Alaska Airlines is creating gender-neutral uniforms for flight attendants and airport staff

Alaska Airlines has updated its grooming and uniform guidelines to give workers the freedom to express themselves in an industry that has historically maintained rigid policies.

New gender-neutral uniform policies for flight attendants, lounge employees, and airport agents will be in effect from Monday. In a letter to staff shared with Insider, the airline outlined the updated guidelines, which cover gender-neutral rules on footwear, makeup, jewelry, and nail polish.

Alaska Airlines

There is a new gender-neutral uniform kit in the works. James Thomas, Alaska's director of diversity, equity, and inclusion, told Insider that the company created this initiative to give employees more individuality and show they care.

He said that they wanted to double down on their commitment to inclusion.

Alaska has been updating its uniform guidelines since 2020 to give more flexibility to employees, like allowing flight attendants to order any pant, parka, or uniform kit regardless of gender identity. The airline's current uniforms were created by Seattle fashion designer Luly Yang.

Alaska Airlines

The American Civil Liberties Union sent a letter to Alaska accusing the company of violating Washington state law with their dress and grooming standards.

The letter was sent after an Alaska flight attendant and instructor asked the American Civil Liberties Union to help change the uniform policy.

When I work as a flight attendant, I am forced into one of two standards, often for up to four days at a time, and I am willing to follow all of the elements of the uniform policy for professional attire.

The company is committed to making Alaska a place where everyone feels respected and belongs and is working on inclusive and gender-neutral uniform options.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska is not the only carrier that has stopped using gender-specific uniform guidelines. SkyUp said it would no longer require female flight attendants to wear heels and pencil skirts. Employees can choose between sneakers and trousers.

The requirement for women to wear makeup when working was dropped by Virgin Atlantic in 2019. SkyUp and Virgin have moved away from traditional uniform guidelines that focus on female appearances.