American Airlines has new uniforms on the way, with first images of the designer threads now breaking cover.
The uniform revamp is the first total overhaul in some 20 years and is part of the wide-ranging 'Becoming a new American' brand refresh since American joined forces with US Airways.
Fashion design team Kaufman Franco is behind the new look, which American says "will help our people be functional and fashionable, and are just another way you'll see us transforming into a more modern airline."
What you see here are apparently 'prototype uniforms' for which the airline will seek feedback for signing off on the final design.
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David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
19 Aug 2011
Total posts 8
It's a bit dull. A splash of colour would be very welcome.
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3006
Agreed.
But love the tailoring. Such sleek lines...
Now I wonder how it looks on a NORMAL person!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 Aug 2012
Total posts 2199
It looks like it was designed by a committee applying some woolly thinking.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Jul 2014
Total posts 1
It's what I'd describe as 'kindergarten teacher chic'. Very dull. Just a different coloured scarf and belt on the women's outfit would make it better.
25 Sep 2013
Total posts 1242
Couldn't agree more. This is boring.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
11 Aug 2014
Total posts 51
But unlike Qantas it will look good on everyone
19 Aug 2011
Total posts 8
I've never seen a uniform that looks great on everyone. But as a FF I think the Qantas uniform comes close. I think it is a real head turner and looks airline chic.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 Aug 2012
Total posts 2199
The QF ones, both the 2003 and 2013 editions, looked good on most staff. Sure, it won't look great on a middle-aged check-in staffer after his second bypass, but unless every staffer was made a personally-tailored suit (which would create endless variation) the kit will never look perfect on everyone.
The new blue and red garb is nice, though. I've noticed that a few new items have been included that I don't believe were in the original kit, such as a buttoned jacket (think of a pocketless Mao suit - seen on QF35 last weekend) that really completes the uniform on function as well as form.
I haven't seen the walking-out uniform in action, but in press photos it still looks very good.
12 Feb 2014
Total posts 229
Watson, I also noticed the Mao jacket you refer to on a recent flight from Santiago. I think it denotes senior rank amongst the FAs. It looks smart and professional.
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1225
What is it with American Airlines and their incredibly dull uniforms? Even VX, which is by far the most avant garde of the US domestics, is pretty tame compared with VA or VS.
09 Sep 2014
Total posts 54
Very Dull!!!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Jan 2013
Total posts 698
I like that it's a more relaxed look, in a normcore but still professional way. No doubt it's more comfortable, which may help staff smile. It sort of has that Ivy League university staff feel. Yes, it doesn't have loud colours demanding your attention, but I disagree with some others here that high contrast colours (like Qantas uses to pop from the black) are always a plus.
While part of me likes the very formal uniforms of the past (like brilliant white steward jackets with gleaming buttons), preferences have moved on in the community and some find such things a bit too much (I guess because having dressed much less formally themselves, being served by people in such high formal wear makes them feel a little subconsciously out of sorts). Be interesting to see it out in the field (where it always wears a little harder).
25 Sep 2013
Total posts 1242
Is that Clarke Kent moonlighting as a flight attendant?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer - Chairmans Lounge
01 Sep 2011
Total posts 416
let's see how long it takes AA cabin crew to make the uniforms look shabby as they add on and wear what they want. they really are poor reps in appearance of their airline eg: like the one serving business class on a 2 class flight JFK/CDG who wore trainers and running leggings.
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