Tel Aviv – Na’amat, a women’s group, issued a sharp critique of El Al Sunday night for a policy requiring its female flight attendents to wear high heels until all the customers have boarded the plane.
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“I am not convinced that high heels are an absolute condition for women’s presentability, and certainly not for a female flight attendant who is required as part of her job to be on her feet for extended periods,” Na’amat CEO Galia Wallach wrote in a sharply worded letter to El Al CEO David Maimon.
The requirement, she said, could constiute gender discrimination, and the organization would consider legal action if the policy was not rescinded.
“I welcome Mr. Maimon to try walking in high heels for just one hour before requiring [flight attendants] to damage their health for no apparent reason,” she added. Before the new rule was installed, flight attendants could change into comfortable shoes when she boarded the plane.
Avi Avigdor, a foot expert and owner of an orthopedic shoe chain, said that most high heels do, indeed, offer less support, put pressure on the ankle, squeeze toes together and can lead to foot, knee and back pain.
“I agree that flight attendants should look presentable and respectable, but not at any price,” he said.
Zionist Union MK Shelly Yacimovich tweeted jeers at the company for its policy. “I suggest that all the men in El Al’s management wear high heels at work. Let’s see them,” she wrote.
In response to the outctry, El Al noted that flight attendants were free to change into more comfortable shoes for the duration of the flight, and were required to wear heels only until customers were seated.
“It should be noted that this practice is accepted in the airline industry worldwide,” a spokeswoman said.
Big deal, they are allowed to take off the high heals once the plane is in the air. Then they have to deal with those wanting to play musical seats, screaming babies, obnoxious spoiled of all ages. El Al stewardess deserve to be paid a million a year for what they have to put up with.
As a passenger who flys El-Al often, I must confess that I couldn’t care less whether the female flight attendants wear high heels or not. Frankly, the things I care about it if they are courteous and helpful, have a positive attitude, and say things nicely with a smile. I honestly don’t know anyone that cares how high their heels are . I would rather a flight attendant that has comfortable shoes and is able to smile and be helpful.
Yes a smiling friendly stewardess is what counts and it harder to smile when your shoes are uncomfortable. I say NO to high heeled stewardesses. Let the men wear them.
High heels are no big deal…the male flight attendants have their own burdensome dress and grooming regulations they must follow. Also, high heels on women are flattering, totally tziniusdik and convey an image of professionalism. We don’t want the flight attendants for one of the world’s top airlines to be wearing flip flops or sandals which expose their toes and would create angst among the many chareidi flyers on El Al.
Maybe the stewardesses should wear skirts covering their knees, that’s more important than their shoes, which as far as I’m concerned can be lace up nurses’ shoes.