You’ve got ink. Maybe a sleeve. A small wrist tattoo. Or a few ear piercings. And somewhere along the way, someone told you that flight attendants can’t have any of it.
That’s only partly true. The honest answer is that it depends on the airline.
American Airlines doesn’t allow visible tattoos in uniform or in training. Alaska Airlines allows some, with limits on size and placement. Virgin Atlantic went further and became the first UK airline to let crew show their tattoos in uniform. Three airlines, three completely different answers.
So I went through the appearance standards of nine airlines to see what they actually say about tattoos and piercings. Some of it will surprise you. For example, an airline may let you keep a tattoo but forbid you from covering it with makeup. Another may accept an ear piercing but reject a nose stud.
Below are 9 things worth knowing before you apply, change your look or book that tattoo-removal session. Airline policies change. So treat this as a starting point and check each airline’s careers page for the current rules.
1. Having Tattoos Does Not Automatically Disqualify You
If you have tattoos and dream of becoming a flight attendant, don't assume you have to give up on that career.
Some airlines allow visible tattoos. Others require you to cover every tattoo while wearing the uniform. A few have specific rules about where tattoos can appear and how large they can be.
For example, Virgin Atlantic changed its policy to allow crew members to show visible tattoos while in uniform. WestJet has also updated its policy to give frontline employees more freedom to showcase visible tattoos.
The first thing to do is check the requirements of the airline you want to join. Having a tattoo is not automatically the end of your flight attendant ambitions. Though, these nine things can disqualify you from being a flight attendant. And here is a list of twelve qualities for aspiring flight attendants.
2. Every Airline Has Its Own Tattoo Policy
There is no single tattoo policy that applies to every airline. One carrier may allow visible tattoos on your arms. While another may require you to cover them completely.
Here are some examples of what major airlines say.
American Airlines
“No visible tattoos or body art. No ear gauges or more than one (1) earring per ear lobe. No facial piercings or decorative dental embellishments.”
What's more, the airline also specifies that “visible tattoos are not permitted while in uniform or in training.” It adds that bandages, see-through gauze, pantyhose and sleeve accessories cannot be used to cover tattoos.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines allows some tattoos. But there are limits on their location and size.
Its policy states: “No visible tattoos on face, front of neck or chest. One tattoo the size of a quarter or smaller allowed per hand. No uniform piece will cover a hand tattoo. One tattoo per arm/leg/foot/back of neck/behind ear. Tattoos on the back of neck and behind the ears are only permitted as long as they're not visible when looking directly at a person. Tattoos may only be covered with a uniform piece or approved jewelry/watch. Bandages, makeup or compression sleeves cannot be used to cover tattoos.”
For example, a small tattoo on your hand may be acceptable under Alaska's rules. But that does not mean the airline will allow several visible tattoos on the same hand.
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines takes a stricter approach to visible body art.
Its policy states:
“No visible body art while wearing standard uniform pieces of your choice which include short and long sleeve shirt/blouse or dress/skirt. Flight Attendants may not have visible body art, either temporary or permanent, when wearing the uniform. Tattoos must not be seen performing natural movement such as reaching (lifted arms above the head), bending, sitting, etc. Tattoos cannot be covered with makeup (concealer/foundation), bandages or jewelry.”
The reference to natural movement matters. A tattoo that disappears when you stand still may become visible when you reach overhead, bend down or sit.
Delta Air Lines
Delta does not permit visible tattoos during its flight attendant recruitment process.
Its guidance states: “Visible tattoos are not permitted and must be covered by clothing or waterproof make-up. Bandages are not suitable for coverage of tattoos at any time. ”
Notice that this wording specifically addresses the interview process. You should check Delta's current appearance requirements for the full employment and uniform standards rather than assuming that the recruitment wording answers every question about tattoos after hiring.
British Airways
British Airways allows tattoos as long as they cannot be seen.
Its guidance states that “tattoos are permissible as long as they are not visible. This means tattoos must not be on candidates' hands, face or head.”
The airline also has specific piercing rules, which we will look at below.
WestJet
WestJet announced a change to its tattoo policy alongside its new uniforms in September 2022. The airline said: “Along with the new uniforms, WestJet recently updated its tattoo policy to ensure frontline staff have the freedom to showcase visible tattoos and celebrate individuality, while wearing their uniform and representing the airline.”
This is a useful example of how airline appearance standards can change. A policy that once restricted visible tattoos may become more flexible.
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic has taken a notably inclusive approach to visible tattoos.
The airline said:
“We've always encouraged our people to bring their whole selves to work and take pride in what makes them special. Many have tattoos to reflect their unique identities. That's why we've changed our policy on visible tattoos - becoming the first UK airline to allow them to show off their ink to the world when in uniform.”
If you visible tattoos, this is an airline worth considering. However, always check its current recruitment and uniform requirements before applying.
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United Airlines
United allows certain visible tattoos. But the size and location matter. Its flight attendant appearance standards allow tattoos on the arms, wrists, legs and feet within specified limits. The policy restricts visible tattoos on the face, neck, chest, hands and head, including behind the ear.
United also limits the size and number of tattoos that may be visible in the permitted areas. Tattoos that do not meet the requirements must be covered according to the airline's uniform standards.
SkyWest Airlines
SkyWest also allows some visible tattoos within limits. Its published appearance guidance addresses tattoo coverage, placement and offensive imagery.
For example, it specifies that visible tattoos must meet the airline's standards and that tattoos requiring coverage must be concealed using approved methods. The airline also has restrictions on facial piercings.
The airline says "visible tattoos are permitted with limitations based on dimension and location. Tattoos that do not fall within these guidelines must be covered by the uniform or with skin tone compatible tattoo makeup," adding that "bandages are not an approved form of tattoo coverage. Offensive tattoos must not be visible."
The lesson is simple: don't use one airline's policy to judge your chances with another. Read the requirements of each carrier separately.
3. The Location of Your Tattoo Matters
You might have a large tattoo and still meet an airline's appearance requirements. Someone with a much smaller tattoo may not.
Why? Placement.
A tattoo on your back, thigh or upper arm may be easy to conceal with the uniform. A tattoo on your hand, face or neck is much harder to hide.
For example, Alaska Airlines permits one tattoo per hand, provided it is no larger than a quarter. It also allows certain tattoos on the arms, legs and feet.
American Airlines, on the other hand, does not permit visible tattoos while in uniform or training.
Before you apply, think about where your tattoos are located. Consider what happens when you wear short sleeves, a skirt or a dress. Also consider whether the tattoo becomes visible when you reach, bend or sit.
Don't just check how it looks when you are standing in front of a mirror.
4. Piercing Rules Are Different From Tattoo Rules
An airline that accepts tattoos may still have strict rules about piercings.
Some carriers allow one or two earrings. Others permit only a small stud in the ear. Facial piercings are often more restricted.
British Airways, for example, states:
“Our uniform standards require a simple, elegant look. A single ear piercing is allowed, in one or both ears and no more than 10mm in diameter. These can be round or square. No other visible body piercings including tongue, tongue retainer and nose studs are allowed.”
SkyWest's appearance guideline says "single stud nose piercings that are 2mm or smaller are allowed and two piercings are allowed per ear," adding that "gauges must be plugged with clear or skin toned plugs and must not exceed ½”. Other facial, mouth, or tongue piercings are not permitted."
American Airlines allows one earring per earlobe but does not allow facial piercings or decorative dental embellishments.
United Airlines permits up to two earrings per ear, subject to size and style restrictions. It also allows a single small nostril stud. But not nose hoops, septum piercings or other facial piercings.
Delta says "a single side-nose piercing with a pinhead stud is permitted. Gold, silver, white pearl, or clear diamond/diamond-like studs only. No other facial or visible body piercings are allowed."
Furthermore, the airline says "a maximum of two earrings per ear are permitted. Earrings may be gold, silver, white pearl, or clear diamond/diamond-like studs only and should be no larger than a dime. No hoop earrings. Ear stretching gauges are not permitted."
So, having several ear piercings or a nose ring does not necessarily mean you cannot become a flight attendant. It means you need to check whether the airline allows them to remain visible while you are working.
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5. Some Airlines Allow Visible Tattoos, but Only Within Strict Limits
An airline may allow tattoos without accepting every tattoo, regardless of size, placement or content.
For example, United Airlines allows limited visible tattoos on certain parts of the arms, wrists, legs and feet. But it restricts the size and number of tattoos that can be shown.
Alaska Airlines also has limits. Its policy allows one tattoo per arm, leg, foot, back of neck or behind the ear, subject to its visibility rules. Hand tattoos must be no larger than a quarter.
These policies are different from a blanket ban. They give applicants some room. But you still need to meet the specific conditions.
Also, a tattoo's content can matter. Airlines may prohibit visible tattoos that they consider offensive, discriminatory, violent or otherwise inappropriate.
6. You May Not Be Allowed to Cover a Tattoo With Makeup
This is something you should check before applying. You might think a tattoo is not a problem because you can cover it with makeup, a bandage or a sleeve. Unfortunately, some airlines specifically prohibit these methods.
American Airlines says: “Note: bandages, see-through gauze, pantyhose or sleeve accessories may not be used to cover tattoos. Piercings: one earring per ear lobe is allowed; no other visible body piercings are permitted while in uniform.”
Alaska Airlines also prohibits using bandages, makeup or compression sleeves to cover tattoos. It allows coverage only with a uniform piece or approved jewelry or a watch.
Hawaiian Airlines similarly says tattoos cannot be covered with makeup, bandages or jewelry.
Delta's recruitment guidance is different. It permits clothing or waterproof makeup during the interview process. Bbut says bandages are not suitable.
Granted, these rules can seem unnecessarily strict if you already have a tattoo. But they are part of the appearance standards you are expected to follow. Never assume you can simply cover a tattoo on the day of your interview.
7. Ear Gauges and Multiple Piercings Can Be a Problem
If you have stretched earlobes, several ear piercings or facial piercings, check the airline's rules before attending an interview.
American Airlines does not allow ear gauges and permits no more than one earring per earlobe.
British Airways allows one ear piercing in one or both ears, with earrings no larger than 10mm in diameter. It does not allow other visible body piercings, including tongue and nose studs.
United Airlines is more flexible about earrings. It permits up to two earrings per ear, with restrictions on their size and style. Its standards also address gauge plugs.
For example, a person with two ordinary earrings in each ear may meet United's requirements but fail to meet American's.
The same applies to nose rings, septum piercings and tongue piercings. Don't assume that because a piercing is small, an airline will accept it.
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8. Your Appearance May Be Checked During Recruitment
Airline appearance standards are not just suggestions. They can form part of the recruitment process.
Delta, for example, specifically requires visible tattoos to be covered throughout its interview process, including the Reach & Snap activity at Event Day.
This means you should prepare before attending an assessment event. Wear clothing that meets the airline's instructions and make sure any tattoos are covered using a method the airline accepts.
If you are unsure whether a tattoo or piercing is permitted, contact the recruitment team before your interview. It is better to ask than to arrive and discover that something you thought was acceptable violates the policy.
9. Check the Current Policy Before Removing a Tattoo or Piercing
Please don't rush to remove a tattoo simply because you want to become a flight attendant.
As I mentioned earlier, airline policies change. WestJet's 2022 announcement is one example of a carrier changing its approach to visible tattoos. Virgin Atlantic has also changed its policy to allow crew members to show their tattoos.
You may have more options than you think.
Start by checking the official careers page of the airline you want to join.
Look for its current tattoo, piercing and uniform standards. If the information is unclear, contact its recruitment team.
And remember, an airline's policy may distinguish between the interview stage, training and working in uniform. Make sure you understand which rules apply at each stage before making a decision about your body.
Final Thoughts
If you remember one thing from this list, make it this: don’t judge your chances by someone else’s airline.
American’s rules aren’t Alaska’s. Alaska’s aren’t Virgin Atlantic’s. A tattoo that rules you out at one carrier may be perfectly fine at another. And policies move. WestJet loosened its tattoo rules in 2022. Virgin Atlantic changed its policy to welcome visible ink. What’s banned today may be allowed tomorrow.
So before you do anything permanent, do these four things:
Read the official policy. Check the airline’s careers page for its tattoo, piercing and uniform standards.
Test your tattoo in motion. Reach overhead, bend and sit. Some airlines, like Hawaiian, care about what shows when you move, not when you stand still.
Know the covering rules. Some airlines ban makeup, bandages and sleeves. Others allow waterproof makeup, at least during interviews.
Ask the recruiter. If you’re not sure whether something is allowed, ask before your interview. It’s better to ask than to be told no after you’ve traveled for it.
And don’t rush to remove anything. Look for an airline whose standards fit you before you decide to change your body to fit an airline.
Your tattoos are part of your story. Some airlines will ask you to cover that story, and some will welcome it. Your job is to find out which is which, then choose the one you can live with.
