Taking off Epaulets (stripes) at the airport

[shon7]

Just curious --why do some pilots like to take off their Epaulets (stripes) after arriving at the destination airport? One can still make out they are pilots because of the flight bags and the stickers on the bags!

 

[Mookie]

Beer :30.

 

[airlinepilot]

I take them off....

when the trip is over and it's time to catch a flight home.....don't like wearing a tie anymore than I have too!!

 

[AMRCostUnit]

I think its mostly a commute thing. AA requires the hat in full uniform and I don't want commute with the thing.

Looking less like a pilot also minimizes the question from pax "so whats your route?"

Unit

 

[XXXPILOT]

So you don't have to give directions to the rest room,smoking area,baggage claim mickey d's, ticket counter and oh yeh beer :30......

 

[BeCareful!]

Looking less like a pilot also minimizes the question from pax "so whats your route?"

Unit

Funny! Easily the most common question. "Why, yes ma'am......Dallas to Oklahoma City. That's my route. I know it well. I've found OKC every time, so far."

 

[Captain 7]

Funny how many airlines "require" their pilots to wear the hat, yet half or more of them simply carry them in their hand or on top of their bags when walking around the terminal.

Southwest and a few other airlines have now made wearing the hat optional -- good for them. I'd say about 90% of the pilots don't wear the Ralph Cramden looking things. Sometimes the guys that don't wear them make fun of the guys who do.

 

[matchthehatch]

I think its mostly a commute thing. AA requires the hat in full uniform and I don't want commute with the thing.

Looking less like a pilot also minimizes the question from pax "so whats your route?"

Unit

BINGO! Without epaulets, the only people who know you're a pilot are other pilots and FA's, and they sure don't care, nor will they bother you with their "it was the worst landing", "major turbulence", or "I thought about becoming a pilot once" stories.

 

[Flechas]

Funny how many airlines "require" their pilots to wear the hat, yet half or more of them simply carry them in their hand or on top of their bags when walking around the terminal.

Southwest and a few other airlines have now made wearing the hat optional -- good for them. I'd say about 90% of the pilots don't wear the Ralph Cramden looking things. Sometimes the guys that don't wear them make fun of the guys who do.

You mean all the time, hat wearers are to be avoided at all cost!!

 

[ExpWayVis31]

I don't mind wearing Epaulets, but location usually dictates dress code.

Domestically Hats, tie & coat(in winter) are the norm.

When I'm in the Caribbean hats and ties are optional and coats are banned.

 

[michael707767]

Except for summer when its too hot, I have a golf pullover that I carrry. The minute I get into a layover city, I put it on over my uniform shirt. That ends the stupid questions and I don't wear the hat anymore. Hate the hat. I'm not a bellhop.

 

[MICK]

I agree hats are a pain in the butt.

But if it is part of your uniform you should wear it!

If you want to be treated and paid like a professional you should look like a one. ie shirt pressed, tie on, shoes shined, and yes the hat on your head.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[FlyChicaga]

Ahhh sh*t, not another hat debate!!

I normally wear my uniform going to and from work, since it just makes things so much easier with the TSA and security lines. Oh yeah, and screw hats. I don't like them much... just a hassle. But I don't mind those who do wear them. The hat does look professional, just not on me. I like how NWA does it. Normally their pilots look very professional.

I think having the hat on will do less to portray a professional image than a pressed shirt and pants, shined shoes, and proper uniform accessories will.

 

[Guitar Guy]

Like others have said, removing the epaulets is a move to de-identify oneself as a pilot in the eyes of the general public. How many of us had to put up with silly questions like, "Don't you get scared up there?" or my favorite, "My next door neighbor's friend's cousin's uncle knows a guy who's brother is a pilot for Delta or United or maybe it's American - do you know him?"

Another classic question is, "Do you know when my flight leaves?"

 

[dollacrackho]

i take off the epaulets to stave off the hoard of ladies trying to get me back to their hotel rooms. i mean there is only so much of that i can take . i'm a human being not a piece of meat! i do however enjoy telling people what gate their flight is on when we're standing right under the departures board.

 

[Crossky]

Just curious --why do some pilots like to take off their Epaulets (stripes) after arriving at the destination airport? One can still make out they are pilots because of the flight bags and the stickers on the bags!

Same as the rest; however, as a rule (just me personally) if I take off my epaulets off my shirt comes off too and I'll wear a button up or golf shirt, passengers can still spy you as a pilot, wearing an incomplete uni IMHO. Once an FO talked me into a beer and a smoke in the concourse after we finished a trip with our pilot shirts and pants on, I could've sworn they all knew we were drinkin' and a smokin' pilots and wondering when our next flight was, and if they were on it. I'll never do that again. Sometimes I'll toss the hat and jacket if I'm commuting, depends on how I hate it that day.

Hey isn't it military protocol to only wear a hat outside or when meeting higher ups, and inside you carry it in a proper manner? Would like to see this in our FOM. Uncle Sam pilots comment?

 

[aviatrix]

I remove them as often as I can get away with! First of all, people stare and it's just a wierd feeling. The questions/comments from people get annoying (I'm not here to give directions to everyone in the airport). As pax get more and more irate with air travel, I just dont like the exposure! The glamour of the uniform is looong gone!

 

[Falconjet]

Wow: so much for the service part of the service industry. God forbid you actually have to help a passenger in the terminal.

Can't imagine why people think pilots are so uppity.

The wearing of the hat actually varies by service. In the CG only officers were "authorized" to wear their covers indoors. An exception being anybody who was carrying a weapon, they are always supposed to wear a cover. (Don't ask me why) Of course, local commands could even dictate various rules regarding covers. CG personnel never salute unless they are covered (wearing a hat), while other service members will salute indoors without a cover on. Go figure.

By the way, I think dudes with hats look like dorks.

Just my opinion. Thank goodness my company doesn't require them. My goal in life is to ace the tie requirement as well. Anybody with me?

FJ

 

[ivauir]

Same as the rest; however, as a rule (just me personally) if I take off my epaulets off my shirt comes off too and I'll wear a button up or golf shirt, passengers can still spy you as a pilot, wearing an incomplete uni IMHO. Once an FO talked me into a beer and a smoke in the concourse after we finished a trip with our pilot shirts and pants on, I could've sworn they all knew we were drinkin' and a smokin' pilots and wondering when our next flight was, and if they were on it. I'll never do that again. Sometimes I'll toss the hat and jacket if I'm commuting, depends on how I hate it that day.

Hey isn't it military protocol to only wear a hat outside or when meeting higher ups, and inside you carry it in a proper manner? Would like to see this in our FOM. Uncle Sam pilots comment?

our doors or under arms (carrying a firearm), never on the flight line either. But then you'd be stuck carrying it. Just get rid of it.

 

[capt. megadeth]

I agree hats are a pain in the butt.

But if it is part of your uniform you should wear it!

If you want to be treated and paid like a professional you should look like a one. ie shirt pressed, tie on, shoes shined, and yes the hat on your head.

Just my 2 cents.

Dude, that's the problem......90% of us don't get paid like a professional so

SCREW THE HAT!