Delta Air Lines will implement a new uniform policy on Monday, following recent criticism on social media regarding its response to flight attendants wearing Palestinian flag pins.
Starting Monday, employees of the Atlanta-based airline will be prohibited from wearing pins representing any country or nationality other than the United States.
In a statement obtained by USA Today, a Delta spokesperson explained that the new policy aims “to help ensure a safe, comfortable, welcoming environment for all.”
The controversy began on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday. The account “i like teslas” tagged Delta in a post featuring photos of two flight attendants wearing small pins of the Palestinian flag, accompanied by a caption suggesting discomfort with the situation.
In a now-deleted response, Delta’s social media account acknowledged the concern, stating they were investigating the incident and emphasizing that it was taken seriously.
This response garnered backlash, prompting Delta to issue an apology the following day, stating that the response “was not in line with our values.”
“We strive for an environment of inclusivity and respect for all, in our communities and our planes,” the Delta account posted. “The employee responsible no longer supports Delta’s social channels. We apologize for this hurtful post.”
Despite the apology, many people online did not accept it, with some calling for a boycott of the airline. There were also claims that the flight attendants wearing the pins had been fired, but a Delta spokesperson clarified to USA Today that neither employee had been terminated.
“The photographed flight attendants were compliant with Delta uniform guidelines, and we’ve been in touch with them to offer support,” the spokesperson said.
Along with the apologies, Delta announced the forthcoming change to the pin policy.