Some studies have recommended wearing cotton clothing instead of
stockings or high heels. These recommendations apply to passengers as
well. Of course, in fires or other high-temperature situations, certain
materials pose risks regardless of who is wearing them. However, no
studies or empirical cases specifically targeting professionals have been
documented to date.
For example, during the JAL Flight 516 emergency evacuation
incident that occurred in early 2024, the key to everyone’s safe escape was
the crew’s effective execution of its training, not whether the crew was
wearing skirts or trousers.
Furthermore, during a recent turbulence incident involving Singapore
Airlines, the crew did not experience serious casualties due to wearing
fitted sarong uniforms. Therefore, the rest of the world may not agree with
the assertion that the current uniforms of Taiwanese airlines would increase
casualties. Thus, the Civil Aviation Administration will continue to
monitor global trends.
V.
Investigation and Analysis
1.
Analysis of Dress Codes
1)
Do the dress codes for female cabin crew constitute gender
discrimination?
This investigation is focused on female cabin crew dress codes. The
official term used by the International Civil Aviation Organization for
flight attendants is “cabin crew,” and their primary duties include ensuring
passenger safety; assisting with passenger evacuations, emergency
response, and providing service to address passengers’ physiological needs
associated with long-duration flights. 37
37
G.M., Wan (2013). “To be Powerful or Beautiful: A Discussion of Female Cabin
Crew Uniforms Based on the Asiana Airlines Incident.” Flight Safety Quarterly, p.
13.
46