Since 2017, the Chicago-based carrier has been working on a mammoth project to completely redesign its employee uniforms.
United's current flight attendant uniforms.
Created by fashion designer Tracy Reese and retailers Brooks Brothers and Carhartt, a sneak peek of the collection was first revealed in 2019.
The new uniform as published by United in 2019.
One of the biggest changes in the 2019 rollout is the updated color scheme, which includes purple and teal accents on dresses, ties, and other pieces. However, United told Insider it has since ditched the colors.
The new uniform as published by United in 2019.
Though, in early 2020, some 28,000 ground and maintenance workings actually received new uniforms after successful wear tests that assessed things like functionality and fit, particularly for female uniforms.
United Airlines' new employee uniforms introduced in 2020.
More than 50 items were created to ensure the uniforms could be used across a wide range of duties and weather conditions, from mechanics working in the Denver snow to ramp agents hauling luggage in Florida's summer heat.
United Airlines' new employee uniforms introduced in 2020.
While these "below-the-wing" workers have their new uniforms, the customer-facing collection's full rollout will not happen until 2025. The initial 2020 debut was delayed due to COVID-19.
Customer-facing roles include customer service, flight attendants, and pilots.
In the meantime, United has announced one new design feature that will be seen on workers as it continues its drive for inclusivity.
Flight attendant at Denver International Airport.
Robert Alexander/Getty Images
Source: United Airlines
According to the airline, flight attendants will have the option to have their personal pronouns printed on their employee wings and name tags starting "later this year."
United flight attendants wearing pronoun pins.
United Airlines
"This new feature gives our employees the option to celebrate their years of service with our airline while also identifying in the way that feels most true to themselves," United said.
United flight attendants wearing pronoun pins.
United Airlines
Pilots will get new wings starting in 2025 when the full collection is available, but will not have pronouns.
United told Insider that pilots do not wear name tags, but will get new wings that match the uniform.
United Airlines
United told Insider it has not determined how many pieces will make the final collection, but said "we will be testing a range of designs with this final wear test with the goal of paring down pieces...to promote a uniform look."
United Airlines' is introducing employee pronouns on name tags.
United Airlines
With the new option, United will become one of the first major airlines to allow employees to wear their pronouns…
United flight attendants wearing pronoun pins.
United Airlines
…joining the ranks of carriers like Alaska Airlines, which announced gender-neutral uniforms and pronoun pins in March 2022.
Alaska Airlines' new uniform grooming included relaxed policies for hair, makeup, and nails.
United's new initiative will complement the carrier's recently updated grooming standards for cabin crew, which changed in 2021 to allow visible tattoos, natural makeup, and nail polish on anyone, regardless of gender.
The new uniform as published by United in 2021.
United Airlines
"This is part of bigger brand evolution, as we shift to a warmer, more human brand where Good Leads The Way," United told Insider.
The new uniform as published by United in 2019.
United Airlines
Historically, the aviation industry has maintained rigid uniform policies — especially for women.
Three women model uniforms for American Airlines in September 1967.
But, more and more carriers are starting to deviate away from an industry focused on the female appearance, like Virgin Atlantic Airways dropping its makeup requirement and allowing any person to wear any uniform available…
Virgin Atlantic crew members in uniforms.
In 2019, United announced non-binary gender options when booking a flight, including "U" for undisclosed and "X" for unspecified.
Screenshot of United's booking site with gender-neutral options.
United Airlines
"Fly how you identify," United said in a March 2019 Twitter post.
United Airlines flight attendant.
Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
In 2022, United announced the Aviate Academy, a pilot training program created to address the pilot shortage.
A United Aviate training plane.
Jamie Killin
However, it also has another purpose — to offer more opportunities to groups who have historically not been represented in the flight deck.
A United Airlines 787-10 Dreamliner.
JanValls/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty Images
This includes having at least 50% of flight students be women or people of color, as well as offering financial assistance to make training more affordable to more people.
Aviate graduate Rick Foster with a training aircraft.
Courtesy of Ricki Foster
"We know it's a competitive advantage in this industry to look like the customers we serve," managing director of Aviate & pilot strategy Michael Bonner said in November 2022.
United Airlines passengers at the ticket counter.
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