In news that doesn't feel quite right in 2019, Virgin Atlantic has finally told its female cabin crew that they no longer have to wear makeup to work.
The airline shared its new styling guidelines on Monday, stating that flight attendants can choose to go without makeup, but they are welcome to wear lipsticks and foundations from its existing colour palette if they wish to.
Announcing the news, the airline said the change would allow 'increased level of comfort' and 'more choice on how they want to express themselves at work'.
In a statement, Executive Vice President of Customer, Mark Anderson, said:
Our world famous red uniform is something all of us at Virgin Atlantic are incredibly proud of. As an airline, we have always stood out from the crowd and done things differently to the rest of the industry. We want our uniform to truly reflect who we are as individuals while maintaining that famous Virgin Atlantic style. We have been listening to the views of our people and as a result have announced some changes to our styling and grooming policy that support this.
Not only do the new guidelines offer an increased level of comfort, they also provide our team with more choice on how they want to express themselves at work. Helping people to be themselves is core to our desire to be the most loved travel company.
In another update to the styling guidelines, trousers will now be available as an option for all women and will be provided as standard when joining Virgin Atlantic. (Previously, trousers had to be specially requested from the airline's uniforms department.)
The new rules come three years after British Airways changed its dress code to allow both men and women to wear trousers if they choose.
