Originally Posted by
Firewind
I never knew there was a NRSA dress code, and I have traveled more than 95% of passengers for 25 years.
We bow to your extraordinary record of achievement, but all of us still occasionally learn something new.
Originally Posted by
Firewind
Proceeding from this premise, it seems to me, having worked in a uniformed service in a former life, who (of the audience, because a dress code presumes an audience) is going to know? You're either in uniform or you're not. When you're not, no one knows you from a hill of beans.
There is a difference between a dress code and a uniform. . .a big difference. The point of a uniform is to make it possible to specifically identify you; the point of a dress code is to present a certain "look," which in this case the airlines prefer their pass flyers to transmit. The dress code is not in place to identify people as non-revs, but simply to "class up" the front of the plane a little (and the rear too). You may argue until you are blue in the face about whether this policy is necessary, good, smart, whatever. But as I said earlier, if you're the one flying on passes--and if you've got any sense at all--you simply shrug and comply. In return you get a nearly free ticket, possibly in the front of the plane, to the corners of the world. This is not a situation about which bright people complain.
Originally Posted by
Firewind
And, given the collegiality reported above, why would a GA want to enforce it -- e.g., rat out an employee or family?.
It is a fascinating society in which those who enforce simple policies are seen as "ratting out." Assuming you're referring to my earlier post, I spoke of the collegiality that exists when the NRSA flyer does his part cheerfully, and the airport staff does their part cheerfully. Never did I say that we try to get them to wink at the rules. I said that we observe them, and enjoy the mutual respect that ensues from that.
It's simple: the airlines institute the policies and charge the airport staff with enforcing them. The reason the GA would want to enforce them is because it is part of his or her job.
Originally Posted by
Firewind
Of course I'm not doubting the story. I just don't get having a dress code for this. Tell employees never to be out in a partial uniform, period, full stop. Because that's disrespecting the uniform. (Though I always see dead-heading pilots without their bars on their epaulets.) (And I don't have a problem with it.)
We're so glad you're not doubting the story. And since you apparently don't fly on passes, whether or not you "get" the dress code idea is pretty much irrelevant, isn't it? Oh, and if a pilot removes the shoulder boards, ID tag and wings from his shirt, takes off his hat, tie and jacket, he's not out of uniform. He's a guy in black pants and a white shirt.