Qantas is officially bidding farewell to several of its gender-dictated uniform and grooming guidelines for cabin crew, pilots and airport staff. This announcement marks the airline’s second significant upheaval, following CEO Alan Joyce’s decision to step down, with Vanessa Hudson taking over as his replacement.
After taking feedback from staff on board (not to mention being called out by the Australian Services Union), Qantas and Jetstar have made the necessary tweaks to ensure its grooming regulations are inclusive and comfortable for all employees.
One of the main changes being: female staff may wear flat shoes, and they are no longer required to wear makeup. Rejoice.
Prior to these changes, Qantas female staff were required to wear high heels alongside a dress or skirt at all times. As for the males? The use of makeup or jewellery was not allowed. Boo!
What are the new uniform regulations for Qantas and Jetstar?
“Fashions change and so have our style guidelines over the years,” said a Qantas rep. And though employees won’t receive an entirely redesigned uniform, the ‘male’ and ‘female’ designated pieces will cease to exist.
“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.” Um, about time.
What are some of the changes we can expect now? First up, male employees are able to grow out their hair (as long as it is tied neatly in a bun, ponytail or cornrows). Plus, they’ll be allowed to wear accessories including diamond earrings and a watch.
According to a spokesperson for the airline, “in the ’70s, women had to wear skirts above the knee. Today, employees can choose whether or not to wear makeup, flat shoes and boots are in, and strict rules on watch sizes are out.”
Welcome to 2023, Qantas!
Main image credit: Getty
What do you think about these updated uniform regulations?
I think it’s good!
I agree,all good. Keeping up with the times
Agreed.
I’ve been doing a lot of travelling with Qantas lately and I’ve often looked at the crew and thought about how uncomfortable some of them looked in their uniforms and heels. So, I think it’s a huge leap forward for Qantas staff.
As long as there is some cohesion with the uniform that staff wear, I really don’t care if it is trousers, dress or skirt – it doesn’t change the service that they provide.
Yes I agree Rinny.They still need to look smart .
Yes gone is that glamorous side of this job, like it use to be in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s
Yes staff had to weigh themselves initially and also age was a barrier too.
Good idea. Nothing wrong with men having long hair I dont think
As long as hair is clean and tidy it is nice to see men being able to feel good about themselves.
I totally agree with flat shoes, it must be so uncomfortable to wear heels for hours.
Sounds better for all
About time!
Yes I find if the staff are happy that projects to the travelers and service so great all round.
Cool.
Fair enough we all like to be comfortable in our work environment.
Not something I will be taking much notice of because I’m not likely to fly anywhere anytime soon thank you very much RBA. But what a relief to not have to wear heels. I like to wear heels sometimes but there are times when my feet and back cant hack it.
Totally agree Okatko.I love to dress up but all day everyday no thanks.
About time. I often think that the air hostesses are very uncomfortable with red lips ect.
Some people love to wear the classy made up look and good on them but nice to have a choice.
It makes sense to ditch the heels. The other changes seem reasonable too.
Yes they should only have to wear heels if they are comfortable doing that. I do like it when they look nice and tidy and of course friendly.
I’d hate to have to wear heels all day. The pain!
Progress…
About time!
I think this is great and much more inline with current times.
Interesting, i think they aren’t a bad idea.
It’s well overdue, silly rules
When I was flying, part of the training included very strict rules regarding how makeup should be worn. You could almost trowel off the foundation. You only have to take a look at some of the airlines in the US and their cabin crew are anything but glamorous and flat shoes are a must as they should be when you are on your feet for long hours.
Finally
I think it’s great and definitely a step forward.
Great to hear!
This is great. As a customer, all I expect is clean and neat.
Also respectful, kindness, friendly delivered with a smile?
I think they will comfortable with new uniform rules.
Great change! Especially not having to wear the heels.
Yes that would be so hard to the long haul flights.
This is great but I can’t believe it has taken this long, and it’s not implemented by other airlines.
I think its important that the staff feel comfortable. I find men nowadays having beards more than ever and I like that their outfits have had an overhaul. Its probably been a long time they changed things up.
I had no idea they had so much regulation! I do remember the height one from a very long time ago though – I think you couldn’t be too tall? Or something like that
The airlines have come a long way since then haven’t they? I guess we all have
I didn’t realise these outdated regulations were still in place – well done for finally ditching them!
Timely
As long men stay men and women stay women. Love flat shoe thing! Yesss! Love that makeup is optional!
My every comment moderated!
Excellent that there are choices for all.
I like standards of dress so that the crew still look smart as they represent the Company but comfortable doesn’t mean sloppy.