Delta Changes Uniform Policy After Employees Seen With Palestinian Flag Pins

Two Delta Air Lines flight attendants seen in a social media post wearing pins depicting the Palestinian flag caused an online uproar, a rogue response from a Delta employee and a change to the company’s uniform policy.

The image, reposted on Wednesday, showed the flight attendants in a plane aisle with small Palestinian flag pins affixed to their uniforms. The post characterized the pins as “Hamas badges.”

The post prompted a wave of criticism on social media aimed at the airline.

Soon after the images were published, the official Delta account on X responded in solidarity. “I hear you as I’d be terrified as well, personally,” read the comment.

Soon after, Delta’s reply was gone.

“On Wednesday, we removed a reply that was not in line with our values,” Delta said on social media. “We strive for an environment of inclusivity & respect for all, in our communities & our planes. The employee responsible no longer supports Delta’s social channels. We apologize for this hurtful post.”

Delta said that, beginning on Monday, it would change its uniform policies so that only U.S. flag pins would be permitted to be worn on uniforms. Previously, pins representing countries and nationalities from around the world had been allowed.

“The photographed flight attendants were compliant with Delta uniform guidelines and we’ve been in touch with them to offer support,” a Delta spokeswoman said on Saturday.

The spokeswoman went on to address rumors that the airline had taken disciplinary action against the employees. “Contrary to further chatter on social media platforms, neither has been terminated,” she said.

In a letter dated July 11 to Ed Bastian, the company’s chief executive, a steering committee from the Delta Association of Flight Attendants, a union, asked for an apology and a ban on unauthorized photography of crew members.

“Under current rules, Delta management leaves flight attendants vulnerable to harassment,” the letter said.

The letter went on to say that “targeting any individuals on the basis of their nationality violates anti-discrimination laws, is antithetical to Delta’s stated commitment to inclusivity and respect, and encourages a hostile work environment.”

The company spokeswoman did not address the letter, which comes as videos and images of passenger disturbances aboard planes across all airlines circulate online.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, reports of unruly passengers have declined since 2021, when there were nearly 6,000 cases reported, compared with just over 1,000 in 2020.

So far this year, there have been nearly 900 reports of unruly passengers.

Delta’s change in its uniform policy aims to reduce these episodes and protect employee safety, the spokeswoman said, adding that the airline is “taking this step to help ensure a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for all.”