Airlines like SAS, Air Baltic, and Virgin Atlantic have relaxed their policies to allow visible tattoos for European cabin crew, focusing on inclusivity, while others, such as Norwegian, allow small, coverable tattoos, and major carriers like British Airways generally require all tattoos to be covered by the uniform, though policies evolve. The trend is shifting towards allowing more individuality, but rules often depend on size, location (face/neck/hands usually restricted), and content.
No ... tattoos are not allowed by any airline in cabin crew job. If concealed in uniform, it is acceptable ...but at the time of recruitment, if it gets visible ...it is a BIG NO.
Generally, the policy says that no cabin crew can have visible distinctive mark (tattoos, scars, birthmarks). Most uniforms for cabin crew consist of a skirt(knee length) and short-sleeved shirt, so that it is forbidden to have tattoos or any visible marks on any of the body parts in sight.
Tattoos and piercing are acceptable provided they appear on parts of the body that are not visible when wearing uniform.
Have no visible tattoos or piercings (unless they can be discreetly covered) Have your CV and passport ready.
Minimum of 5'2” (1.57m) tall. No visible tattoos whilst in uniform.
As of January 22, Spirit has updated its contract of carriage, declaring passengers “shall not be permitted to board” or “may be required to leave an aircraft” if they are “barefoot or inadequately clothed, or whose clothing or article, including body art, is lewd, obscene, or offensive in nature.”
The public acceptance is playing a big role in that as well. Unlike some of the Middle Eastern's airlines, Emirates allows tattoos for their cabin crew. As long as tattoos are not visible while wearing the uniform it is acceptable.
The 35/7 rule for flight attendants limits Reserve Flight Attendants to a maximum of 35 flight hours in any seven consecutive days, primarily for scheduling purposes to manage fatigue and ensure safety, although actual operations can sometimes exceed this if waivers are used and regulations are met. While Lineholders often work to a 30/7 (30 hours in 7 days) limit, they can also complete trips exceeding 35 hours if they waive the rule. This rule, alongside recent FAA mandates for longer rest periods (like 10 hours after 14-hour shifts), aims to provide adequate recovery for cabin crews.
British Airways uniform policy requires that tattoos must never be visible outside the uniform. As a guide, areas shown in grey on this diagram will not be covered by our uniform (when wearing a short-sleeved shirt). No tattoos must be visible on the face, hands, neck or arms.
No visible tattoos while in Etihad uniform (cosmetic or bandage coverings are not permitted) Comfortable with irregular hours and working on a roster. Positive, confident, flexible, and friendly attitude. Passion for travel, people, and new experiences.
If you do not check in online up to 2 hours before your scheduled departure time, you may check in at the airport up to 40 minutes before departure, but you will be charged an airport check-in fee.
Medical & Fitness Issues
Airlines require good eyesight (with or without correction) and normal hearing. Must have stable blood pressure and no major health issues. Ability to handle long flights, jet lag, and irregular schedules. Conditions like severe asthma, skin allergies, or heart issues can be disqualifying.
Some airlines, like Scandinavian Airlines, Alaska, United, and Virgin Atlantic, also allow their flight attendants to have some tattoos.
Qantas Flight Attendant Tattoo Regulations
However, the airline's policy on tattoos remains the same – tattoos need to be covered up.
With experience, senior flight attendants may make around $80,287 annually, and some can earn as much as $115,000 or more per year. Pay is typically hourly and starts when the aircraft door closes, meaning preflight work (like boarding and prep) is often unpaid.
9/11 flight attendants' last words included Betty Ann Ong's "Pray for us" and Madeline Sweeney's "Oh my God, we're flying way too low," relayed during their final calls from American Airlines Flight 11, providing crucial info to ground crews before the plane hit the North Tower; CeeCee Lyles on Flight 93 left a message saying, "I love you," before passengers fought back.
Arson. Kidnapping or hostage taking. Rape or aggravated sexual abuse. Assault with intent to kill.
The good news… that doesn't necessarily mean you can't have any tattoos but ones that are 'visible' or on display on the hands, neck or face will generally stop you landing that dream job.
But again, it depends on the industry also – creative and media industries may be more relaxed than say, medical professionals or even sales roles. So if you're wondering if you can get a job in Dubai if you have a tattoo on your body? Yes, you most certainly can.
United Flight Attendants can have visible tattoos on their arms, wrists, ankles and feet if they are no larger than a United badge or are covered with a standard uniform piece.
WHY ARE TATTOOS AND PIERCINGS NOT ALLOWED? They are not allowed because airlines use uniforms to clearly distinguish flight attendants from passengers during emergencies and to represent the airline to clients. The fashion preferences of flight attendants are of little interest to any airline.
As part of the uniform launch, Jetstar is also relaxing more of its rules around staff grooming, including allowing multiple ear piercings and visible tattoos, with some exceptions. Tully says the airline already has some of the industry's most inclusive guidelines for gender-fluid dressing.
The paramount concern in aviation is safety. In emergency situations, pilots must don oxygen masks quickly and efficiently. Facial hair can disrupt the tight seal necessary between the mask and the face, potentially compromising the flow of oxygen. This is critical at high altitudes where oxygen levels are low.