Hawaiian Airlines pilots will need to shave their beards this month as Alaska Airlines enforces new uniform and appearance standards, according to an April 4 announcement. The change comes as part of the ongoing integration between the two airlines, with Alaska citing safety concerns and compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidance.
The issue matters because it highlights a clash between longstanding safety regulations and cultural practices within the airline industry. Hawaiian pilots had previously been allowed to wear beards for cultural reasons, but this exemption is ending as Alaska implements unified standards for all flight crews.
Alaska’s system chief pilot Scott Day stated in an internal email that mustaches will still be permitted but beards “will not be authorized” on the flight deck to “ensure compliance with FAA guidance.” Dave Mets, Vice President of Flight Operations at Alaska Airlines, addressed potential controversy in a separate message: “I recognize this is an important issue for many and do not want to be insensitive or vague about it in any way. I fully understand that this is a policy decision many of you do not and may never agree with.”
The debate over facial hair centers on safety equipment manufacturers’ advice that pilot beards can interfere with oxygen masks, potentially causing leaks during emergencies. This concern was highlighted after the January 2024 incident involving Flight AS1282 when crew members needed oxygen masks due to a door plug detachment mid-flight. Although a recent Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University study found no evidence that beards reduce mask efficacy, Alaska says its own research supports existing FAA rules.
Other airlines have also moved toward stricter grooming policies. Qantas recently introduced a clean-shaven requirement for its pilots over similar safety concerns, though critics argue these decisions are based on outdated science and point out some major carriers still allow well-groomed facial hair.
As Simple Flying reports, while Hawaiian has traditionally allowed more relaxed rules regarding tattoos—reflecting local heritage—the merger has led to changes such as removing Hawaiian’s iconic ‘Pualani’ livery from aircraft in favor of Alaska’s new design. Simple Flying features contributions from aviation journalists and experts according to the official website. The publication serves a global audience interested in aviation matters as indicated on its website, delivers news and analysis aimed at enthusiasts and professionals worldwide as noted by Simple Flying, offers daily updates and airline reviews per its official site, caters globally according to Simple Flying, and functions as part of Valnet Publishing Group according to its website.
Looking ahead, industry observers will watch whether other airlines follow suit or if evolving research leads regulators or companies like Alaska Airlines to revisit these grooming policies.
