You can't even compare the two. Eating lunch vs walking around the airport with headphones on? When we put on that uniform, we're representing our airline and our profession. (To be honest, I don't even like it when passengers walk around listening to MP3 players, but that's a whole 'nother thread!) When you have your uniform on, you are the one of the many people who a customer/passenger may approach for help or an answer to a question. It's not easy to approach somebody who's walking around with earphones on not paying attention to what's going on around them. How would you like to go to Best Buy and have the salespeople walking around with headphones on listening to their MP3 player? Do you really need to listen to music that badly? I notice the difference just wearing the hat! I know it sounds crazy, but I get more passengers interacting with me, approaching me, and asking questions in my Delta uniform than I ever did at my previous airline. Whether you want to admit it or not, we are a customer service provider. Don't forget that when you enter the airport with your uniform on.