Have you ever noticed that pilots don’t have beards? If you haven’t, neither have I. But think back—have you ever seen a pilot with a thick beard? I haven’t. Isn’t that curious?

While it varies from airline to airline, British Airways, one of the UK’s largest airlines, has clear grooming guidelines for pilots: “Men’s hair must be neat and well-groomed, staying within the boundaries of professional appearance. Long hair is prohibited.” Additionally, “for both men and women, only natural hair colors are allowed.”

While these guidelines focus on appearance, reflecting the airline’s professional image, experts reveal that a pilot’s facial hair can directly impact safety.

According to one flight academy, safety is the top priority for both passengers and crew members onboard—something we all know.

What’s surprising is that in emergencies, a pilot’s beard can compromise everyone’s safety.

Beards Can Cause Oxygen Leaks

The academy explains, “In an emergency, pilots must wear oxygen masks quickly and securely. However, facial hair can prevent the mask from sealing properly, which could result in oxygen not being supplied to the pilot correctly.”

They added, “The higher the altitude, the less oxygen is available. Whether or not the mask seals properly can be the difference between life and death. This is why regulations require pilots to remain clean-shaven—it’s non-negotiable.”

This claim is supported by a 1987 study, which found that beards interfere with the proper functioning of oxygen masks. The extent of interference depends on the length and thickness of the beard, the type of mask used, the mask’s suspension system, and the individual’s physical activity level.

Sauce from Sarah-Louise Kelly/Huffpost UK