Aircraft Dispatcher Dress Code & Uniforms

Aircraft dispatchers play as big a role in every day aviation as pilots. Dispatchers are just important as the pilots; however, they don’t have to dress the same. Pilots have military style suits with badges and an epaulette on each shoulder, while the aircraft dispatcher dress code is a lot less strict. Aircraft dispatchers don’t have uniforms like pilots or flight attendants, but there is still usually a dress code in affect at all major airlines.

Aircraft dispatcher dress code is generally professional civilian clothing. All airlines have a dress code outlined within their code of conduct. Because of the professional environment, it’s recommended that most dispatchers adhere to a dress code of smart casual at a minimum.

If it’s time to upgrade your wardrobe to adhere to the aircraft dispatcher dress code. Here are the essentials:

• Dress shoes. Avoid sneakers or loafers of any kind.
• Khaki Pants or Chinos. We recommend avoiding jeans; but some low tier, non-passenger airlines will allow the aircraft dispatcher to wear jean pants.
• Dress Shirt and Tie. There are airlines that will allow aircraft dispatchers to wear a polo shirt and some airlines provide emblem shirts as well.
• Suit Jackets. A jacket is unnecessary, unless explicitly mentioned by the airline. Most those in upper management or working for major airlines wear suit jackets.

Some airlines require the dispatcher to wear an issued uniform, but that’s only an exception, not a rule. Some dispatchers believe that working an overnight shift entitles them to wear more comfortable clothing, such as t-shirts and sweatpants. Regardless of the time of day, the airline industry always maintains a level of professionalism, so remember to stick to the aircraft dispatcher dress code of smart casual.

Do not wear pajamas to an overnight shift. If you’re unsure of the particular dress code for your company and the shift you’re working, ask your coworkers what they wear during those shifts. Aircraft dispatchers usually dress for work the same way an industry professional would, regardless of the time of day.

Senior dispatchers at major airlines will likely follow a more formal dress code. Entry level aircraft dispatchers fresh out of aircraft dispatcher school in a low tier airline may have a far less strict dress code. As your experience increases and you rise in the ranks, your dress code, self-imposed or not, should match your current position within the airline.

Aircraft dispatchers are respected members of the aviation community, and it behooves them to dress the part of respected member of the aviation community. Be sure to read the room and dress for the job you want. If you’re a career-oriented dispatcher with dreams of managing a team at a major airline, dress for the part!

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