Pakistan International Airlines Tells Crews To Wear Undergarments

It is normal for airlines to have behavior and appearance standards for employees, but this is one of the strangest notices we have seen.

PIA tells cabin crew to be more presentable

PIA has some issues with how crews are dressed during layovers. PIA's General Manager of Flight Services suggests that the way that cabin crew are dressing is bad for the airline.

Concerns are brought up in a memo.

“It has been observed with great concern that a few cabin crew tend to dress casually while traveling intercity, staying in hotels and visiting various suffices. Such dressing leaves a poor impression on the viewer and portrays a negative image of not only the individual but also of the organisation.”

The cabin crew was asked to dress in plain clothes over their undergarments. The clothing worn by males and females should be in line with national and cultural values.

The airline's grooming officers have been told to report any deviations from the policies.

This memo seems… oddly specific?

There are different standards for how crews have to behave off the plane. In some cases, it is specific to how employees must behave while in uniform and not on the plane, while in other cases, it is related to how they must behave when not in uniform.

The Pan Am training video shows how employees should behave at hotels, as they still represent the airline.

I'm confused by PIA's memo. Employees are being asked to dress in plain clothes when on the tarmac. Maybe that is not meant that way. Is it really necessary for them to wear formal plain clothes if they are going to the gym or walking in the warm weather?

The request to wear undergarments is the more strange part of the situation. There are only two possible conclusions.

• Have there honestly been repeated incidents that involve crews not wearing undergarments, and that somehow getting back to management?
• Is someone at PIA just a little bit pervy, and that’s reflected in what they’ve chosen to focus on in a memo?

PIA writes memos to employees about appearance, but I don't recall undergarments being specifically mentioned. Hmm...

Bottom line

The cabin crew of Pakistan International Airlines have been told to dress in a way that is appropriate. I wonder what prompted this memo to be written, as they have been told to wear formal plain clothes overproper undergarments.

What do you think about the memo?

The tip of the hat is to paddle your own canoe.