Alaska Airlines Elevates Employee Expression with Inclusive Air Uniform Policy

Monique “Mo” proudly dons her Alaska Airlines uniform. For her, this means knotting a tie, buttoning up a shirt, and stepping into dress shoes – the attire traditionally associated with male flight attendants. Mo’s choice isn’t typical, but it’s where she feels most authentic and professional.

This personal expression is at the heart of Alaska Airlines’ updated uniform guidelines, effective today. The airline is championing a workplace where every employee can bring their true selves to work, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for both staff and guests. This evolution reflects Alaska Airlines’ ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Monique "Mo" Sambrano, Alaska Airlines flight attendant, wearing a tie and traditionally male uniform pieces, showcasing personal style and comfort

“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,” says Monique “Mo,” a flight attendant based in San Diego. Mo emphasizes that professionalism and personal expression aren’t mutually exclusive: “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 is not only updating guidelines but also actively developing new, gender-neutral uniform pieces for frontline employees. This includes flight attendants, customer service agents, and lounge staff. Collaborating with Seattle designer Luly Yang and incorporating employee feedback, these new designs promise greater choice and flexibility.

Monique "Mo" Sambrano adjusting her tie, highlighting the details of her uniformMonique "Mo" Sambrano in a full-length shot, presenting her professional Alaska Airlines uniform

The updated policy expands expression options for all employees. Fingernail polish, makeup, two earrings per ear, and a single stud nose piercing are now universally permitted. Grooming policies have also been modernized to accommodate tattoos in more visible locations and offer a broader range of hairstyle choices. Furthermore, Alaska Airlines is moving away from gender-specific uniform kit names, opting for fit-focused descriptions instead, reinforcing inclusivity in their Air Uniform program.

Cameron Lee, an Alaska Airlines employee, showcasing updated grooming standards with modern hairstyleCameron Lee, highlighting the details of the updated uniform policy for Alaska Airlines employeesElissa Maples, an Alaska Airlines employee, demonstrating allowed makeup and earring options under the new uniform policy

Erica Williams, Alaska Airlines employee, confidently displays updated uniform and personal expression options

Selwyn Morales, Alaska Airlines employee, presenting a professional look within the updated inclusive uniform guidelines

Amir Montgomery, Alaska Airlines employee, embodying professionalism and personal style in the updated uniform

“Updating our uniform policy shows people without telling them, what Alaska’s values are,” remarks Tim, a flight attendant with 17 years of service at Alaska Airlines. Tim believes actions speak louder than words when it comes to demonstrating company values. “Showing people who we are is just as important as telling them.”

Tim C., Alaska Airlines flight attendant, based in Los Angeles, expressing his satisfaction with the uniform policy changes

David, a lounge concierge, echoes this sentiment: “Alaska gets it and we’re making the right choices and moving in the right direction. It’s what I expect from Alaska/Horizon. We do the right thing. It’s part of our culture.” David, who also models part-time, sees these choices as confirmation of his career choice with Alaska Airlines.

Elissa Maples, Alaska Airlines employee, showcasing a different style option within the updated uniform policyDavid Hand, Alaska Airlines lounge concierge, based in JFK Lounge, New York, endorsing the company's inclusive direction

David emphasizes the broader impact: “This is so important not only for the well-being of our employees, but also as a company. It allows us to focus on what we can do for each other and what we do for our guests while being the best employees that we can be.”

This uniform update is a significant stride in Alaska Airlines’ ongoing journey towards greater inclusivity. The company acknowledges that further progress is needed and commits to continuously evaluating policies and practices to ensure a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

James Thomas, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Alaska, shares a personal perspective: “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.” He reinforces the company’s dedication: “Our employees, guests and communities we serve have my commitment we are going to keep listening and pushing ourselves to be better.”

James Thomas, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Alaska Airlines, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in the workplace

Jason, an Alaska flight attendant and drag performer, highlights the importance of empathy. “The best thing a person can do when they don’t understand someone is to treat them with kindness and put themselves in their shoes.” Jason recounts their personal experience of expressing themselves at senior prom, facing criticism but staying true to themselves.

Jason welcomes the uniform changes and also looks forward to the company’s support in navigating potential misunderstandings from peers or passengers regarding personal expression like wearing nail polish.

Jason Barbon, Alaska Airlines flight attendant and drag performer, expressing individuality and embracing the updated uniform policy

Jason emphasizes the personal aspect of self-expression: “Me wearing something that makes me happy and expresses my fashion sense should have no bearing on how you treat me as an individual. We are all human beings and should treat each other with kindness.”

Selwyn Morales, Alaska Airlines employee, showcasing confidence and personal expression within the updated uniform guidelinesJason Barbon, Alaska Airlines flight attendant, in uniform, advocating for kindness and understanding

Nesha Price, Alaska Airlines customer service agent in Portland, sharing her positive experience with the company's inclusive environment

Nesha, a customer service agent in Portland, sums up the positive impact: “I believe having the ability to have some form of self-identity is amazing. 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, Alaska Airlines customer service agent, smiling and expressing satisfaction with her job and company cultureNesha Price, Alaska Airlines customer service agent, in uniform, representing the inclusive and welcoming environment at Alaska Airlines

Welcoming Personal Pronouns in Air Travel

Furthering their commitment to inclusivity, Alaska Airlines is working to enable guests to include personal pronouns when booking travel by the end of 2022. In the interim, employees have the option to wear personal pronoun pins on their uniforms, fostering a more respectful and understanding environment.

Isaac, a lead customer service agent in Washington D.C., embraces pronoun inclusivity: “I answer to all pronouns. I accept he/him/his, she/her/hers, and they/them/theirs. I feel that there has been greater awareness and sensitivity to personal pronouns, and I love that. But I’m also cognizant that changes take time and I want our society to feel comfortable with how they view and communicate with me.” Isaac sees these policy changes as a symbol of freedom and acceptance.

Isaac You, Alaska Airlines lead customer service agent, based in Washington D.C., wearing pronoun pins and supporting inclusivity

“I applaud Alaska Air Group for having the courage to move forward with creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace,” Isaac concludes. “Celebrating uniqueness so that all teammates feel accepted and, in some ways, celebrated, brings me pure joy.”