"Dream - A domestic airline in China named Air Travel made headlines for allowing female flight attendants to not wear high heels. The company, based in Hunan province in central China, stated that the decision to allow female staff to wear flat shoes was to balance professional image, cabin safety, and employee health."

"Traditionally, high heels are part of the required uniform. However, prolonged use can cause physical discomfort and, in certain situations, flat shoes enhance stability and safety. This reflects our commitment to the professional needs and safety of passengers," said the airline as quoted by SCMP. The new policy is a rare occurrence. This change has been welcomed by female flight attendants."

A staff member told Hangzhou Daily that the initiative aims to reduce the burden on employees. “Flight attendants are allowed not to wear high heels while performing their duties, including boarding the plane and using passenger lifts and jet bridges,” she said. Some staff also shared photos of their shoes, showing the imprints left by their toes after hours of standing. Others displayed blister prevention patches designed for wearing high heels.

The Air Travel decision also follows a similar initiative in other countries, namely Indonesia. In June, photos featuring flight attendants from Super Air Jet in Indonesia went viral. They wore pants and flat shoes, instead of skirts and high heels as usual. The change in appearance received support on social media.