You Might Spy the New American Airlines Uniforms During the Holiday Season

BRANDON WADE/COURTESY OF AMERICAN AIRLINES

American Airlines is trying out a new look for its uniforms once again after dealing with #uniformgate. The two-part field trial of American’s new uniforms began on Nov. 13, 2019 and will end on April 30.  It’s designed to avoid any issues like the one employees encountered after American introduced new uniforms in 2016.

The History of #Uniformgate

Back in 2016, American Airlines chose a label called Twin Hill to design and produce its uniforms. However, many flight attendants soon discovered that the new designs were causing uncomfortable allergic reactions and many employees reported skin reactions and breathing difficulties. Some even reported experiencing allergic reactions simply from being around flight attendants who were wearing the uniforms. Hundreds of allergy-related incidents were reported in total.

American did respond by swiftly coming up with an alternative uniform choice for employees. However, the airline has now gone back to the drawing board completely to come up with a new look from a totally different supplier.

A New Beginning With Land’s End

The new American Airlines uniforms are being manufactured by Lands’ End this time around. American will allow the uniforms to be tested by more than 1,000 flight attendants and customer service agents before they become official.

In addition to testing for any potential allergic reactions, American Airlines would also like to see how its uniforms perform out on the field.

The new American Airlines uniforms feature sharp blazers, skirts, trousers and vests. In addition, colorful neckties and scarves are being used to tie the uniforms together. The uniforms aren’t uniform across the board. Different color combinations are being used for flight service, customer service, premium service and other categories.

You might be able to catch a glimpse of American’s new uniforms if you travel during the current holiday season. However, it will be close to a full year before the uniforms are in use on a widespread basis. American Airlines intends to deliver permanent new uniforms to 51,000 flight attendants, representatives and workers by some point near the end of 2019.

[Image: Brandon Wade/American Airlines]