British Airways relaxes strict uniform rules in bid for staff inclusivity

Staff will now be able to express their individuality at work, but uniforms remain unchanged

A spokesman for British Airways said the company was 'committed to an inclusive working environment'. Getty Images

British Airways has overhauled its strict uniform rules, allowing crew to choose what make-up or accessories they want to wear.

All of the company's staff, regardless of gender, will now be able to express themselves by wearing mascara or carrying their personal items in a handbag of their choice.

They will also be able to paint their nails or use lip colour.

However, there will be no changes to the airline’s uniforms.

A spokesman for British Airways said the company was “committed to an inclusive working environment”.

“We are proud of all of our colleagues at British Airways and we are committed to an inclusive working environment,” the spokesman said.

“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.”

British Airways through the years — in pictures

British Airways has been flying for over 100 years. It was founded as Aircraft Transport and Travel Limited in 1919. All photos: Getty Images

A British Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft taking off in 2021

British Airways employees welcome Olympians returning from the Tokyo Olympics at Heathrow Airport in August 2021

A British Airways Boeing 747-400 aircraft arrives at St Athan Airport in Wales in 2020, after setting off for its last flight

A British Union flag flies from the cockpit of a new Airbus A380 aircraft after landing at Heathrow Airport in 2013

Spectators watch as the last Concorde lands at Heathrow Airport in 2003

British Airways Concordes at Glasgow Airport in 1983

David Nicholson, the first chairman of British Airways after the merger of a number of UK airlines, proudly displays a model of the Concorde in 1973

The first Boeing 747 to be operated by the British Overseas Airways Corporation arrives at Heathrow Airport in May 1970

Hawker Siddeley HS 121 Trident 1C medium-range commercial jets for British European Airways at de Havillands Hatfield Aerodrome in 1963

A British Overseas Airways Corporation Comet III aircraft on display at Farnborough in 1954. The British Overseas Airways Corporation was formed in April 1940

Passengers queuing to board a British European Airways Vickers Viking aircraft in 1950

The British Overseas Airways Corporation Short Solent passenger flying boat docks at her new berth near Tower Bridge in London in 1949

A British Overseas Airways Corporation air stewardess brings a tray of coffee to passengers during a Second World War flight in 1945

A British Airways passenger aircraft at Gatwick Airport in 1936

Four Handley Page W10 and one Handley Page W9 Hampstead aircraft operated by Imperial Airways are christened by Lady Maud Hoare, Viscountess Templewood, at Croydon Aerodrome in 1926. Imperial Airways was created in 1924

It comes after Virgin Airlines announced that it would give its crew the choice of what uniform to wear.

The airline announced that its pilots, cabin crew and ground staff now have the option of wearing the red or burgundy uniform.

Female Virgin Atlantic employees were previously required to wear a red uniform, while men wore burgundy.