New More Relaxed Rules For Qantas Cabin Crew

Qantas now allows employees of both genders to wear long hair, cosmetics, and flat shoes to work.

New regulations have been issued by the Australian airline Qantas addressing the appearance of its staff. The company has recently relaxed its dress code policy, allowing all employees (flight attendants included) to wear their hair long (in a low bun or ponytail) and to use whatever amount of cosmetics they choose. They may also now opt for glasses over contacts (as long as the lenses are clear) and wear flat footwear instead of heels. Previously, there were different rules in place for male and female workers. But now there is a new standard set of expectations for everyone to follow.

The company's budget airline, Jetstar, is likewise subject to the new regulations.

“The update doesn’t change our uniform but modernizes the way employees wear it in line with employee feedback and evolving customer expectations. [...]

“Our uniforms are a symbol of our iconic brand and our people are very proud to wear them. Fashions change, and so have our style guidelines over the years.

“We’re proud of our diversity and as well as bringing our guidelines up to date, these changes will make wearing our uniform more comfortable and practical for all of our people, including those with a wide range of body types and those from diverse cultural backgrounds”, the carrier stated in an official announcement.

Some things, though, remain unchanged. Any crew member who wears a dress or skirt must also wear stockings. Crew members who want to get tattoos are allowed to do so, but they are expected to hide them while on the job.

Many airlines have recently rethought their clothing policies for employees.

Gender-neutral outfits created by Vivienne Westwood were introduced by Virgin Atlantic a year ago, marking the end of restrictions on hiring either men or women. The company considers that its staff will be able to embrace their uniqueness and be their genuine selves at work thanks to the new uniform policy. The company also gave its employees the option of including their preferred pronouns on their identification badges.

Similarly, British Airways decided back in 2022 that all flight attendants will be permitted to wear coloured fingernails, cosmetics, facial piercings, as well as jewellery during working hours.

 

Source: edition.cnn.com