What's Different About SpiceJet on Weekends

Have you noticed anything different while flying SpiceJet over the weekend? If no, then a closer look at the cabin crew would make you realise they are not in their usual uniforms.

The SpiceJet cabin crew has a weekend uniform, the only Indian carrier to have separate attire for weekends. While the female crew wear colourful kurtis and jeans, the male cabin staff wear polo t-shirts with denims, from Friday to Sunday.

"SpiceJet's new approach includes creating much warmer, friendlier, more natural ambience for its customers on board the aircraft.The weekend uniform was a natural extension of this philosophy. We also felt that it would appeal to corporates who are increasingly into casual dressing on Fridays, it would improve their moods and make them more relaxed cheerful on Fridays and weekend flights," SpiceJet chief operating oficer Sanjiv Kapoor said.

An airhostess with IndiGo who did not wish to be named said, "It would be fun if other Indian carriers followed suit. It's definitely a nice initiative."

However a pilot with IndiGo who also did not wish to be named, as they are not authorised to speak with the media, believes a consistent uniform through the week is better. "As such weekends are non-existent for us, it is more for display and the passengers," he said on having separate weekend wear for the flying staff.

"A consistent uniform tells you in case of an emergency or in case of any distress who the person in authority or in charge is," the captain told NDTV.

Passengers though seem to be divided on SpiceJet's initiative. Delhi-based architect Sidharth Roy who flies frequently, lauds SpiceJet's efforts and says, "It is a nice change from the same old boring uniform, maybe other airlines could take a cue from them."

However Delhi-based doctor Romik Ghosh, also a frequent flier does not seem to agree. "I don't find the new weekend dress code good. I would prefer corporate attire for cabin crew. It is unimpressive and takes away the gravity and authority," Dr Ghosh said.

SpiceJet says the overall response from the crew and passengers so far has been positive. "In fact some customers have asked for it to be made permanent (uniform through the week), they like it so much. But we are not doing that, we think it will then be taken for granted and lose its 'specialness'," Mr Kapoor said.