Have you thought about becoming a flight attendant and having a tattoo?
When applying for a flight attendant position with an airline, one of the most common requirements is: “Visible tattoos and piercings are not allowed.” So, what can be done about this?
The issue with piercings is quite simple: they can be removed and put back on. However, with tattoos, the situation gets a little more complicated. In this article, our goal is to help you find the most suitable solution for each case.
Can it be covered?
The first question that arises is whether the tattoo can be covered.
If the tattoo is not visible when wearing the uniform, the problem is solved: nowadays, most companies accept tattoos that are not visible.
The following diagram describes the allowed and prohibited areas in Etihad: this scheme is quite similar in most airlines.
Do the rules vary by company?
Despite the passage of time, the situation remains mostly the same: airlines generally do not accept visible tattoos.
However, some companies allow tattoos to be covered with patches or some form of camouflage, often makeup.
Some airlines are even beginning to consider accepting certain tattoos, like very small ones or those with neutral designs. But, since there are no clear criteria, they usually prefer to apply a strict policy and avoid the topic altogether.
Can I lie about it?
Based on previous experiences, we can say that the vast majority of people who lied about their tattoos were eventually rejected.
We strongly advise against lying to the interviewer. However, if you choose to do so, keep in mind that you must keep it a secret, or you risk losing your job.
Remember, during the course, you will have swimming tests, and you may need to undress during the medical exam. Are you sure you want to take that risk?
Why are tattoos and piercings not allowed?
They are not allowed because airlines use uniforms to clearly distinguish flight attendants from passengers in case of an emergency and to represent the airline to customers. Flight attendants’ fashion preferences are not of interest to any airline. This includes not only tattoos, but also piercings, unnatural hair dyes, dreadlocks, unusual nail shapes or colors, among others.
Different Perspectives
It’s important to keep in mind that what you think is cool and beautiful might be offensive to someone from a different culture. Working on an airplane means dealing with many different cultures, so it’s best to put aside personal opinions and aesthetic preferences when 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 considering laser removal or asking the airline if it’s possible to cover it with a patch or camouflage.
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