Virgin Atlantic Updates Gender Identity Policy

(03/10/22)  Virgin Atlantic has updated its gender identity policy, giving crew, pilots and ground staff the option to choose which uniform best represents them – no matter their gender, gender identity or gender expression.

This means that LGBTQ+ staff at Virgin Atlantic will be able to choose either the red or burgundy uniform, depending on which best reflects themselves.

The decision is complemented by the roll out of optional pronoun badges for all the airline's staff as well as those travelling with the airline. Customers simply need to ask for their preferred badge at the check-in desk or in the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse.

The UK-based airline has also updated its ticketing systems to allow for those who hold passports with gender neutral gender markers to select ‘U’ or ‘X’ gender codes on their booking as well as the gender-neutral title, ‘Mx’.

Virgin Atlantic A350-1000. Picture by Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com

Currently citizens from a small number of countries including the USA, India and Pakistan, are able to hold such passports and travellers must travel on the codes that match their passport.

Mandatory inclusivity training will also be rolled out for all levels of staff across Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Atlantic Holidays, as well as a series of inclusivity learning initiatives for tourism partners and hotels.

Juha Jarvinen, Virgin Atlantic’s Chief Commercial Officer, said, “At Virgin Atlantic, we believe that everyone can take on the world, no matter who they are. That’s why it’s so important that we enable our people to embrace their individuality and be their true selves at work. It is for that reason that we want to allow our people to wear the uniform that best suits them and how they identify and ensure our customers are addressed by their preferred pronouns.”

The changes follow a decision in 2019 to offer cabin crew the choice whether to wear make-up as well as the option to wear trousers and flat shoes. More recently the airline lifted restrictions around allowing visible tattoos for crew members and its front line people.

The airline’s initiatives also include an update of its existing trans inclusion policies, which already allows time off for medical treatments related to gender transition, personal choice of changing and shower facilities that align with the gender a person identifies as and co-creation of a personalised transitioning plan.

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