natural human hair shade. Ponytails and hair restraints are not allowed for male hairstyles.
Cornrows, fully or partially braided hairstyles without beads may be worn.
Dreadlocks are not permitted.
Fully shaved and very short hairstyles for males are allowed.
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If a wig/hairpiece is worn it must be of good quality, professional, appropriate for business wear and meet all hairstyle criteria listed.
Facial Hair
Sideburns, moustaches, beards and goatees will be neatly trimmed and conservatively styled and fully-grown in without patch spots when in uniform.
Beards/goatees will be full circle (including moustache) with a clean shaven neck.
Facial hair will be at least 114 inch but not more than one inch long.
Facial hair will be maintained in a clean, neat and well-groomed condition.
Nail Care
Nails will be no longer than the tip of the finger and will be rounded to follow the shape of the finger.
Nails may be buffed or a clear protector base polish may be worn.
MISCELLANEOUS Male/Female
Flight Attendant Wings
Wings will be worn upright on the stitch marks/ eyelets (if included) of the outermost garment listed below:
NametagslLanguage Pins
Nametags are required and may read as follows:
The nametag will be worn and visible at all times while onboard the aircraft and in the terminal.
On garments where wings are worn, the nametag will be worn below the wings.
On garments where wings are not worn, i.e., the blouse, long sleeve shirt or serving garment, the nametag will be worn on the left side.
Purser nametag will only be worn when flying the purser position or #1 on narrow body equipment.
F/A Speakers who are language qualified must wear their language nametag on flights where s/he is a designated language speaker.
Employee ID Badges
ID badges will not be visible while working in flight. Lanyards, etc. will be tucked inside clothing and out of sight.
Purser Stars
One star may be worn 112 to 1 inch above center
of stripe on each sleeve of the navy uniform jacket.
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Pins
A maximum of five pins may be worn at one time.
The applicable pins listed below may be worn on any garment where wings can be worn. Pins must be placed either 112 inch above the wings or on the left lapel/side of the uniform garment.
Buttons are not permitted on any uniform garment.
SERVING GARMENTS
Serving Jacket
The Serving Jacket will be worn in flight in First and Business Class (unless wearing the female short sleeve jacket) on all IFS/AIFS/LFS flights.
The Serving Jacket will be worn immediately prior to the beverage service through the end of the meal service, and during any follow-on services.
It may be worn by any Premium Cabin galley position during boarding.
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Apron
The navy blue apron may be worn in flight during all food and beverage services except in first and business class cabins on IFS/AIFS/LFS flights.
The company-issued floral apron is permitted on flights to/from Hawaii only.
The WINGS Foundation apron is allowed. All aprons must include a nametag or embroidered name.
All-Weather Coat
The company-issued all-weather or optional wool coat are preferred. Non-company issued coats may be worn but must look like the company
issued coats in both design and color.
Scarf/Muffler
A solid burgundy or solid dark navy muffler may be worn with either approved coat.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses may be worn outdoors only.
Uniform Luggage
The following company-issued luggage pieces (or black look-alikes) may be carried:
- length plus width plus height)
One identifying device/bag tag may be placed on the rim/handle.
All uniform, personal and layover items and clothing will be carried inside approved luggage.
Shopping bags may only be carried when they contain items purchased during a layover. Shopping bags must meet carry-on baggage regulations including size and number.
A maximum of three carryon items, two approved bags (including shopping bags) and one personal
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item (purse, briefcase) may be carried unless other or greater limitations exist as a result of FAA or other federal regulations.
Non-uniformed crewmembers must comply with AA's FAA approved carryon baggage program one bag and one personal item.
HOLIDAY ACCESSORIES
Jewelry
F/As may wear holiday accessories as specified below during the seven days prior to and including any holiday.
In addition, holiday accessories may be worn beginning the last week of November through and including the first day of January.
Holiday accessories are limited to the following:
Female Flight Attendant
One holiday pin and/or pair of earrings which comply with other earring regulations.
Male Flight Attendant
One holiday pin, tie and/or suspenders.
AmericanAirlines·
September 2011