Quantas crew in 2018: »Uniform guidelines have always reflected the spirit of the times«
Photo: GREG WOOD/ AFP
The Australian airline Qantas is saying goodbye to the strict gender rules for the appearance of its flight attendants. In the new guidelines on workwear and styling, there will no longer be separate requirements for men and women, the company announced.
In the future, all members of the cabin crew will be able to decide for themselves whether they want to wear make-up or not. They are also free to choose whether they prefer flat shoes or high heels. Long hair is also allowed on men, as long as it is tied in a braid or bun.
"Our uniform guidelines have always reflected the spirit of the times," Qantas said, explaining the change of course. The new styling requirements were intended to be more in line with today's expectations and make the uniform more comfortable for employees with "diverse cultural backgrounds".
Qantas has historically been known for detailed specifications for the external appearance of the cabin crew. Among other things, wide mustaches were forbidden, in addition, there were rules for the length of the sideburns and for eyeshadow colors to be used preferentially.
Trade unions had clearly criticized the styling specifications. Among other things, they demanded that the airline allow female cabin crew to work without makeup. Most recently, British Airways had also significantly relaxed the styling rules for crew members.
mmq/AFP