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Old 07-26-2007, 10:25 AM
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Default Why wear uniforms

We have a very small cargo business here at Alaska Airlines. Some flights are exclusively cargo. When our crews fly one of those trips they do not have to wear a uniform. The crews like showing up in street clothes to fly the freight run. Have any of you cargo guys pursued this question with management? Why would they insist you wear uniforms?

I know the professionalism angle but seriously, do you really think you need the uniform to do your job professionally?
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Old 07-26-2007, 12:13 PM
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Originally Posted by mike734
I know the professionalism angle but seriously, do you really think you need the uniform to do your job professionally?
Technically? Probably not. But I still think it's a good thing for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the "attitude shift" I go through when I suit up. My wife says I'm a different person in uniform. I suspect the same thing happens to a lot of military reservists...hang a full set of battle dress on them, and mild-mannered school teachers suddenly become trained killers.

Would Elvis have been "Elvis" without the sequined jumpsuits? Yea, but who would have paid $50 to see him perform in a pair of bib overalls?
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Old 07-26-2007, 12:13 PM
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Like Alaska we don't wear uniforms either for cargo flights...some guys do the cargo only lines just for that reason...it's definately nice not to be strangled by a tie...
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Old 07-26-2007, 12:20 PM
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Default Global Cargo

As a Global Airline most foreign gov't officials expect us to wear our uniforms. Culturally, most countries are less casual, less flexible, and more "official" than us. Global operations require it.
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Old 07-26-2007, 03:19 PM
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Originally Posted by mike734
We have a very small cargo business here at Alaska Airlines. Some flights are exclusively cargo. When our crews fly one of those trips they do not have to wear a uniform. The crews like showing up in street clothes to fly the freight run. Have any of you cargo guys pursued this question with management? Why would they insist you wear uniforms?

I know the professionalism angle but seriously, do you really think you need the uniform to do your job professionally?
It keeps you from getting shot by the chinese airport police.
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Old 07-26-2007, 03:26 PM
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"I have flown to every continent except Austraila and I have many times flown in slacks or just jeans and a polo shirt....I never was challenged...and that includes in and out of places like Narita, Paris, London....Where are these cities that "require" it?"

Well how about cities in China, India and Russia to name a few. The U.A.E. used to as well but they may have become more lax. This may just be a requirement to be listed on a GD and allowed into the country that way. I do know it is a requirement for FDX pilots. Good for you flying in those casual threads though Cool Breeze. Of course, I prefer my PJ's at cruise...
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Old 07-26-2007, 03:47 PM
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In some of the countries where even the person who opens the door to the customs area is in a full dress uniform with white gloves, I am happy to wear something that looks official.

Of course in cruise I am in full Tony Soprano Regalia, sweats with crumbs from catering all over the front.

Now for the domestic system, I'd be all for polo's and khakis.
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Old 07-26-2007, 04:21 PM
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If you want to get paid like professional, dress like a professional....

I like flightsuits myself, but I don't see it happening....
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Old 07-26-2007, 04:41 PM
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Originally Posted by FrontSeat
Been to all the major coastal Chinese cities at times with just a polo shirt.
Really? In what kind of airplane?

The Chinese won't even take handwritten GDs. Got to be typed up. Everyone on it's got to be in uniform.
Even our loadmasters wear shirts with epaulets (2 stripes!) for our Asian ops. Boy do they look goofy.
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Old 07-26-2007, 04:45 PM
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Default Monkey Suit

If you gona be impotent you gata dress impotent.


I don't like the stiff suit myself.


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