Delta bans non-US flags on uniforms over Palestinian pin feud

Delta Airlines will only allow flight attendants to wear U.S. flags on their uniforms in the wake of passenger complaints about crew members sporting Palestinian flag pins.

The change in policy at the Atlanta-based legacy carrier, which operates a daily flight to Israel out of New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, comes as Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza enters its tenth month. It follows an official Delta media social media post against wearing Palestinian pins which was subsequently taken down due to public backlash.

“We are taking this step to ensure a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for all,” Delta said in a written statement regarding the change in policy, which goes into effect on Monday. “We are proud of our diverse base of employees and customers and the foundation of our brand which is to connect the world and provide a premium experience.”

The change in policy was first reported by the discount travel website DansDeals.

Other major U.S. airlines have discouraged such a move, but have been vague about their rules.

Jet Blue, a low-cost U. S. carrier which does not fly to Israel, previously banned crew from wearing pins from all countries that they don’t fly to after a similar dispute.

The Delta kerfuffle erupted after a passenger alerted the airline that they were concerned that crew were wearing Palestinian pins.

“Since 2001, we take our shoes off in every airport because [of] a terrorist attack in US soil. Now imagine getting into a Delta flight and seeing workers with Hamas badges in the air. What do you do?” the post read.

“I hear you as I’d be terrified as well, personally,” the original Delta post read. “Our employees reflect our culture and we do not take it lightly when our policy is not being followed.”

The post was later taken down.

“Delta removed a mistakenly posted comment on X Wednesday because it was not in line with our values and our mission to connect the world,” the airline said. “The team member has been counseled and no longer supports Delta’s social channels. We apologize for this error.”