Vueling has moved to align with a sanctions proposal it received, acknowledging that actions by the Catalan Generalitat and its own leadership played a role. The airline previously enforced a dress code affecting female cabin crew, requiring heels, makeup, and mascara within a specific height range. This policy, in place until last year, was redesigned to be more inclusive. The company states that makeup requirements have already been lifted and is negotiating shoe-related accommodations with union representatives.
The carrier chose not to challenge a 30,000 euro fine. Investigative reporting from EL PERIÓDICO, part of the Prensa Ibérica group, indicated that Vueling will remit the amount to the Catalan administration shortly. Prompt payment and acknowledgment of the issue can lead to a reduction in the sanction, with a potential 40 percent decrease noted as part of the settlement terms.
Following a preliminary inspection, the airline faced penalties related to equality issues commonly seen in the aviation sector, where dress codes for women have historically been stricter. A complaint from the cabin crew union led to enforcement actions by the regional labour authorities that mirrored responses in other industries facing similar concerns. The related fine, which was contested by Ferrovial, was upheld by the Supreme Court of Catalonia (TSJC), resulting in a payment obligation of 25,000 euros and addressing similar dress code concerns from a prior incident in 2018, tied to service leadership roles within the hostess context.
The movement against the policy received scrutiny from regulators who argued that a balanced corporate image should not infringe on workers’ fundamental rights. The line of reasoning suggested that a less burdensome appearance could coexist with clear, professional standards for cabin crew members.
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Company statements indicate there is currently no gender discrimination present in the image code requested of cabin crew or in makeup expectations. Four types of footwear have been introduced, including one option with a flat sole, to offer comfort and practicality for flight attendants.
Vueling has chosen not to pursue further claims arising from an April 2022 complaint and aims to work internally on updating the style guide to reflect current needs. This process is intended to yield a more inclusive standard without compromising safety or professionalism, and the company is progressing with that internal revision.
The airline will not continue with legal actions and is concentrating on a comprehensive review of the style guide to establish an overarching image. Acknowledging a serious equity concern, the firm will not appeal in court, which would have delayed payment pending a final decision. If the outcome had favored the company, the proposed sanction would have been dismissed and the penalty amount would have been archived.