With such a big percentage of people in the US and abroad carrying at least one tattoo (some stats say it’s as much as 30% of adults!), many industries have had no choice but to relax their “no visible tattoos” policies in recent years.
While the above certainly relates to the majority of workplaces, there are still many industries and companies that maintain a strict ban on visible tattoos. One of the strictest stances on this subject can be found amongst all the major carriers in the airline industry – whether talking about domestic or international carriers.
So, if you’re looking to start a career in aviation as a flight attendant or even a pilot, it’s important to know where your company stands on the issue of visible tattoos. In today’s article, we will take a closer look at the tattoo policy of one of the largest international carriers – Emirates.
If you’ve been thinking about getting hired as a crew member with Emirates, or are already in the process of applying, stick with us for the next couple of minutes.
Emirates Tattoo Policy: All You Need to Know
So, can you have tattoos with Emirates?
The answer is both yes and no.
Emirates tattoo policy is one of the strictest amongst major international carriers and it states clearly: you’re allowed to have as many tattoos as you want on your body – as long as they’re not visible while you’re in the Emirates uniform. While Emirates’s stance is not a “zero tattoo policy” anymore (it used to be), it’s certainly a “no visible tattoo policy”. This means many people considering their next career step at Emirates will be denied employment even because of the smallest and most discrete tattoo.
So, what are the allowed parts of the body for tattoos amongst the Emirates crew?
They differ among male and female flight attendants (and pilots) – because the uniforms are also different.
To put it short, working for Emirates, men are not allowed to have tattoos on the head, neck, arms, and hands. This also applies to the female crew who additionally have to be free of ink on their legs (from lower thighs to feet). Refer to the image above for a more detailed look at the allowed placement of tattoos in the Emirates.
Unfortunately, the carrier doesn’t allow covering any tattoos with make-up or band-aids while working. So, if you have any visible tattoos – they will have to be removed before starting the employment process with Emirates.
While Emirates’ policy is quite strict, it’s not the strictest. Some airlines (eg. Qatar Airways) have a zero-tolerance policy – meaning even if the uniform covers the tattoo, you’re not allowed to have any. This is due to the religious beliefs in those countries – and it’s unlikely to change any time soon.
- Related: Qatar Airways Tattoo Policy
If you’re still interested in applying for a job at Emirates, make sure you don’t have any visible tattoos. If you do – consider removing them or, if you plan on adding to your ink collection, at the very least, place them in one of the allowed areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that you know all about Emirates tattoo policy, it’s time to answer some of the most frequently asked questions related to the subject. Find them below!
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Can I be a flight attendant if I have tattoos?
The answer to this question depends on the airline you want to work for. As we’ve already mentioned, Emirates has a no visible tattoo policy – so, if any of your tattoos are visible while wearing the uniform, you will not be able to work for the airline. Other airlines have different policies – some allow small and discrete tattoos, others require you to cover them with make-up, and some (like Qatar Airways) have a zero-tolerance policy.
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Will airlines hire pilots with tattoos?
The answer is exactly the same as for flight attendants – it all depends on the airline you want to work for.
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Which airlines do not allow tattoos at all?
The most notable example of an airline that doesn’t allow any tattoos on any body parts is the aforementioned Qatar Airways.
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Why tattoos are not allowed in airlines?
The reason for this is usually either religious beliefs or company image – eg. in the case of Qatar Airways, the airline wants to maintain a certain image that is in line with the country’s values. Most airlines, however, state the company image as the reason for not allowing visible tattoos. By not allowing tattoos in visible places, they’re minimizing the risk of passengers being offended by them in any way.
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What airline allows tattoos?
The number of airlines that allow small, discreet tattoos on visible body parts is on the rise. Examples of such airlines include major US carriers – Alaska Airlines, SkyWest, and United Airlines. All three follow the “badge/credit card rule”, meaning the tattoo should not be wider than a credit card/company’s badge.
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Is tattoo allowed in airport ground staff?
The answer to this question depends on the airport you want to work at. In some airports, visible tattoos are not allowed, while in others they are – it all comes down to the individual airport’s policy.
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How can I remove a tattoo?
There are a few methods of tattoo removal – the most popular ones being laser tattoo removal and dermabrasion. If you want to learn more about them, we suggest doing some additional research on the subject.
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Can laser remove tattoos completely?
Laser tattoo removal is a popular and effective method of tattoo removal. However, it’s important to note that the results may vary – in some cases, the tattoo may be completely removed, while in others, it may only fade partially.
More About Emirates
Now that you know everything there is to know about Emirates’ tattoo policy, it’s time to learn more about the airline itself.
Emirates is one of the world’s leading airlines, with a strong international presence. The airline is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and operates flights to over 140 destinations in more than 80 countries around the world.
Emirates is known for its high-quality service and luxurious amenities and has been awarded the title of “World’s Best Airline” by Skytrax on multiple occasions.
If you’re interested in working for Emirates, make sure you meet the airline’s requirements – including their tattoo policy. With a little bit of preparation, you can be on your way to a rewarding career with one of the world’s best airlines. You can learn more about the company by visiting Emirates officiall website.
Final Word
To sum up, Emirates’ tattoo policy is still relatively strict. If you have any visible tattoos, your best bet is to either remove them or simply look for alternative airlines that allow for cover-ups or even small visible tattoos.
Should you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us in the comments section below!
