Originally Posted by
MTSUFlyer
Poolies and new hires,
Particularly the military folk who've never owned a shirt with epaulets, did you wait until after indoc to purchase uniform attire? I don't want to get the cart before the horse as I still have ~3 months until indoc, but I'm just trying to do some budgeting.
Do they tell you at indoc good places to pick up your uniform? Did you just wear a nice button up shirt, tie, and slacks at indoc? How much did the entire uniform cost? Did you purchase short and long sleeve shirts? I did some searching on other threads and it seems Abbott's is the most expensive but their quality has been waning in the past few years. Any other suggestions?
Three approved vendors will visit. Most everybody wears short sleeves year-round. If I had it to do over again, I'd just buy the jacket and hat from one of the vendors, then:
- Black no-iron slacks from JCP or similar.
- Shirts, epaulettes, and tie from one of the myriad online vendors. I've tried several shirts including the Crew Outfitters comfort collar. I've returned to the Van Heusen Commander. You can get them for under $20 including shipping online.
- If you've got a black belt with a brass buckle, you're gtg there.
- Black airline-friendly oxfords or Ariat Roper boots.
For the rest of your questions, this is about a year old but still pretty accurate.
UPFRONT COSTS (And you thought you’d be a rich airline pilot)
- ~$500 for Uniforms. Many options available to spend more or less than this. There are three major/approved suppliers of DAL uniforms, all within walking distance of the training center.
- ~$300-2000 Housing during Training. Hotel provided during indoc (1st 10 days). Not provided during ~20 days of classroom/sim training.
- Food during training. You’ll get a few meals provided. Some of the hotels include breakfast. Otherwise, it depends on how you eat.
- If you go offsite for training, you get both a hotel and per diem. Lucky you.
- ~$300+ if you’re going the standard LuggageWorks rollaboard. Other popular option is Strongbags. Some guys just get the Costco/Sam’s Club $99 special and return it when it dies. Wait till you know your aircraft assignment, and talk to your mentor. If you get the 7ER category, you may want to get the international (larger) size. Note: the standard-sized LW/Strong Bag fits on DAL 737s - you don’t need to get the 737-specific sized one.
- DAL supplies headsets on all the planes. Your choice if you want to buy your own headset. Again, I’d suggest waiting till you get your aircraft assignment, and maybe until IOE so you can get an idea of whether you’re happy with what’s provided or would like your own. Plus, most Capts have their own, and you can ask to try out different models. If you do buy your own, DAL requires TSOd headsets.