Delta Air Lines has revised its uniform policy following a backlash over two employees wearing Palestinian flag pins on a flight last week. The policy change was provoked by a post on X from a passenger who photographed the flight attendants, referring to the pins as “Hamas badges”.
The post drew significant attention on social media, to which the official Delta account responded, “I hear you as I’d be terrified as well…” stimulating further controversy, with many accusing Delta of discrimination and stifling employee rights to express their identities.
The airline subsequently deleted their initial response, saying it was not in line with their values. “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 apologise for this hurtful post,” the carrier wrote in a separate X post.
Further outrage was sparked regarding the safety of employees as the photos had been taken of the attendants without their consent. “It is deeply troubling to publicly witness Delta seemingly affirm bigoted and inflammatory comments,” reported Delta’s Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) in an open letter to the airline carrier’s CEO, Ed Bastian. “The subsequent lack of public response and concern for the safety of all crew members is unacceptable.”
“This isn’t just about that pin that was worn by those flight attendants, this is about protecting our flight attendants as a whole from targeting,” commented Kara Dupuis, a Flight Attendant and Delta AFA Organizing Committee Member.
Delta issued a statement ensuring that, following the incident, the employees in question have been offered support as well as defusing circulating rumours that the attendants had been fired for wearing the flags by confirming their compliance with existing company rules.
Despite the backlash, the carrier has gone ahead with the uniform changes and, as of 15 July, the new guidelines solely permit the use of United States flag pins. The airline emphasised its pride in representing staff and customers of varying backgrounds but ultimately prioritises commitment to employee safety, creating an inclusive workplace where diverse views and backgrounds are respected.
