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.

British Airways has a strict policy regarding visible tattoos for its cabin crew and uniform-wearing staff. As of 2026, the airline allows tattoos only if they can be entirely covered by the standard uniform. This means that tattoos on the hands, face, head, or neck are generally not permitted, as they cannot be concealed by the crew's attire. If a tattoo is on the arm, it must be covered by a long-sleeved shirt or blouse; if it is on the leg, it must be covered by trousers or opaque hosiery. Unlike some competitors that have moved toward more relaxed grooming standards, British Airways maintains a more traditional "elegant and professional" aesthetic. During the recruitment process, candidates are often required to undergo a "tattoo check" to ensure any ink they possess meets these visibility requirements, and any failure to disclose a visible tattoo can result in an offer of employment being withdrawn.