What happened
Hawaiian Airlines pilots are no longer allowed to have beards as of April 2026, ending a decades-long exception tied to Hawaiian culture. This change is part of Alaska Air Group's broader integration of labor groups and uniform standards. While mustaches remain approved, beards are prohibited to ensure compliance with FAA guidance regarding oxygen mask seal integrity. Alaska Air Group executives cited recent flight decompression events as a reminder of the importance of proper mask usage. The decision aligns Hawaiian with the majority of U.S. carriers, despite some debate over the safety data