Major airline enforces weight restrictions on flight attendants, sparking public backlash
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It seems like not a day goes by without some kind of controversy arising in the world. The latest hiccup causing an uproar comes from straight out of China, where major Chinese carrier Hainan Airlines has found itself in hot water over newly enforced weight restrictions on their flight attendants.
Now, before we dive into the juicy details of this story, let's take a step back and look at the history of flight attendant requirements. Over the years, appearance standards for flight attendants have changed significantly. It wasn't too long ago that airlines required female attendants to adhere to specific hair and makeup regulations and wear skirts and high heels. The shift in these regulations has largely been pioneered by international carriers that have focused on employee comfort, inclusivity, and practicality.
Back to the matter at hand – we all know that airlines have had their fair share of scandals over the years, but this one takes the cake. The media initially reported that the airline, one of China's biggest, introduced this new policy in early June, which could potentially ground female attendants if their weight exceeded the 'standard limit’.
According to the Global Times, the rule was part of a series of broader guidelines on appearance issued to cabin crew, with the 'standard' weight calculated by height. For instance, an attendant measuring 158 centimetres (5.1 feet) – the average height of an adult Chinese woman – would be required to stay within 48 kilograms.
Flight attendants who are less than 5% over that standard will have their weight monitored monthly and undergo a review, while those weighing 10% over the standard will be immediately suspended and put on a 'weight reduction plan' supervised by the company, the paper reported.
The backlash that ensued was a mix of confusion and outrage, as people around the world, not just in China, took to social media to voice their concerns and disapproval. The consensus? Many people believe that imposing these strict restrictions on flight attendants' weight reflects poorly on the airline and has underlying hints of gender discrimination.
In response to the public backlash, Hainan Airlines released a statement on Monday, defending their new policy. The airline explained that they use a 'weight reference standard' that applies to all flight attendants, regardless of gender. They emphasised that the measure 'cannot be interpreted as a simple criterion to suspend a flight attendant like some media did’.
According to the airline, the weight standard is 'based on the standard human body weight reference and matched with the healthy weight range measurement for the crew’. They added that these rules are used to evaluate and manage the crew's 'health, physical shape, and posture’.
While the intention may have been to 'advocate healthy living habits and maintain a good professional image and healthy physique’, the updated policy has instead sparked a fiery debate over the importance placed on flight attendants' appearance versus their abilities and safety knowledge.
One top comment on the Chinese social media platform Weibo read, 'I just need the flight attendant to be fully qualified in professional knowledge, well-practised in safety procedures, and wear the most suitable shoes and clothes for emergencies. Her weight is none of my business.'
Many users have also pointed out that being a flight attendant is a physically demanding job that should prioritise strength and stamina instead of maintaining a low weight – especially in emergencies, where attendants are responsible for passengers' safety.
Hainan Airlines isn't the first airline to face controversy surrounding weight restrictions and appearance expectations for flight attendants. In the past, carriers like Air India and Pakistan International Airlines faced backlash for similar policies, eventually making adjustments due to public pressure.
Our neighbours over in New Zealand even considered weighting passengers! You can read that story here.
Some have argued that this type of regulation is outdated and discriminatory, with many Western countries, such as Australia and the United States, having already abandoned strict appearance-related policies in favour of gender-neutral uniform guidelines.
For example, Qantas released new guidelines for employees that provide one set of requirements for everyone, allowing staff of any gender to wear long hair, makeup or no makeup, and wear flat shoes. You can read the full story here.
As outrage surrounding Hainan Airlines' policy continues, this is a stark reminder of the progress and change necessary in many industries and around the world to ensure equal treatment and respect for all employees, regardless of gender or weight.
With all that being said, we encourage you, our dear Seniors Discount Club members, to stay informed and considerate when it comes to supporting businesses and travelling across the globe. Your actions and choices can make a difference!
Now, before we dive into the juicy details of this story, let's take a step back and look at the history of flight attendant requirements. Over the years, appearance standards for flight attendants have changed significantly. It wasn't too long ago that airlines required female attendants to adhere to specific hair and makeup regulations and wear skirts and high heels. The shift in these regulations has largely been pioneered by international carriers that have focused on employee comfort, inclusivity, and practicality.
The airline is facing backlash for the weight restriction. Image by rparmly from Unsplash.
Back to the matter at hand – we all know that airlines have had their fair share of scandals over the years, but this one takes the cake. The media initially reported that the airline, one of China's biggest, introduced this new policy in early June, which could potentially ground female attendants if their weight exceeded the 'standard limit’.
According to the Global Times, the rule was part of a series of broader guidelines on appearance issued to cabin crew, with the 'standard' weight calculated by height. For instance, an attendant measuring 158 centimetres (5.1 feet) – the average height of an adult Chinese woman – would be required to stay within 48 kilograms.
Flight attendants who are less than 5% over that standard will have their weight monitored monthly and undergo a review, while those weighing 10% over the standard will be immediately suspended and put on a 'weight reduction plan' supervised by the company, the paper reported.
The backlash that ensued was a mix of confusion and outrage, as people around the world, not just in China, took to social media to voice their concerns and disapproval. The consensus? Many people believe that imposing these strict restrictions on flight attendants' weight reflects poorly on the airline and has underlying hints of gender discrimination.
In response to the public backlash, Hainan Airlines released a statement on Monday, defending their new policy. The airline explained that they use a 'weight reference standard' that applies to all flight attendants, regardless of gender. They emphasised that the measure 'cannot be interpreted as a simple criterion to suspend a flight attendant like some media did’.
According to the airline, the weight standard is 'based on the standard human body weight reference and matched with the healthy weight range measurement for the crew’. They added that these rules are used to evaluate and manage the crew's 'health, physical shape, and posture’.
While the intention may have been to 'advocate healthy living habits and maintain a good professional image and healthy physique’, the updated policy has instead sparked a fiery debate over the importance placed on flight attendants' appearance versus their abilities and safety knowledge.
Should an employer be able to weigh their employees? Image Credit: Shutterstock
One top comment on the Chinese social media platform Weibo read, 'I just need the flight attendant to be fully qualified in professional knowledge, well-practised in safety procedures, and wear the most suitable shoes and clothes for emergencies. Her weight is none of my business.'
Many users have also pointed out that being a flight attendant is a physically demanding job that should prioritise strength and stamina instead of maintaining a low weight – especially in emergencies, where attendants are responsible for passengers' safety.
Hainan Airlines isn't the first airline to face controversy surrounding weight restrictions and appearance expectations for flight attendants. In the past, carriers like Air India and Pakistan International Airlines faced backlash for similar policies, eventually making adjustments due to public pressure.
Our neighbours over in New Zealand even considered weighting passengers! You can read that story here.
Some have argued that this type of regulation is outdated and discriminatory, with many Western countries, such as Australia and the United States, having already abandoned strict appearance-related policies in favour of gender-neutral uniform guidelines.
For example, Qantas released new guidelines for employees that provide one set of requirements for everyone, allowing staff of any gender to wear long hair, makeup or no makeup, and wear flat shoes. You can read the full story here.
As outrage surrounding Hainan Airlines' policy continues, this is a stark reminder of the progress and change necessary in many industries and around the world to ensure equal treatment and respect for all employees, regardless of gender or weight.
With all that being said, we encourage you, our dear Seniors Discount Club members, to stay informed and considerate when it comes to supporting businesses and travelling across the globe. Your actions and choices can make a difference!
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