Friday, May 3, 2013

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CNNGo.com

Airline defends bright lipstick ban

Posted: 03 May 2013 04:41 AM PDT

Turkish Airlines has defended its recent move to ban flight attendants from wearing brightly colored lipstick and nail polish, such as pink or red.

A statement from the airline to CNN Travel said colors such as red and dark pink are unsuitable as they "impaired the visual integrity" of the Turkish Airlines uniforms.

"According to the generally accepted practices, personnel who work in the services sector are preferred to be artless and well groomed with a make-up in pastel tones," the statement said.

The airline believes pastel colors give "a natural presence" which in turn "has a more gentle and attainable effect in communication."

Nail polish in the same shades is also banned.

The airline did not respond to questions about when the ban would begin or how it would be enforced.

Staff attire and appearance together with standards of service are a major part of airline branding and the lipstick move does not appear too out of line with similar policies on other airlines.

However, an opposition government official called the ban a "perversity" and some flight attendants reportedly protested the ban by sharing images of red lipstick on social media sites such as Twitter and wearing it on flights, according to media reports.

Within Turkey, the announcement received mixed reviews.

Comments on Turkish news website Hurriyet have been varied with some offering support to the airline, stating that plainer make-up is often a standard in the service industry, while others claimed they will refuse to fly Turkish Airlines.

An opinion piece on the same site said the airline's administration is "confusing corporate management with being a school principal."

"We will not be surprised if soon they ban high heels, eyeliners and the appearance of 'one strand of hair uncovered,'" wrote Mehves Evin, quoting an earlier statement from the airline.

The airline has been refining its dress code in recent years including implementing restrictions and guidance on things like hair dye and eye make-up colors.

It also recently altered its drinks policy. The airline no longer serves alcohol on international flights to/from nations whose flag carriers do not serve alcoholic drinks.

On some domestic routes, Turkish Airlines will only serve alcohol in business class. On several other domestic routes, alcohol service has been discontinued with the airline citing lack of demand and "logistical considerations."

Also on CNN: 'Skirts only' rule lifted

What do you make of the lipstick ban? What's more important to you – appearance of airline staff or airline service?

Snap! The 6 most clichéd Bangkok tourist photo ops of all time

Posted: 02 May 2013 03:00 PM PDT

Any city has its unique snapshots, those pictures that instantly represent the soul of an urban personality. Bangkok especially so.

And few cities can have as many single photo opportunities that let you know instantly: "Hey, that dude is in Bangkok."

Some are taken so often they've become clichéd, appearing on any given Facebook or Instagram stream relating to Bangkok travel. 

But we're not mocking. We've taken these photos too. Hundreds of them.

We've managed to narrow our favorites down to six, so that you too can enjoy the best tourist photo clichés Bangkok possesses. 

1. Munching on bugs

Tastes like chicken. But better. Some Bangkokians eat bugs, many don't. No big deal.

But for a first-time traveler to Bangkok they're a delight, something to shock and awe your friends back home with when you show them pictorial evidence that you mustered the courage to eat a fried scorpion.

More on CNN: Micro livestock: The fried bugs keeping Thailand's tourists nourished


Buddhist monks buying mobile phones? Now that's a photo op.

2. Buddhist monk in an unlikely setting

Tourists love to take photos of Bangkok's saffron-robed monks, especially when they see them venturing away from the temple grounds to do something "normal."

Maybe he's topping up his mobile phone at Pantip plaza, or perhaps riding the Skytrain. The possibilities are endless.

These photos will usually be captioned with something pithy or philosophical, along the lines of "tradition meets modernity."

More on CNN: The monks and I: Teaching and learning in Thailand


Not the nicest ride, but few tourists can resist taking at least one tuk-tuk ride during their Bangkok visit.

3. Sitting in a tuk-tuk

When you think of Bangkok, you probably think temples, tuk-tuks and nightlife.

So what could better depict your visit here than a shot of you actually sitting in of one of these wacky Thai vehicles that we all love to hate.

Better yet, get into the driver seat and pose, pretending you're the one commandeering the three-wheeled annoyance down Bangkok's traffic-filled streets.

More on CNN: Bangkok tuk-tuk driver confessions


Bangkok and ladyboys go together like Tokyo and sushi.

4. One night with a ladyboy

Usually found in a Facebook photo album cleverly titled "One Night in Bangkok," most tourists have snapped at least one picture of a sultry ladyboy.

Even the American hit TV show "Glee" paid tribute to Thailand's world-renowned acceptance for the GLBT community, with the beloved Sue Sylvester saying: "Are you an Eve who was born a Steve? Because if you are, I think there's a special school that would better address your needs. And I think that school is in Thailand."

The best place to see Thailand's drag queens in action is at the Calypso Cabaret, at Bangkok's riverside Asiatique shopping and dining complex.  

More on CNN: Insider Guide: Best of Bangkok


The bright lights of Khao San Road, where many a traveler has laid their beer-soaked head.

5. Wasted nights on Khao San Road

Perhaps the most clichéd photo of all is the picture of a wide-eyed tourist standing below the bright lights of Thailand's backpacker hangout Khao San Road with a goofy grin on his/her face, maybe clutching bottle of Chang beer. We've all been there. 

Extra cliché points if you're actually wearing a Chang beer t-shirt in the photo. 

More on CNN: Street fashion on Khao San Road


Sawadee krup!

6. Show Ronald some respect

Hardcore backpackers love to mock their counterparts who cave and slip into McDonald's for a cheeseburger fix after dining on pad Thai for 30 days straight.

But whether or not they decide to stop in for a taste of home -- sometimes with an Asian twist -- few can pass up the chance to take a photo of the ubiquitous "wai'ing" Ronald outside many a Thai McDonald's.

Best captioned with "East meets West" followed by a comment lamenting globalization.

More on CNN: 10 easy ways to look like a tourist in Bangkok

Do you have a favorite Bangkok photo cliché? Let us know in the comments section below.

 
at 9:12 AM