Delta Air Lines is changing its uniform policy, days after coming under fire from customers over how it handled a social media post about the Palestinian flag.
Starting Monday, Delta Air Lines employees will no longer be able to wear pin badges representing countries or nationalities other than the United States.
“We are proud of the diversity of our employees and customers and the foundation of our brand: connecting the world and delivering the best experiences,” the statement obtained by USA Today on Friday read. “We are taking this step to ensure a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for all.”
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What prompted the policy change?
It all started on Wednesday when an X user raised concerns about two Delta Airlines flight attendants wearing what they described as “Hamas badges.”
“Since 2001, we have been taking off our shoes in every airport due to terrorist attacks on U.S. soil,” the post read. “Now imagine being on a Delta flight and seeing an employee flying through the air wearing a Hamas badge. What would you do?”
The post has gone viral in recent days, with many siding with the Delta flight attendant, pointing out that the pin is not a “Hamas badge” but a Palestinian flag, while others have questioned the pin’s safety.
Delta responded to the post the same day, replying to a thread addressing the situation, writing, “I understand your feelings and I am personally horrified. Our employees reflect our culture and we do not take lightly when our policies are not followed.”
The airline deleted its response after receiving intense backlash, writing on Thursday that it was “not in line with our values.”
Delta Airlines reverses policy and offers employee assistance
Delta apologized for the “hurtful” posts and said it “continues to strive for an inclusive and respectful environment for everyone in our communities and on our aircraft.”
Some customers rejected the apology, said Delta had caved to excessive pressure and vowed never to fly Delta again.
A Delta spokesman said neither employee had been fired and denied online rumors that at least one had been let go.
Delta said: “The flight attendants pictured were following Delta’s uniform guidelines and we are in contact with them to provide assistance.”
The Delta employee who responded to the “frightening” post has since “received counseling and will no longer support Delta’s social channels.”
