Qantas modernises its uniform rules for all staff

If you’re soaring high with the Flying Kangaroo then you might notice a change onboard.

It’s not a change that will have much impact on the quality of your flight, but it’s an important change that’s important to the modernisation of the aviation industry.

As you would’ve guessed from the headline, Qantas Group has updated its uniform regulations for Qantas and Jetstar so that anyone can wear flat shoes, jewellery, make-up and have long hair.

The uniform requirements for cabin crew, pilots and airport employees have not changed, but the gender-assignment that came with the uniforms has been scrapped and grooming requirements have been made to be more inclusive following staff feedback, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Qantas uniforms

Qantas received criticism from the Australian Services Union as it called on outgoing Qantas CEO Alan Joyce to give female members of staff the option to drop the make-up, heels and hosiery.

“Fashions change, and so have our style guidelines over the years,” a Qantas representative said.

“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.”

It’s still mandatory that employees wear specific uniform pieces together, conceal tattoos and wear hosiery with a dress or skirt.

In the past, female Qantas Group employees had to wear heels with their dress or skirt while male employees had to have short hair and weren’t allowed to wear jewellery or make-up. All members of staff were prohibited from wearing clear-framed glasses.

Qantas uniform 1935

With the new regulations, all employees can have long hair (provided it’s worn in a bun or ponytail) and choose protective styles of hair including corn rows. Diamond earings and big watch faces are now allowed.

“In the ’80s sideburns had to stop at mid-ear, ‘gelled spikes’ were out and we recommended navy blue as the best eyeliner colour. In the ’70s women had to wear skirts above the knee. Today employees can choose whether or not to wear make-up, flat shoes and boots are in, and strict rules on watch sizes are out,” the Qantas spokesperson said.

Some other carriers around the world have also opted to modernise their staff dress code. Bonza has entirely gender-neutral uniforms, no grooming regulations and does not require staff to cover tattoos or wear make-up. The budget airline has opted for white sneakers instead of the traditional enclosed heel or dress shoe.

Virgin Atlantic ditched it gendered uniform requirements and introduced optional pronoun badges.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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