Hair and beard The most important is that your hair appears clean and neat. The majority of airlines prefer their male staff to be clean-shaven. Some airlines are more relaxed when it comes to facial hair, as long as it's still possible to see your lips and facial hair looks well-trimmed and groomed.

In 2026, the requirement to be clean-shaven has relaxed significantly across the airline industry, though it is not a "free-for-all." Most major carriers, including United, Delta, and American, now allow male flight attendants to have facial hair, provided it is well-groomed, neatly trimmed, and professional. Typically, this means beards and mustaches must be maintained at a specific length (often no longer than 1 inch) and have defined edges on the neck and cheeks. "Stubble" or the "unshaven look" is generally still prohibited during the "growing-in" phase. However, some traditional international carriers, particularly in the Middle East and Asia, may still enforce a strictly clean-shaven policy to maintain a specific brand image. If you are applying for a role in 2026, the general rule is to check the specific "Grooming and Appearance" manual for that airline. Even for airlines that allow beards, you are often expected to be clean-shaven for the initial interview unless your facial hair is already fully grown and perfectly manicured.