Discourse surrounding the conflict in Gaza remains a contentious topic. It is one that has impacted the airline industry as well. The latest development saw Delta Air Lines announce that employees are no longer allowed to wear any pins representing any country or nationality besides the United States.
On July 10, a social media firestorm started due to a post on Twitter about two flight attendants who were photographed wearing Palestinian flag pins. The user described the pins as “Hamas badges,” linking them to the reported terrorist faction involved in the conflict. Delta responded by banning its employees from wearing pins from any other country or nationality. The change goes into effect on Monday, July 15.
“We are proud of our diverse base of employees and customers and the foundation of our brand, which is to connect the world and provide a premium experience,” Delta Air Lines said in an official statement. “We are taking this step to help ensure a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for all.”
Both attendants pictured were within the previous guidelines when the picture was taken.
This situation comes at a time when Palestinian flag pins have been a tough topic for airlines. Back in May, JetBlue issued an apology to a Jewish customer after his tickets were canceled without notice. According to the customer, Paul Faust, a flight attendant was wearing a Free Palestine pin and a Black Lives Matter pin which “upset” him and led to the situation in which his tickets were canceled without notifying him in any way.
JetBlue also changed its uniform policy after the situation.
“We have changed our uniform policy to make clear that on board the aircraft is not the right place for crewmembers to advocate positions on certain issues or political topics. Going forward crewmembers will only be permitted to wear pins approved or issued by JetBlue,” the organization said in an official statement.