Have you thought about taking the flight attendant course and have a tattoo?
When applying for a position with an airline as a flight attendant, one of the most common requirements is: “Visible tattoos or piercings are not allowed.” So, what can be done about it?
The issue of piercings is quite simple to address: they can be removed and put back on. With tattoos, however, the situation becomes a bit more complicated. In this article, we aim to help you find the most suitable solution for each case.
CAN IT BE COVERED?
The first question that arises is whether it can be covered.
If the tattoo is not visible while wearing the uniform, the problem is solved: most companies today accept non-visible tattoos.
The following diagram outlines the acceptable and prohibited areas at Etihad: this scheme is quite similar across most airlines.
DO THE RULES VARY BY COMPANY?
Despite the passing years, the situation remains almost the same: airlines generally do not accept visible tattoos.
In some companies, however, they allow tattoos to be covered with patches or some form of camouflage, often makeup.
Some airlines are even starting to consider accepting certain tattoos, such as very small ones or those with neutral designs. But without clear criteria, they often prefer to apply a strict policy and avoid the issue altogether.
CAN I LIE ABOUT IT?
Based on prior experiences, we can say that the vast majority of people who lied about their tattoos were eventually dismissed.
We strongly discourage lying to your interviewer. However, if you choose to do so, keep in mind that you will need to keep the secret well-hidden or risk losing your job.
Remember, there are moments during the course when swimming tests are conducted, and you may need to undress during the medical exam. Are you sure you want to take that chance?
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. This extends beyond tattoos to include piercings, unnatural hair colors, dreadlocks, nails with unusual shapes or colors, and more.
DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES
It’s important to consider that what might seem cool and beautiful to you could be offensive to someone from another culture. Working on a plane means dealing with many different cultures, so it’s best to set aside personal opinions and aesthetic preferences while wearing the uniform.
WHAT CAN I DO IF I HAVE A TATTOO IN A VISIBLE AREA?
If you have a tattoo in a visible area and want to become a flight attendant, we recommend immediately considering laser removal or asking the airline if it’s possible to cover it with a patch or camouflage.
For more information about the Flight Attendant Course at GTA Madrid, click here. Or contact us with no obligation:
info@globaltrainingaviation.com / 91 329 53 17
