Did I miss the new uniform order, because we are getting kind of close to replace 16000+ uniforms by winter.

 

Quoted for idiocy.

 

LCA's in my base and fleet tend to say they have the walk around and for us to take our time with the inside stuff. I think you need better LCA's.

 

Packable coat in the bag for layovers. Uniform blazer on walkarounds. Black gloves and hat in the bag in case it’s really cold. In your shoes I would wear whatever you want for walkarounds this fall when the vendor inevitably doesn’t have jackets on time.

 

A while ago during the brass shortage we had new hires out of uniform compliance because the company couldn't acquire enough wings and hat pins. And that was ok and everyone knew about it because it wasn't like these pilots wanted to be out of compliance, but the literally couldn't get the required items. I'd say in your case the company, this time by their own choosing, is not providing you the full uniform complement. That is their prerogative, and honestly it does make sense for them to not buy you a blazer you won't even be able to wear this fall when the new one comes out. But because you have not yet been provided a full uniform I would wear whatever you darn well please when you encounter cold and/or rainy destinations. And if anyone wants to call you out on that, I would just simply explain your situation and move on. If it's October, and you have not been provided a blazer, and it's 20 degrees somewhere, no one expects you to just suck it up in the short sleeve shirt. Be safe. Be comfortable. The company made this decision for you so I wouldn't think twice about wearing a Northface jacket or other professional-looking outer wear until the company provides you with the complete uniform complement.

 

Twice I’ve had a FA in my crew sporting a purple Mohawk. You read that right. If mother Delta doesn’t have an issue with a purple Mohawk on an employee that has the MOST customer contact of any group at this company then my FO’s can wear a black Northface to do a walk around. That LCA is an ass.

 

Thanks all. I appreciate your thoughts. Can the trench style rain coat be from any vendor or must be from the approved company one? I couldn't see that on crew outfitters website.

 

There isn't an official rain coat. It just needs to be trench-style poly/cotton, either single or double breasted. Nobody will be checking the label anyway; I haven't owned a single item from the current poor-quality official vendor.

 

Personally just pack a couple of .99 cent disposable one time use ponchos for the occasional rainy walk around.

I’ve yet to have the other pilot decline the offer of a free poncho when it’s raining sideways and it’s their turn.

 

Outstanding training environment when an LCA is "busting balls" over a minor uniform violation during an event. Why do some of these guys think they are the cops of the company? We have a CPO for that, and they seem to handle these conflicts a lot more professionally.

To the OP, if they didn't give you a jacket (which isn't that warm anyhow) wear what you want. They don't issue overcoats anyhow, we all have to provide our own. Most guys go with a London Fog flasher style.