HAIDILAO(HK:06862) 3 6 Ke·2025-07-25 08:18Core Viewpoint - The movement to allow female flight attendants to wear flat shoes instead of mandatory high heels is seen as a small but significant step towards addressing gender-related issues in the airline industry, although it is not sufficient to resolve the broader challenges faced by female crew members [1][3]. Group 1: Dress Code Changes - In April, a social media campaign led to a significant response, prompting airlines like Spring Airlines to allow female attendants to wear flat shoes during duty [1][6]. - A widely circulated template for improving female flight attendants' dress code includes five key points: freedom to choose between pants and skirts, replacing high heels with professional flat shoes, autonomy in eyewear choices, abolishing mandatory makeup, and eliminating the requirement for stockings [6][10]. - The initial cancellation of the high heel requirement by airlines like Spring Airlines reflects a growing recognition of the safety risks associated with high heels, especially during boarding and emergency situations [10][12]. Group 2: Safety Concerns - High heels pose safety risks for flight attendants, particularly during boarding and emergency evacuations, where the potential for accidents increases [8][10]. - The mandatory wearing of stockings has been criticized for being unsafe, as they are flammable and can pose additional risks during emergencies [10][12]. - The dress code has historically prioritized aesthetics over practicality, with many airlines still enforcing outdated standards that do not align with modern safety protocols [14][19]. Group 3: Gender Dynamics and Service Expectations - Female flight attendants often face unrealistic service expectations, being perceived as "universal service providers" responsible for addressing a wide range of passenger needs, which can lead to overburdening [3][26]. - The industry has a history of sexualizing female flight attendants, with some airlines using their appearance as a marketing tool, which contributes to inappropriate behavior from passengers [17][19]. - The pressure to conform to traditional gender roles in the workplace continues to affect female flight attendants, who often feel compelled to provide excessive service to avoid complaints [26][39]. Group 4: Historical Context and Industry Evolution - The push for change in the airline industry is not new; female flight attendants have historically organized against gender discrimination, leading to significant changes in workplace policies [20][22]. - Despite the increase in workload and responsibilities for flight attendants, the dress code has remained largely unchanged since the 1970s, highlighting a disconnect between evolving job demands and outdated appearance standards [22][24]. - The airline industry is currently facing financial pressures, leading to a focus on cost-cutting measures that often compromise service quality and employee well-being [41][42].