TAIPEI (TVBS News) — China Airlines (華航) announced Friday (Dec. 5) that cabin crew can now wear eyeglasses on duty. The airline is also considering allowing sneakers during flights. The policy shift marks a move toward greater practicality and employee comfort in uniform regulations for the Taiwan-based carrier. China Airlines ended a longstanding restriction on eyeglasses, responding to growing calls from labor unions for more flexible workplace policies. The airline aims to enhance comfort and safety for its cabin crew members.
The Taoyuan Flight Attendants Union (桃園市空服員職業工會) highlighted that liberalizing uniform policies aligns with international trends, advocating for workplace health and gender equality. The union noted that airlines have historically resisted uniform reforms due to "perceptions," yet many have begun allowing female attendants to wear pants since early this year. The union views the eyeglasses policy as progress toward more inclusive workplace standards.
Japan Airlines (日本航空) spearheaded a change in November by permitting both flight and ground crew to wear sneakers, gaining significant attention in the aviation industry. The Taoyuan Flight Attendants Union urged other international airlines to follow China Airlines' lead, advocating for the allowance of eyeglasses and sneakers during duties. The union emphasized that such policies improve workplace conditions and employee well-being.
These developments reflect a broader push within the aviation sector for more progressive uniform policies that prioritize employee comfort and workplace equality. The changes at China Airlines and Japan Airlines may influence other carriers to reconsider traditional uniform restrictions in the coming months. Industry observers anticipate that these policies could set new standards for the global aviation industry. ◼