No smoking or eating while in uniform and in public, wearing watches and refusing tips – cabin crew are governed by a long list of rules
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From make-up stipulations to extreme sports bans, airline staff have a raft of rules to contend with while doing their jobs. And, though many seem unfair or downright bizarre at first glance, most have been devised with the safety of crew or passengers in mind, according to operators.
The latest to make the headlines is a new rule from British Airways, which bans staff from taking photos or video for social media during layovers – even in their own hotel rooms. The airline states that it’s a reaction to safety concerns prompted by AI technology, which can identify locations from photos.
But it’s far from the only strict – and sometimes strange – rule they must follow. Below, we set out ten others that cabin crew need to comply with while in the skies, in work uniform, or on layovers.
Cabin crew on most airlines must sport watches so they can perfectly coordinate the pre-flight safety checks, meal and duty free trolley service.
They’re also essential should the worst happen as, according to Virgin Atlantic, some emergency procedures require “precise timing and synchronising watches with the pilots.” If a crew member turns up without one, it’s instant home time.
While tourists are boarding buses for trips into the unknown, crew members are told to stay near their hotels during layovers, according to a video from ex-cabin crew member and YouTuber Jetstream Ginger. It’s to prevent any last-minute panics with getting back to the airport on time. Some airlines are stricter than others: Qatar Airways insists that staff rest for at least nine hours in approved accommodation before duty.
According to Jetstream Ginger, airlines don’t allow staff to try adrenaline-fuelled activities during layovers because they might result in injuries, which would prevent them from doing their jobs on reboarding. It’s clearly difficult to police though – the YouTuber admitted to having flouted the rules previously.
…Or a desperate cigarette, or drink after that flight to Ibiza. Airlines don’t like staff imbibing in uniform according to Cabin Crew Wings – and, on some Middle Eastern carriers, it could even mean losing your job.
You know when you’re sleeping on a long-haul flight and, suddenly, there’s a flashlight in your face and a staff member checking whether your seatbelt is done up or whether you’d like dinner? Crew members are mandated to take torches onboard for this very purpose (but also to light the way to the exits in the event of an emergency).
Another reason to regret that face tattoo? Most cabin crew aren’t allowed to work with ink on show (though Virgin allows tattoos as long as they’re not on the face or neck). Covering-up with concealer won’t cut it on the strictest airlines either. And, aside from a simple pair of single earrings, piercings are banned too.
Though grooming rules have relaxed in recent years, some airlines still demand that women wear full faces of perfectly applied, identical make-up while on duty. Even Jet2 specifies red lipstick for those in customer-facing roles.
TikTok is full of tutorials for staff while, in Dubai, Emirates staff have their own Beauty Hub, where they can attend masterclasses on its signature look (glowy skin, smoky brown eye, signature red lip).
And use them properly. According to Virgin Atlantic, there are eight different types onboard, all with specific uses. Cabin crew have different gloves for everything from food delivery and toilet duty to biohazards, medical emergencies and everything in between.
Garish luggage is a no-no for cabin crew travelling through airports – even lairy luggage tags are banned, according to BA’s uniform guidelines. There are clear stipulations on what size and colour (usually navy, grey or black) wheelie luggage can be.
Ladders are frowned upon, so spare hosiery is a necessity for women. “In the event of a ladder appearing they can be changed immediately,” says BA.
Coats are obligatory for Emirates cabin crew in destinations where the temperatures dip below three degrees celsius, according to a video by flight attendant and YouTuber Amanda King. Should they forget to bring one? It’s instant off-loading.
In the unlikely event that your flight attendant has whisked up the perfect martini from inflight miniatures and olive snack packs, he or she will be unable to accept monetary thanks – they’re banned from taking tips. Some Americans, who find this unconscionable, have been known to gift food or vouchers instead.
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According to King, Emirates cabin crew are not allowed to clean their own work clothes. Waterproofed material, coupled with exceptional uniform standards, mean that everything except pyjamas and cardigans must be dry cleaned at the official Emirates Laundry.
In late 2024, Delta banned employers from posting selfies in uniform on social media pages relating to side hustles, with rumours circulating that the new rules were motivated by OnlyFans.
It may seem odd to socially awkward Brits, but cabin crew are not allowed to sit down while passengers board the plane according to the AAG Institute for Aviation Training – hence hunching at the cabin entrance and smiling at harried holidaymakers as they pass (while secretly checking they’re not drunk and/or likely to riot).
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