On a positive note, instead of changing clothes in the cockpit to avoid crew scheduling (after failing to answer electronic inquiries) one can simply don a beret and blend in with the pax, averting the reassignment.

 

100% accurate, and in this particular case, the ultimate goal.

 

I get the impression from customers that they do appreciate an image from the pilots. However, it is not the one that VX is modeling. They appreciate a polite, trim, and neat professional. They like somebody who appears to be confident but does not display vanity.

Pilot appearance should convey something about a safe efficient flying experience. Customers want a smooth, uneventful ride. Faux hawks, club attire, and lack of neckwear don't convey this sentiment.

While I am sure that VX is crowded with seasoned professionals up front, the future uniform does not inspire that sentiment. Subtlety sells too.

 

The entire industry is an F'n trainwreck, yet nine pages on this subject?

Just another bright shiny object...

 

You don't get it!! Reducing a pilots image down to a common folk psychologically impairs ones ability to demand the pay that a seasoned professional should require. Why is it that upper management will not ditch the $10,000 Armani suits and show up to the investors meeting wearing a polo shirt and Docker slacks?? There is more to this than just a "Cool Trendy uniform". On the other hand, Boeing and the FAA are worried of an impending pilot shortage!! *** 22 years in this career and I am ready to hang my wings due to all the BS that's been coming down the pipe for the last 10 years....If VX wants to be trendy, they should allow their pilots to wear goatees, sleeveless shirts, and pilots would display a prominent TRIBAL Tat on both arms. Then there would be NO need for air marshals....Oh and steel toe Harley boots to enhance the appearance of the uni...

 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I believe he wrote this while in a stall of the unisex bathroom...

 

While sitting down to pee.

 

With the awards that VX has been winning from Travel and Leisure, and from the Skytrax 2012 World Airline Awards, I think that the passengers like the product, and the last thing on their mind is that the pilots at VX look just like the pilots do at UA.

 

Would you be willing to work for less because you were asked to wear a silly uniform? If so, you are weak minded. If not, you're a narcissist.

 

Perhaps the argument of the uniform conveying professionalism could have been used 20 years ago, but I do not believe it stands much ground today. For those who haven't noticed VX, Jetblue, and Southwest have continually been the most "popular" airlines when it comes to surveys and awards. Each of these airlines has tried to relax not only the traditional dress code, but also the environment in which passengers have been poorly treated for years. The motto of VX is a "Breath of Fresh Airline" which implies it is COMPLETELY different from other carriers. If you've ever been a guest on a Virgin airplane you probably have already experienced this! We constantly have crews from other airlines commuting on our aircraft telling us that they would rather ride on us than on their own company metal. Just sat next to a United 767 Captain last week that does everything he can to make sure he rides Virgin to work and not United. He didn't seem to have an issue with our uniforms and obviously doesn't feel the crew is unprofessional. I've never had a guest make a negative comment to us or our inflight about the uniform, but have had thousands of compliments expressing appreciation for us being truly "different" from other airlines. I'm sorry that some feel the need to make fun of our current uniforms, but I think if you've had the chance to ride on one of our flights you'd understand the "different" thing and maybe even the uniform.