RomeoHotel

I have been commuting for a long time and often wonder why so many crew members choose to wear their uniform.

Of course not having the time to change clothes after a trip is a good reason, and there is an advantage getting through security for some unknown reason even though the only thing that should really matter is your ID. From that point on you are a company representative in the back of the aircraft in a potentially hostile environment.

Tank21

I only commute in uniform when I don't have enough time to change clothes before my report time. Other than that, my uniform is packed and I'm in the appropriate attire to be able to ride the jumpseat.

atrdriver

Agreed. And what about those fools who commute in civvies yet still have the ID hanging around their neck?? Kind of defeats the whole purpose.

coopervane

I was in civvies on my commute the other day. Had to ride the jumpseat. Spirit captain asked me to put my lanyard on.

First time I've been asked to do that in 15 years. Is that a rule at Spirit?

OCCP

You'll probably see more pilots commuting out of uniform now since the AA pilot got attacked in MCI.

B200 Hawk

Doesn't this change liquid rules? I prefer to commute out of uniform but don't want the hassle/risk of passing TSA in uni, to throw on new shirt and get called out for it. I just wear a fleece over uniform. Obviously going home is a different story.

ovrtake92

I commute in day of my trip and try to minimalist my time away from home. Getting to base and pulling a wrinkly uniform out of my bag and finding an iron isn't an option. I know some people don't know what an iron is but some of us use them to make out uniform look nice and wrinkle free. A light commuter jacket over the uni fools most passengers.
Regards to the MCI incident I wish someone would put hands on me. I'd give YouTube a show in self defense

Count Dracula

If you don't visibly wear the ID in the cabin, (out of uniform) the aft FAs/LEO/Air Marshall may not know you are a crew member sitting in the back if they need you in an emergency or assistance in a physical passenger altercation if needed. Food for thought....


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CBreezy

I wear my uniform because I carry quite a bit of liquids and foods with me on trips. I don't want some TSA hero dumping my stuff because my uniform shirt was in my bag.

But to the guys who just takes off his tie and rank, that is incredibly sloppy looking.

sqwkvfr

Because my overnight attire when commuting never included business casual attire. I packed to be away from home for two consecutive three-day trips and didn't have room to spare. Also, wearing my uniform kept it out of my rollaboard, saving even more precious space.

...and no, I didn't wear the same uniform for six days straight. I kept one uniform at the dry cleaners at my base, one at the dry cleaners at home, and wore the third. In the middle of my three days (or when at home), I'd run the cleaners, swap my dirty uniform for a freshly cleaned one and be on my way without having to worry about their turnaround times.

Also, you don't have to be in uniform to take advantage of the fluid exception, however, if you are selected for additional screening, you must remain under the control of a TSA agent between the KCM terminal and security checkpoint...in other words, someone has to escort you to the screening checkpoint and hand you off to an agent there. If they are unable do to staffing (or whatever) only then are you screwed. I never took that risk while commuting since time spent in my base was pretty short and I didn't have time to replace my fluids.