9 Uniform Standards Cabin Crew Live By

So many rules and regulations!

Cabin crew are seen as ambassadors for the airline they work for. Image is very important, and uniform standards are kept very high. Here we take a look at some of the uniform standards that cabin crew have to keep up with.

Many airlines state the shades of lipstick allowed. There are usually only three colors to choose from and all are varying tones of red. Some airlines do deals exclusively with well-known makeup brands and will tell cabin crew exactly which color and names are to be worn.

For female cabin crew, there are two pairs of shoes, one for on the ground and one for on the aircraft. Off of the aircraft shoes must have a heel height of between 1.5 and 3 inches. On the aircraft, the heel size must be 1 inch. All shoes have to be closed-toe, have a solid heel that will be stable in turbulence and, of course, must be a classic style and the specified color. Shoes must be kept shiny.

This is especially strict in the Middle East, and uniform officers will check that the length of your skirt is correct. For most airlines, it has to sit 1.5 inches below the knee whilst standing and to not raise much above the knee whilst seated.

Hats are usually worn on the ground and during embarkation. When the aircraft leaves the gate, the hats get stowed. Whilst worn, they must sit two fingers above the eyebrow. If it has a scarf attached, it has to be folded and worn in a very specific way.

There are many different types of airline scarf. As previously mentioned, some airline scarves are attached to hats. Some are cravat style and some have the standard square scarf that can be tied into a bow or worn cravat style. There are also long ties that can be worn in a number of ways. Male ties are mostly clip-on to avoid being hurt if pulled by an unruly passenger.

Jewelry is kept to an absolute minimum. Only one set of earrings is allowed, and one ring only. No bracelets, necklaces or excess jewelry is permitted. A watch must be worn and can only be a classic style. This is not just for timekeeping but for safety reasons.

Again, airlines are quite specific in what colors are used, and the look should be classic. Some airlines even give their cabin crew beauty and image training. Nails are kept either clear, French manicure or red to match the lipstick.

Hairstyles are very classic for all crew, and color must look natural. The styles allowed for the female crew are a bun or French pleat mostly, but some airlines allow a ponytail. If hair is below chin length, it must be worn up. For males, the clean-shaven look is the most accepted.

If not company-issued, suitcases must be of a certain size and color as specified. Usually, cabin crew have one standard trolley bag for inside the cabin and one standard-size suitcase for layovers. The most common recommended brands are Samsonite and Delsey. The color is usually black or gray.

Writer - Patricia joins Simple Flying with over 20 years of experience in aviation. She has served as cabin crew on flights from economy-class to private jets. Patricia has a master's level postgraduate diploma in Human Factors in Aviation and has written about aviation since 2010. Based in Dubai