Qatar Airways Tattoo Policy in 2023 (Flight Attendants, Read)

It’s no wonder that the job of a flight attendant is so appealing for many young-to-mid-age people. It’s a glamorous profession that comes with a lot of perks, including free travel. Being a flight attendant, you get the chance to learn about different cultures and lifestyles, not to mention the opportunity to meet new people from all walks of life.

Fair to say, many flight attendants of large international airlines get to experience for free what others could never afford – travel to the most exquisite and luxurious places in the world.

While the job of a flight attendant may seem like all fun and games, it’s important to remember that it is still a job. There are certain responsibilities that come with the position, and attendants must be able to handle them in a professional manner.

Unfortunately, despite the massive progress in how people with tattoos are perceived around the globe, most international carriers still do not allow their flight attendants to have any visible tattoos. They explain the decision with the need to project a certain image and maintain a professional appearance.

While some airlines are now starting to change their tattoo policies, Qatar Airways is still one of the strongest stances on the matter.

If you’re considering applying for the gig, stick with us for a few minutes. In this article, we will have a look at the current tattoo policy in Qatar Airways.

Qatar Airways Tattoo Policy

So, are tattoos allowed in Qatar Airways?

Unfortunately, the answer is a resounding no.

When it comes to international carriers, Qatar Airways’ tattoo regulations are one of the strictest around. The Qatar-headquartered airline does not allow any of its employees – including both flight attendants and ground staff – to have any visible tattoos. They take their “zero tattoo policy” very seriously.

The airline’s decision is in line with the cultural norms in Qatar. Tattoos are considered to be against the Islamic religion and are, therefore, frowned upon by the local community.

While it’s understandable that Qatar Airways wants to respect the cultural norms of the country it is based, many people argue that the airline’s decision is discriminatory – especially looking at the progress that has been made in recent years with regard to tattoos in the Western world.

With that said, there have been individual cases where someone managed to sneak in and score the job if the tattoo was small enough and in an easily hidden spot.

One of these is the case of cabin crew Youtuber Julia George who managed to fly for 10 years with Qatar Airways despite being inked.

But we wouldn’t recommend counting on that – it’s always better to be safe than sorry and the mentioned cases are definitely exceptions to the rule.

More About Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways is the national carrier of Qatar and one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world. It was founded in 1993 and commenced operations in 1994.

The airline currently flies a modern fleet of more than 250 aircraft to more than 150 destinations worldwide.

Some of their most notable awards include being named “Airline of the Year” by both Skytrax and CAPA in 2011, as well as “Best First Class” and “Best Business Class in the World” by Skytrax in 2015.

In addition to its main hub at Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways also has a base at London Heathrow Airport.

Tattoo Policy in Qatar Airways: FAQ

Now that you’re familiar with the latest tattoo rules for Qatar Airways flight attendants, below find some of the frequently asked questions related to the subject.

• Which airlines allow tattoos for cabin crew?

As already mentioned, the times when all airlines had a zero tattoo policy (like Qatar still does) are thankfully slowly but surely changing. Nowadays, a huge number of airlines – both international and in the US – allow you to have tattoos.

These airlines can be divided into two groups.

The first group allows you to have tattoos as long as they’re not visible in your uniform. That means you are free to have ink on your shoulders, back, and chest but not on your hands, arms, face, or neck. Examples of airlines with such policies are Etihad, Emirates or American Airlines.

A small group of carriers that we can consider more “progressive”, allow you to have a visible tattoo by applying the “badge rule”. That means the tattoo can’t be bigger than the size of the uniform badge (which is usually similar to the size of a credit card). Two popular carriers with such tattoo policies are Alaska Airlines, Skywest and United Airlines.

2022 Update: Air New Zealand and Virgin Atlantic are now the first airlines globally that allow for visible ink without limits on tattoo sizes.

• If I remove the tattoo, will I score the job?

Unfortunately, that will also depend on the airline. If the scar is tiny and in a hardly visible place, you might stand a big chance of getting the gig. However, a large scar on the hand, neck, or face might be an issue for many carriers.

• I have a tattoo that the uniform will cover. Can I lie?

It’s advised against lying about your tattoos during the recruitment process as it’s not unusual for the applicants to get sent home during medical checks prior to starting the job.