Airlines Pretty in Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October has long been associated with proudly donning pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this year, air travelers will have more opportunities than ever to support the cause.

In 1985, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) was founded to help promote mammography as an important weapon in the fight against breast cancer. In the years since, the campaign has grown to become an expression of support for research, a huge fundraising effort, and a chance to celebrate survivors and victims of the disease. This year, the airline industry is taking every opportunity to help with each of these goals.

Major U.S. carriers, including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and United Airlines, are encouraging their employees to wear pink uniforms and accessories in support of NBCAM throughout October.

On September 30, Delta kicked-off NBCAM by celebrating the 10th anniversary of its annual Breast Cancer One employee survivor flight. Delta has operated at least one pink aircraft in its fleet since 2012 as a means of raising awareness and honoring breast cancer survivors. The airline has raised more than $7.9 million for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation since 2005.

American is offering 20 bonus miles for a minimum $25 donation to the Miles for the Cure program in October. The carrier is also joining Delta in donating a portion of the profits from the sale of select pink products available onboard, which include pink lemonade and pink earphones.

United is donating the proceeds from employee purchases of pink uniforms and accessories to nonprofit organizations to help raise awareness of breast cancer. A portion of snack box proceeds will also be contributed to those charities.

[Photo: Delta Air Lines]