Ita Airways, the conservative. Crew etiquette is very Alitalia, not very start-up and not at all inclusive
More and more airlines are dismantling and redefining the rules and "etiquette" for flight attendants and pilots, opening up to the [...]
ITA Airways
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More and more airlines are dismantling and redefining the rules and "etiquette" for flight attendants and pilots, opening up to the diversity and to greater freedom of customs and traditions On board as well as on the ground. But not conservative Ita Airways. Although the company continues to call itself a start-up, synonymous with a new, fast and modern company, some of the choices suggest more of an old, conservative, baton-wielding imprint.
Obviously we are not talking about what passengers are allowed, or not, to wear But of the rules provided for employees.
The new uniforms
On the occasion of the launch of the new uniforms, or should we say. Of the entry into service of the new uniforms, a document of 43-page document imposing rules that seem more related to the old Alitalia than to the start-up concept so dear to Ita's top management.
No chewing gum, no headphones, stop smoking, food and drink in the presence of passengers: the code of conduct for traveling personnel is a lungo list of strict rules that determines not only how to wear the new uniforms signed Brunello Cuccinelli, but the whole behavior and style of flight attendants and passengers.
Speaking of uniforms, it makes me smile when we think. the new uniforms were unveiled to the public on June 2, 2022, on the occasion of the first flight of the flagship A350. Since then, however, except for a couple of crews all the staff have continued to wear the old Alitalia uniforms.
And to think that around Europe, instead, some airlines are disrupting classic canons by opening up to informal haircuts, casual uniforms, tattoos and piercings.
From Play to United and Lufthansa: the revolution on board (and beyond)
La Icelandic airline Play, for example, in June 2021 he made a momentous change in his uniforms for flight attendants that have become casual and informal with T-shirts instead of shirts over the jacketa, the logo well imprinted and colored on it, the green light to sneakers to the feet. Play also does not impose rules regarding hair, makeup, and tattoos.
Also Air Baltic, in August 2022, Has given the green light to piercings and tattoos for shipboard personnel; as well as dropping the ban on certain haircuts or bleaching.
The Lufthansa Group - which is preparing to To be married to Ita Airways itself. - During the last World Cup in Qatar, he focused heavily on the Concept of openness to diversity with a dedicated livery and a series of messages that tend to "modernize" the German giant's gray approach.
One of the world's largest companies such as the American United deregulated tattoos, piercings and haircuts in 2021. Goodbye to restrictions and freedom of expression For all crews. Speaking of tattoos the Star Alliance airline regulations read as follows:
Tattoos are not allowed on the face, hands or neck for United Airlines flight attendants. You may have tattoos, no larger than a credit card (or your United badge that is the same size), visible on each arm/wrist and leg/foot.
Virgin Atlantic's chillax policy
Virgin Atlantic even went further by launching the hostess and steward uniforms interchangeable. with shipboard and ground personnel no longer having to undergo the mandatory gender distinction by clothing. As of Oct. 1, 2022, VS personnel have the chance to choose which of the iconic uniforms, designed by Vivienne Westwood, represents them best, regardless of their gender, gender identity, or gender expression
The so-called Virgin Atlantic policy chillax is a push toward maximum gender inclusiveness and free choice of uniform was just the latest step in a process that included no makeup for aircrew and openness toward tattoos on arms and legs.
The Ita Airways Code
In the long list of norms and behaviors "suggested" by Ita to its employees, one finds catch phrases along with very precise technical directions. Not least because, according to the guidebook, "our uniforms are not work clothes.: are a way to bring style to the world."
In the directions for men, for example, it is written that the Beard "should be kept shaved or should be groomed daily" and must be "well combed, shaped, no longer than five millimeters. Banned are "goatee without a mustache, beard without a mustache, fly under the lip." For men and women, however, "the regrowth of dyed hair Must not be visible."
Again regarding hair, "it should be kept clean and well combed at all times and should not cover the face and eyes. Men's haircut should be short and neat."
Of course there is the Absolute ban on piercings and tattoos visible. Earrings are only allowed for women, but only "classic white pearls or the gold or silver button spotlights," no larger than one centimeter.
The rules on uniforms
The uniform should be "worn impeccably in all circumstances and places," and for men pants should be worn "always with a belt".
Just on the uniform in fact, the list gets detailed. Astaff are made aware that "the uniform is to be worn only on duty, along the commute to and from work and at other engagements and/or events organized by the Company."
The jacket vto be worn "always buttoned up" because it is an "indispensable" component of the uniform. And it should also be worn during embarkation, disembarkation and any time "dealing with traveling customers."
The shirt collar must always be buttoned up," and if the pilot is not wearing a jacket, he must equip the shirt with "sheathing and epaulets." If a raincoat is worn, on the other hand, one must never have "the lapel raised on the neck."
In Shoes chapter, finally, reads: "mmodel classic heeled, black leather, smooth upper, lace-up, no ornamentation. Smooth college model loafers, low-heeled ankle boots with zippers may be worn. Sports shoes, even if black in color (e.g., sneakers), are not allowed."
The cap "is indispensable complement to the Uniform. On the ground, in public areas, it should always be worn or carried under the arm."
A legacy field choice?
The code of conduct has obviously sparked a sizzling series of controversies and criticisms, despite the fact that many industry experts have pointed out that these are simply the same directions as those provided by other carriers-especially legacy carriers such as, for example, Singapore Airlines, Turkish, and Emirates-around the world. But going across the Atlantic Delta has, in 2018, changed policy by launching gender-neutral uniforms for its employees.
At the same time, however, so many other airlines are changing models and impositions, partly in the name of greater comfort and serenity of the staff In their daily work.
Ita Airways had two paths to choose from: continuity with Alitalia and an old legacy world struggling to change; or the more innovative, start-up push of tearing down the old regime.
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