I’m Transgender – Can I Be Cabin Crew?
Where Can You Work as Transgender Cabin Crew?
One of the big questions we’re often asked is whether you can work as Cabin Crew if you’re transgender.
The short answer is definitely a yes! If you’re transgender this shouldn’t be a barrier to working as Cabin Crew – but this depends on which part of the world you’re in.
Fortunately, airlines in the UK, USA and Australia have to abide by laws which state that discrimination on the basis of gender or gender identity is illegal. These rules apply both to the hiring process and once you’re employed.
Which Airlines Accept Transgender Cabin Crew?
Most European, North American or Australian airlines accept candidates of any gender. The list below features some airlines who celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, with specific inclusive initiatives such as Cathay Pacific’s ‘Fly with Pride’ or Virgin’s ‘Be Yourself’ manifesto:
- Aer Lingus
- British Airways
- Cathay Pacific
- easyJet
- KLM
- Ryanair
- Singapore Airlines
- SWISS Air
- Tui Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
Guidelines are also in place to protect transgender Cabin Crew for Western airlines from flying to destinations where gender identity is discriminated against.
Where You Can’t Be Transgender Cabin Crew
Airlines based in the Middle East and some parts of Asia will not employ transgender people as Cabin Crew. Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways are not ideal choices for the transgender community, to say the least.
The LGBTQ+ community is sadly criminalised in many countries and so it goes without saying that getting a Cabin Crew job would be out of the question. The following list of countries have specific laws banning transgender identity:
- Indonesia
- Kuwait
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Nigeria
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
- South Sudan
- United Arab Emirates
What if I’m Non-Binary?
Although this shouldn’t be an issue, it can be a bit tricky because of uniform requirements. Nearly all airlines have strict rules regarding uniform and personal appearance and will require specific all-male or all-female attire. While your gender identity is unique to you, you may have to make a choice regarding which uniform you’d like to wear.
Are You Transgender Cabin Crew?
We’d love to hear from any of you in the LGBTQ+ community who are loving your life in the air. Drop us a line and we could feature you on our site!
Transgender and Want to Be Cabin Crew?
If you’re still planning your future dream career in the skies, you’ll find it worthwhile enrolling on our online course which will give you all the info (and inspo!) you need to land a job. Also check out our eBooks which are jammed full of helpful tips to get you flying!
