Next time you fly British Airways, don’t be surprised by a new look of some crew members of this airline company. An internal memo at British Airways says pilots and cabin crew members can now wear make-up and piercings. The new changes will come into effect from Monday (November 14).

As The Guardian reported this Thursday, the rules follow changes made by Virgin Atlantic to allow its employees to wear uniforms corresponding with their gender identity and to wear pronouns badges. BA uniform rules remain.

These changes can represent an important move to make BA an even more diverse and open-minded company. In 2021, the carrier introduced a non-binary gender option for passengers when booking a flight.

Los Angeles, USA - May 7, 2016: An editorial stock photo of a British Airways Airbus A380 passenger plane parked at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX Airport) — Getty Images

The internal memo sent around BA male employees will be able to wear mascara, false eyelashes, and earrings.

The memo also reportedly states “be bold, be proud, be yourself”, and that it hopes anyone “regardless of gender, gender identity, ethnicity, background, culture, sexual identity, or otherwise,” will embrace the changes.

However, BA is advising that staff use “subtle shades” when it comes to make-up. “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,” said a BA spokesperson.

A New Trend?

In September, Virgin Atlantic announced that its staff members can choose which uniform they want to wear while working. Virgin aims to reinforce its position as an inclusive and welcoming airline, the company stated.

The airline also loosened its rules on tattoos, allowing employees to leave them visible for the first time. It has also previously relaxed its rules on makeup and will institute mandatory inclusivity training.