Can I have tattoos as a flight attendant?

According to United's “Flight Attendant Uniform Appearance Standards“, tattoos must never be visible while you're in uniform. If your tattoo is on an area covered by the uniform, you do not violate the flight attendant's requirements.



The policy regarding tattoos for flight attendants has relaxed significantly by 2026, but it still varies greatly by airline. Many major carriers, such as Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, and Air New Zealand, now allow visible tattoos on the arms and legs, provided they are not offensive in nature and do not appear on the face, neck, or head. However, more traditional airlines—particularly those based in the Middle East like Emirates or Qatar Airways, and many Asian carriers—maintain a strict "no visible tattoos" policy, requiring them to be covered by the uniform at all times. Even at "tattoo-friendly" airlines, there are often limits on the size and placement of the ink. If you are an aspiring flight attendant with tattoos, the general rule is that if they can be covered by a long-sleeved shirt or trousers, you are usually safe. Always check the specific grooming standards of the airline you are applying to, as "visible" remains the key threshold for most recruitment teams.

People Also Ask

Aspiring cabin crew is also subjected to drug tests and sometimes alcohol tests to discover any substance abuse issues. Speech defects are not accepted. Any candidate with anemia, epilepsy, diabetes or such will not be considered fit to fly.

MORE DETAILS

Ear piercings are generally allowed for both flight attendants and pilots. However, each airline may have its own policy on piercings, so it is advisable to check with the specific airline.

MORE DETAILS

For seasoned flight attendants looking for earning potential, JetBlue, $103,000, and Alaskan Airlines, $113,000, are the highest paying airlines. Being a flight attendant can be a great long term career path.

MORE DETAILS

Delta Airlines – As a Delta Airlines flight attendant, no visible tattoos are permitted. Frontier Airlines – As a Frontier flight attendant, no visible tattoos are permitted. JetBlue – As a JetBlue flight attendant, no visible tattoos are permitted.

MORE DETAILS

It's difficult and can take a long time. Airlines can take 3-6 months to get through the hiring process, that's if your resume makes it through the first cut. Intense Competition. We estimate there are 1 – 1.5 million flight attendant applications for 5,000 – 10,000 jobs.

MORE DETAILS

It's a physical job, but not all flight attendants must be slim and trim. You do, however, have to fit into the flight attendant jumpseat. Flight attendants have no set weight requirements, as body types can vary even if two people are the same height and weight.

MORE DETAILS

Ultimately, tattoos can be hidden with makeup or covered with clothing but for some, removing visible tattoos is the only option to move forward as a flight attendant. If you think you need to remove a tattoo to become a flight attendant, Removery is here to help.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Delta Airlines is one of the best airlines to work for in the US. They offer competitive salaries and benefits, excellent training programs, and a clear career progression path. Delta also has a strong safety record and a good reputation in the industry.

MORE DETAILS

The TSA rules for a pat down are simple: if your hair sets the alarm off during screening, passengers will receive a pat-down by a same-sex officer. All hairstyles are subject to inspection, including braids.

MORE DETAILS

Good news is that yes, you can wear either glasses or contact lenses while working as a Flight Attendant! However, there is some bad news as well. Your vision needs to meet certain standards, so if your vision is too bad without glasses or lenses, unfortunately, airlines won't accept your application.

MORE DETAILS

Visible tattoos and piercings are generally not allowed, although some airlines have recently relaxed this rule. Cabin crew are only allowed to wear limited jewelry, including one ring and one set of earrings. Watches are required for timekeeping and emergency purposes.

MORE DETAILS

For aspiring flight attendants, Delta Air Lines, ranked by its employees as one of the best places to work, is also one of the most difficult places to get a job. It's harder to get invited to Delta flight attendant training than it is to get into Harvard University.

MORE DETAILS

United Airlines
Like JetBlue, United has one of the highest potential salaries for a flight attendant. After years of service at United, a flight attendant can bring home six figures.

MORE DETAILS

For aspiring flight attendants, Delta Air Lines, ranked by its employees as one of the best places to work, is also one of the most difficult places to get a job. It's harder to get invited to Delta flight attendant training than it is to get into Harvard University.

MORE DETAILS