However, under the new policy Qantas workers will still have to keep tattoos covered up. The rules also specify which items of uniform can be worn together, including requiring tights or stockings to be worn with skirts. The announcement from Qantas came after some other airlines have relaxed their uniform policies.
And while it's okay for crew members to have tattoos, they must cover up their ink while working.
Common Airline Tattoo Policy
Most airlines have a similar policy when it comes to tattoos. They allow pilot tattoos as long as they are not visible while on duty and do not contain any offensive content. This means that any tattoos on the hands, neck, or face must be covered up while on duty.
So long as the tattoos aren't offensive, Pilots, Flight Attendants and any other employees are permitted to have tattoos that are visible whilst wearing their uniform. This can enable employees to express their individuality, or more importantly: their cultural heritage.
Several carriers have relaxed their rules to allow visible tattoos so long as they are deemed “not offensive.” United and Alaska Airlines are two examples–both have a “badge rule”–your ink cannot be larger than your uniform's badge.
Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant Tattoo Policy
Alaska Airlines has one of the least strict tattoo policies. They have the “badge rule,” meaning tattoos are not larger than your badge (which is about the size of a credit card.)
These medical conditions include a personality disorder manifested by overt acts, a psychosis, alcoholism, drug dependence, epilepsy, an unexplained disturbance of consciousness, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, and diabetes requiring medication for its control.
Emirates policy regarding cabin crew tattoos
Tattoos are allowed as long as they are not visible whilst in uniform. “No visible tattoos while in Emirates Cabin Crew uniform (cosmetic and bandage coverings not permitted).”
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD ), formerly called Attention Deficit Disorder ( ADD ), and medications used for treatment may result in cognitive deficits that would make an airman unsafe to perform pilot duties.
Sleeve Length:
Long sleeve pilot shirts are not the norm, but can look more professional and can be more insulating in winter. Too short: Cuffs leave wrist bones exposed, or disappear entirely within the pilot jacket.
In most large commercial airlines, pilots are allowed to have facial hair, as are the flight attendants. However, this facial hair does need to be kept tidy (neatly trimmed) or stylish (longer beard styles) and shouldn't make the aviation pilot look less professional.
Australia has no national laws that make it illegal for employers to ban visible body ink in the workplace or to reject applicants because of their tattoos.
Qatar Airlines' Rules
As a state-owned company, Qatar Airways does not hire flight attendants with any tattoos. You are not allowed any tattoos at all, whether they are visible in your uniform or not. It's important that you don't lie about any tattoos as this will be checked during your medical examination.
Per the airline's guidelines, visible tattoos aren't allowed while wearing the flight attendant uniform, even if covered by makeup, jewelry, or a bandage. The policy prohibits tattoos in areas visible while wearing the cabin crew uniform, such as the face, ears, hands, wrists, and neck.
While cigarette smoking is not prohibited by the FAA, it has several hazardous side effects and many health conditions caused by smoking are medically disqualifying. A smoker typically carries a carbon monoxide blood level of about five percent.
There are no specific height restrictions for pilots under FAA rules. Flight schools and commercial airlines accept pilots for training as long as they are physically able to reach the controls and obtain a full rudder deflection in the aircraft they will operate.
The Army has a strict policy regarding personal appearance. The acceptability of tattoos and body piercings will be assessed on a case by case basis by Defence Force Recruiting. If you are considering getting either please contact us for guidance as this may affect your application.
This means hair must be pulled back (ponytail or bun) for hair longer than the shoulders. Crisp, tailored uniforms are also fire retardant and non-absorbent. They also specify no visible tattoos. Virgin Australia has similar requirements to Qantas.
The simple answer is – yes, according to discrimination law experts. In most states, anti-discrimination legislation does not offer protection for physical features, including tattoos and piercings.
The most important thing you need to consider when you're flying with a new tattoo is how dry the air in a plane is. You've probably noticed before that your skin dries out and you feel dehydrated more easily when you fly, and that's kryptonite to a tattoo.
The ideal time to fly after having a tattoo would be seven days. This period will give the tattoo time to start to heal, and the wound will have closed. It will also give you time to see how well the tattoo is healing and know if you have any issues with it, such as allergic reaction, infection, swelling, or leaking.
Generally speaking, some very small private airlines might have more relaxed requirements, but the larger companies would most likely not allow long hair on their male pilots.