Alaska Airlines has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to inclusivity and diversity by updating its uniform guidelines. The progressive changes aim to provide flight attendants and other frontline employees with greater freedom of expression and align with the airline’s core values of care and creating a welcoming environment for both employees and guests. This update to the Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant Uniform policy emphasizes individuality, ensuring everyone can bring their authentic selves to work.
The updated guidelines, effective immediately, were developed in partnership with employees and reflect a broader understanding of personal expression. Monique “Mo,” an Alaska flight attendant based in San Diego, perfectly embodies the spirit of these changes. Mo chooses to wear the male uniform, a decision that resonates with her personal identity and comfort. Her story highlights the essence of Alaska Airlines’ updated policy: embracing individuality and moving away from gender-based uniform restrictions.
Monique "Mo" Sambrano wearing Alaska Airlines male uniform
“I love who I am and refuse to make myself smaller in order to be accepted. This is one thing that I can’t compromise over,” said Monique “Mo,” she/her. “We all want to look professional, and we all want to be ourselves at the same time—your gender shouldn’t define what you wear or how you look.”
Alaska Airlines’ commitment goes beyond policy updates. They are actively developing new, gender-neutral uniform pieces in collaboration with Seattle designer Luly Yang. Input from employees is integral to this design process, ensuring the new pieces are both stylish and practical for flight attendants, customer service agents, and lounge employees. This forward-thinking approach underscores Alaska Airlines’ dedication to providing truly inclusive uniform options.
Monique "Mo" Sambrano showcasing different poses in Alaska Airlines uniform
Further expanding expression options, the updated guidelines now permit fingernail polish, makeup, two earrings per ear, and a single stud nose piercing for all employees. Grooming policies have also been modernized to include tattoos in more visible locations and a wider array of hairstyle choices. Notably, Alaska Airlines is moving away from gender-specific uniform kit names, opting instead for fit-focused descriptions, reinforcing the emphasis on personal choice over gender norms in the Alaska Airlines flight attendant uniform program.
Cameron Lee and Elissa Maples modeling Alaska Airlines updated uniform policy
Erica Williams and Selwyn Morales showcasing Alaska Airlines uniform options
Amir Montgomery in Alaska Airlines uniform
These changes resonate deeply with Alaska Airlines employees. Tim, a flight attendant with 17 years of service, believes the updated uniform policy speaks volumes about the company’s values.
“Updating our uniform policy shows people without telling them, what Alaska’s values are,” said Tim. “Showing people who we are is just as important as telling them.”
David, a lounge concierge, echoes this sentiment, highlighting that these inclusive choices reaffirm his career choice with Alaska Airlines. He emphasizes that doing the right thing is ingrained in the company culture.
Tim C., Alaska Airlines flight attendant, smiling in uniform
“Alaska gets it and we’re making the right choices and moving in the right direction,” says David. “It’s what I expect from Alaska/Horizon. We do the right thing. It’s part of our culture.”
Elissa Maples and David Hand in Alaska Airlines uniforms
David Hand, Alaska Airlines lounge concierge, in uniform
James Thomas, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Alaska, underscores the personal significance of these inclusive measures, drawing from his own experiences.
“I know firsthand what it feels like not to be seen, heard or able to bring your authentic self to work. When I’ve experienced this, it didn’t feel great and honestly made it hard to come to work every day during those times, or to deliver my best work,” said James Thomas. “Our employees, guests and communities we serve have my commitment we are going to keep listening and pushing ourselves to be better.”
Jason, an Alaska flight attendant and drag performer, welcomes the changes and looks forward to continued support from the company in fostering an understanding and accepting environment. Jason’s personal story of self-expression further emphasizes the importance of the updated policy.
Jason Barbon, Alaska Airlines flight attendant, in uniform
“Me wearing something that makes me happy and expresses my fashion sense should have no bearing on how you treat me as an individual,” Jason said. “We are all human beings and should treat each other with kindness.”
Nesha, a customer service agent in Portland, celebrates the sense of self-identity the new policy promotes, highlighting Alaska Airlines as a truly inclusive employer.
Nesha Price, Alaska Airlines customer service agent, smiling in uniform
“I believe having the ability to have some form of self-identity is amazing,” says Nesha. “Allowing tattoos and nose rings as well as gender-neutral pieces is what makes Alaska such a great and inclusive company that everyone loves. By far THE best job I’ve ever had, and I can’t wait to see where my future takes me!”
Nesha Price showcasing Alaska Airlines customer service uniform
In addition to updated uniform guidelines, Alaska Airlines is also embracing personal pronouns. Employees have the option to wear pronoun pins, and the airline is working towards enabling guests to include their personal pronouns when booking travel. Isaac, a lead customer service agent, views these changes as a celebration of uniqueness and a step towards greater societal awareness and sensitivity.
Isaac You, Alaska Airlines customer service agent, wearing pronoun pin
“I applaud Alaska Air Group for having the courage to move forward with creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace,” said Isaac. “Celebrating uniqueness so that all teammates feel accepted and, in some ways, celebrated, brings me pure joy.”
Alaska Airlines’ updated flight attendant uniform policy and broader inclusivity initiatives represent a significant stride towards fostering a workplace where individuality is celebrated and every employee feels a sense of belonging. This commitment to diversity and inclusion not only benefits employees but also enhances the overall experience for Alaska Airlines’ valued guests.
