Have you ever wondered why a pilot doesn’t have a beard? This is why airlines ban facial hairstyles
Have you ever wondered why all pilots wear a clean shaved look? Well, not everyone is somehow getting into the same beauty style. The real reason behind this is that most airlines limit pilots’ beards.
Have you ever wondered how all pilots wear a sleek, clean shave look? Well, not everyone is somehow getting into the same beauty style. The real reason behind this is that airlines often restrict pilots from growing beards. Let’s tell you why this is the case.
Answer under your nose
The main reason most airlines ban pilots from wearing beards is that it can affect the installation of oxygen masks, which is crucial in emergencies. Poor sealed masks can lead to oxygen leakage, resulting in reduced oxygen flow and impair its ability to function well.
This rule is also generally applicable to cabin crew members.
Research on supporting rules
A 1987 study found that for those wearing beards, 16% to 67% of oxygen mask leaks, concluding that it is enough to cause a lack of oxygen flow in the lungs.
But the policy differs between airlines, as some of them allow pilots and crew to keep their beards.
Why the rules don’t apply to passengers
Meanwhile, some airlines have enforced modification standards to maintain a uniform appearance, as pilots represent the company’s image.
However, these rules do not apply to passengers. That’s because they may not need to perform high-energy activities (improving respiration rates) like pilots and crews.
