British Airways changes the rules on male pilots wearing make-up and piercings

British Airways (BA) has changed its rules on allowing male pilots to wear piercings and make-up after the airline updated its guidelines.

The rules, which also apply to male cabin crew members, follow changes made by Virgin Atlantic to allow its employees to wear uniforms corresponding with their gender identity and to wear pronouns badges. BA is not changing rules on uniforms.

According to an internal memo sent around BA male employees will be able to wear mascara, false eyelashes, and earrings from Monday (14 November)

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.

As reported by The Guardian, BA is advising that staff use “subtle shades” when it comes to make-up. Nail polish is also accepted now as are man buns.

The paper reports a BA spokesperson as saying: “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.”

The Guardian also reports that Qatar Airways, which is the majority stakeholder in BA, has punished staff who have not adhered to their strict policies on things like uniforms. BA apparently didn’t respond to questions about whether staff flying to and from Qatar would be advised to follow the new rules or not.