British Airways introduce gender-neutral guidelines: Male pilots told they can wear make-up

British Airways introduce gender-neutral guidelines: Male pilots told they can wear make-up
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Ben Chapman

By Ben Chapman


Published: 10/11/2022

- 17:01

Updated: 14/02/2023

- 10:31

Bosses from the airline are reported to have told staff 'be bold, be proud, be yourself'

British Airways (BA) will allow male pilots to carry handbags and wear make-up in a radical overhaul of their strict uniform rules.

Bosses from the airline are reported to have told staff "be bold, be proud, be yourself" in an internal memo as they outlined what they hoped to achieve with the updated guidelines.


BA said they hope the updates are "embraced by everyone regardless of gender, gender identity, ethnicity, background, culture, sexual identity, or otherwise".

British Airways have updated their longstanding policy.
British Airways have updated their longstanding policy.
Hannah Mckay

After rival Virgin Atlantic announced they would be making their traditional male and female uniform gender-neutral, BA was said to be nearing an end to a review of its long-term uniform policy.

The airline is hopeful that updates will further modernise the brand, after the company last year opted to drop "ladies and gentleman" in announcements with a hope of making "all customers feel welcome".

Male pilots and cabin crew have been told they can wear "a touch of mascara and lip colour" and false eyelashes. They are also allowed to paint their nails.

Rules on hairstyles have also been eased, with men now allowed to don 'man buns'.

All staff are now also allowed a handbag, regardless of their sex or gender identity.

Visible tattoos remain prohibited, and female gender-specific uniforms have also been kept.

A BA spokesperson told MailOnline: "We are proud of all of our colleagues at British Airways and we are committed to an inclusive working environment.

"We have worked with our people to create updated guidelines for grooming, beauty and accessories, allowing our colleagues to bring the best, most authentic version of themselves to work every day."

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