Are Cabin Crew Tattoos Allowed? Flight Attendant Tattoo Policy

  • Tattoos are allowed on cabin crew members, but it should not be visible when they are wearing the flight attendant uniform.
  • Airlines have different policies when it comes to tattoos. Some airlines are more lenient than others.
  • If you’re thinking of getting a tattoo, consider where on your body you will get it and whether or not the airline you want to work for has any restrictions against visible tattoos.

Can I apply to become a flight attendant even if I have tattoos? The short answer to this question is YES, you can have tattoos and still become a cabin crew, but it should NOT be visible when you are wearing the flight attendant uniform!

While some airlines will allow you to have tattoos, there are certain guidelines and regulations that you will need to follow.

First of all, it depends on which airline you want to work for. Some airlines have very strict rules when it comes to tattoos. For example, Emirates cabin crew are not allowed to have any visible tattoos when you wear their uniforms.

Other airlines are a bit more relaxed about it. For example, United Airlines have relaxed their tattoo rules and allow employees to have tattoos, provided they are the size of the employee’s work badge or smaller.

So before you get inked, make sure you do your research and find out the tattoo policy of the airline you want to work for.

can i work as a cabin crew with tattooWhy do airline companies have strict tattoo policies for cabin crew

Tattoos can be seen as unprofessional by airline companies. They can also be seen as a distraction and something that could negatively affect the customer experience. Airlines want their cabin crew to look professional and neat, and tattoos do not always reflect that image.

It is important to keep in mind the following:

  • First, many airlines have strict policies about visible tattoos. So if you have any tattoos that can’t be covered by your uniform, it may limit your ability to work for certain airlines.
  • Second, even if an airline doesn’t have a tattoo policy, that doesn’t mean that they won’t prefer candidates without tattoos.

So if you’re serious about becoming a cabin crew, it’s probably best to avoid any visible tattoo.

Which Airlines Allow Cabin Crew to Have a Tattoo?

Most airlines will have a policy in place regarding tattoos. This is usually based on the cultural norms of the countries that the airline flies to. For example, some Middle Eastern countries may have stricter policies in place due to religious beliefs.

As a general rule of thumb, it is best to keep your tattoos covered while at work. Some airlines may allow small, discreet tattoos but it is always best to check with your airline before going ahead with any ink.

American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Easyjet, Southwest and Delta Airlines allow employees to have tattoos so long as they cover it up using bandage or makeup.

United Airlines have announced new policies with appearance and have also relaxed their tattoo rules. They now allow employees to have tattoos, provided they are the size of the employee’s work badge or smaller.

Getting a Tattoo as a Cabin Crew

If you are thinking of getting a tattoo, it is also worth considering where on your body you will get it. Remember that you will be wearing a uniform for most of your working day and some areas may be more visible than others.

Overall, as long as you are willing to cover up your tattoos while at work, you should have no problem becoming a cabin crew member with ink. Just be sure to check with your airline first to make sure they are okay with it.

flight attendant tattoo airline

Can cabin crew hide their tattoos with a cover or makeup?

There is a lot of cabin crew who have tattoos, and while some airlines have no problem with this, others require that tattoos be covered while on duty.

It also depends on the location of the tattoo. If is on your chest or your back, you can easily cover it up with an undershirt beneath your uniform. So it is safe and okay.

However, if you have a tattoo on your arm or hand, you may need to check the policy with your airline employer. Some airlines strictly do not allow tattoos on visible parts of the body and they do not allow them even if the crew will inform them they will cover it with make-up, bandage, or an accessory.

There are a few cabin crew who have even had their tattoos removed in order to comply with their airline’s policy. In the end, it really depends on the airline and what their policy is. Some are more lenient than others, but most cabin crews are ultimately able to find a way to cover their tattoos while on duty.

I am a man, can I have a tattoo on my arm and still work as a flight attendant?

If you have a tattoo on your arm and it can be covered by your uniform (long or short sleeves), then it’s okay. Again, this depends on the company uniform and tattoo policies. Some airlines have short-sleeve uniforms so you have to check the length of the shirt.

I am a woman, I have a tattoo on my legs, can I still apply to work as a crew?

If the tattoo will be concealed as you wear your uniform, then it is still fine.

I have a tattoo on my back, can I work as a flight attendant?

Yes, you are allowed to wear undergarments in your uniform, and you won’t be taking off your shirt when you work, so you can have a tattoo on your back and still work as a crew.

Can I cover my tattoo with my watch?

It is on a case-to-case basis and it depends on how strict the airline company is. Most likely not as the usual rule is that the tattoo should be concealed by your crew uniform.

Video: Cabin Crew Tattoo Guide

Here’s a quick video guide uploaded on YouTube about flight attendants and tattoos:

Summary

Airline companies may view tattoos as unprofessional. They can also be seen as a disturbance and, perhaps, jeopardize the client’s experience. The airline staff wants to appear professional and neat, which is not always the case with tattoos.

If you’re serious about becoming a cabin crew member for an airline company with strict rules when it comes to tattoos, then make sure to do your research before getting anything done so that you can avoid any possible disqualification from employment based on appearance guidelines.