No visible underwear or tattoos: Delta Air Lines shoots memo on cabin crew's grooming

Delta has introduced strict rules for appearance of cabin crew including hair, grooming, jewellery, and clothing. (Image: @delta/Facebook)

Delta Air Lines has recently updated its appearance guidelines for flight attendants, sparking debate over the airline’s stringent rules. A newly released two-page memo outlines strict protocols for grooming, attire, and even undergarments—requirements that must be followed not only during the interview process but throughout the duration of employment.

The Memo

One of the most eyebrow-raising rules stipulates that flight attendants must wear "proper undergarments," though they “must not be visible.” This particular guideline, which previously went unstated in Delta’s official policy, is part of an effort to make the airline's expectations more explicit for its employees.

A Delta spokesperson told the DailyMail, "In the interest of transparency and clarity for all prospective candidates, we are encouraging people to 'dress for success' and give a great first impression as they aspire to join the flight attendant ranks.”

The document further details appearance expectations across multiple areas, including hair, grooming, jewellery, and clothing. Hair must maintain a “natural-looking” appearance, with no “stark highlights or unnatural shades.”

For those with longer hair, it must be “pulled completely back and secured away from the eyes,” and if it extends past the middle of the back, it needs to be pinned up.

In terms of grooming, Delta states, “Personal cleanliness and hygiene must always be maintained.” The airline is also cracking down on nail art, with explicit rules banning neon colours, multi-coloured nails, adornments, glitter, hand-painted designs, or airbrushed artwork. “All nails must be the same colour,” the memo notes.

Additionally, tattoos and piercings face heavy restrictions. While a single nose piercing is permitted, only specific studs—gold, silver, white pearl, or clear diamond—are allowed, and no hoops or other body piercings can be visible. Visible tattoos must be fully covered, though the memo clarifies that “bandages are not suitable for coverage of tattoos at any time.”

For jewellery, employees are restricted to two earrings per ear, with the size not exceeding that of a dime. Any deviation from these rules could result in non-compliance during the interview and onboarding process.

The memo also provides strict clothing requirements for interviewees. Dresses and skirts are required to be at or below knee length, and closed-toe flats, heels, or slingbacks are mandatory.

Athletic shoes, meanwhile, are strictly forbidden. Those opting for the male uniform must wear a tie paired with a button-collared dress shirt. Undergarments, though required, should remain invisible.

The guidelines also address behaviour during the interview process. Profanity, chewing gum, and the use of phones or earbuds are strictly prohibited. In an effort to be inclusive, the memo also mentions that the airline will work with individuals whose religious dress or physical appearance needs accommodation, provided it doesn’t pose a safety hazard or undue burden on the company.

The memo concludes with a call to prospective candidates to “showcase your brand readiness and passion for our brand” as part of the interview process.

Delta’s new appearance guidelines have stirred controversy, with critics arguing that they impose overly rigid standards, particularly regarding personal grooming and undergarments.