It is kind of a mixed bag. We keep claiming how our strong skills and professionalism merit strong pay and benefit packages (which they do). If we claim that, then we should look sharp in the uniform, which includes the hat. I personally don't like it, but I will wear it because it is part of the uniform and the company requests it. I am alway amused by the no-hat crowd who somehow think they are the moral equivalent to our founding fathers by not wearing it, as if they are somehow striking a blow for freedom or something.

That said, both sides go overboard on the issue. The chief pilot types who look for the no-hat guys are truly petty little dictator wannabes who evidently have nothing better to do. Also, what is worse: a fat slob whose shirt looks ten years old and hasn't shined his shoes in months (but at least has his hat on!), or a sharp-looking guy who just happens to not have a hat?

Most amusing are all the RJ sorts who are their own greatest fans. They rarely wear hats; I saw one who had his Raybans threaded through his epaulets on his shirt (?), and they all seem to schlep backpacks over their shoulders while strolling down the concourse with iPod earbuds in said ears.

Bottom line: both sides lighten up. If you are so petty that you won't wear a hat when your company requests it--you have issues. Simultaneously, if you are so petty that the only thing that screws you into the ceiling is someone not wearing a hat--YOU have issues.