Another step towards more inclusivity in the airline industry has been made, as British Airways (BA) has announced male pilots and cabin crew members are allowed to wear makeup and piercings. The updated uniform policy aims for more inclusivity and for British Airways' employees to feel free to express themselves, both on the ground and at 40,000 ft.

British Airways to take inclusivity to new heights

The British national carrier, British Airways, has committed to enhancing the company's inclusivity. Starting tomorrow, November 14th, British Airways male pilots and cabin crew will be allowed to wear makeup.

In an internal memo, British Airways informed the employees that, according to the new male uniform policy, male pilots and cabin crew would be allowed to wear "subtle shades" of makeup. However, the new policy also envisages the possibility for male employees to wear earrings, piercings, fake eyelashes, and mascara.

Additionally, male pilots and cabin crew with long hair will now be able to style it in a "man bun." Nail polish will be permitted for all staff, although black and neon nails will continue to be prohibited. According to British Airways' new non-gender-specific uniform standards, male staff will also be free to wear accessories like handbags.

British Airways Boeing 777-336(ER) G-STBA
Photo: Vincenzo Pace I Simple Flying.

Amid the announcement of the new inclusive male uniform policy, the airline stated that it is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. Thanks to the updated, non-gendered uniform standards, British Airways aims for its employees to always be the most authentic version of themselves, both in their personal lives and at work. To this aim, the internal memo directly addresses all the airline's employees, urging them to "be bold, be proud, be yourself." Additionally, the British carrier trusts the new guidelines will be positively accepted by everyone, irrespective of their gender, gender identity, ethnicity, background, culture, or sexual identity.

A step behind Virgin Atlantic

Tomorrow will mark an important milestone in British Airways' path toward becoming a more inclusive airline. However, the British carrier's updated man uniform policy has not gone as far as Virgin Atlantic's.

Back in September, Richard Branson's carrier announced the most gender-inclusive unfirm policy in the industry. Indeed, Virgin Atlantic employees are now free to wear whichever uniform they feel is more aligned with their gender identity. Additionally, the carrier's front-line employees and customers are given a chance to wear a small pronoun badge to be addressed by the pronoun that best reflects their gender identity.

Virgin Atlantic non-gendered uniforms
Photo: Virgin Atlantic

Thanks to its "Be Yourself" agenda, Virgin Atlantic has made a name for itself as the leading international airline for gender-inclusive initiatives. Indeed, in 2019, the British carrier was the first to render makeup optional for female cabin crew. Additionally, female front-line employees could wear trousers instead of skirts and flat shoes. In May 2022, Virgin Atlantic also put a stop to the restrictive uniform policy that prevented uniform wearers from having visible tattoos.

British Airways' new gender-inclusive policy is undoubtedly a strong sign that the carrier is moving toward recognizing fundamental themes, such as gender identity and gender inclusion, in an industry where the distinction between male and female has long been perceived as black and white. Nonetheless, the British national carrier is adopting a less radical approach than its red-and-white competitor when it comes to breaking with past norms.

Virgin Atlantic non-gendered uniforms 2
Photo: Virgin Atlantic

More inclusivity also means enhanced working conditions

Imagine not being allowed to show up at work as the person you perceive yourself as. How frustrating must it be?

Gender-inclusive policies can really make an impact on employees' well-being. When Virgin Atlantic launched its updated non-gendered uniforms, the airline backed up its decision based on a study demonstrating how gender inclusion in the workplace increases employees' well-being by 49% and the feeling of happiness by 65%.

Get the latest aviation news straight to your inbox: Sign up for our newsletters today.

British Airways' new policy comes along with the airline's new branding campaign, "A British Original," which celebrates the airline's people, customers, and nation. This idea is in line with the study mentioned above, which proved that 25% of Brits have felt pressured to hide their gender identity at work. In comparison, 13% stated they felt uncomfortable when asking their employer to be allowed to express who they really are.

British Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Photo: Vincenzo Pace I Simple Flying.

Consequently, 30% of British workers have dressed differently from the way they would have wanted to, and 15% have worn clothes in which they are uncomfortable. 38% of Brits have also felt obliged to hide parts of their personality in an attempt to feel accepted at work. Therefore, there is no doubt that British Airways' updated gender-inclusive uniform standards will be wholeheartedly welcomed by the carrier's front-line employees.

How important do you think gender-inclusive uniforms are in the airline industry? Let us know by clicking on the comment button below!

  • British Airways, Cabin Crew Training, Customer Service
    British Airways
    IATA/ICAO Code:
    BA/BAW
    Airline Type:
    Full Service Carrier
    Hub(s):
    London Heathrow Airport, London Gatwick Airport
    Year Founded:
    1974
    Alliance:
    oneworld
    Airline Group:
    IAG
    CEO:
    Sean Doyle
    Country:
    United Kingdom