United Bans Employees From Wearing Flag Pins: Why Now, Though?

United Airlines is changing its uniform policy, eliminating what was a cool form of expression for frontline employees. I think the change is logical (unfortunately). However, I can’t help but be a little cynical about the timeline of this announcement…

United adds restrictions on employee flag pins

Historically, United employees have been allowed to wear flag pins, representing countries and nationalities of the world. While airline employees of course wear uniforms, it’s nice to give people some ability to express themselves, and it can even be a great conversation starter.

For example, many flight attendants who speak foreign languages might have a flag pin for a foreign country they speak the language of, which can be an easy way for non-English speaking passengers to identify them. Others might just have a connection to a certain culture, and it’s intended to be a good way for employees and passengers to connect.

Unfortunately since October 2023, any positives from these flag pins have been outweighed by the negatives. There have been a countless number of viral incidents whereby airline employees were spotted wearing Palestinian flag pins, and of course this caused an uproar online, when people would blast pictures of these flight attendants all over social media, and call them names.

This puts airlines in a tricky position. Given how polarizing the conflict is, it’s just a situation where a company can’t win. What’s interesting is that while other airlines (like Delta) banned employees flag pins, United historically hasn’t. United even doubled down on its policy at the time, stating the following:

Our uniform policy has long included an option for flight attendants to wear flag pins to designate specific language skills so that our customers who are more comfortable in a language other than English can know who on our crew speaks their preferred language. We also allow flight attendants to wear flag pins that represent their pride in a place to which they may have a special connection.

Well, now the airline has had a change of heart. As of May 28, 2025, United will be updating its policy for employees wearing flag pins (thanks to Live and Let’s Fly for flagging this — no pun intended). As of now, the extent of the announcement is the following, as there’s no additional explanation:

Note: starting May 28, only US flag pins will be allowed

This is a reasonable policy change, but the timing is sus

As much as I wish it weren’t the case, I do think banning confrontational flag pins is the right move, since it just puts everyone in an uncomfortable position. People have heated and polarized takes. It’s not just about what’s good for business, but in many ways, it puts frontline employees in a really uncomfortable situation if passengers are taking pictures of them and posting them online.

What I find noteworthy here isn’t the policy change as such, but the timing. Most other airlines were addressing this around the beginning and middle of 2024, when there was the most public dialogue about this. But now, roughly a year later, United is finally updating its policy? Like, why now? As far as I know, this isn’t in response to some recent viral event.

Would it be unreasonable to assume that this is at least partly motivated by United CEO Scott Kirby continuing to try to gain favor with the Trump administration, given his goals with JetBlue? Kirby has historically presented as one of the most politically progressive airline CEOs, but he has done a 180. Just recently, he praised Trump’s tariffs unconditionally.

I’m not sure what Kirby really believes, and if his personal opinions have actually evolved, or if he simply reflects the preferences of whatever party is in power.

Bottom line

As of May 28, 2025, United is updating its policy when it comes to employees wearing flag pins. As of that date, the only flag pins that will be allowed will be those of the US flag. United is following in the footsteps of airlines like Delta. I think the policy change makes sense, it’s just interesting that this announcement comes now. It sure makes you wonder…

What do you make of United’s updated flag pin policy, and especially the timing?