Can flight attendants have tattoos? Yes, but the rules depend on the airline and where the tattoo is visible. If you have a particular airline in mind, check the Future Flight Attendant Job Board for its current application status while you review its appearance rules below.
A wrist tattoo that is permitted at one airline could be a problem at another. Interview rules can also differ from what working flight attendants are allowed to wear.
This guide covers the airline policies we could verify and flags rules that need confirmation from your own candidate instructions.
Your appearance is one part of the hiring process. When you’re ready to prepare for the rest, the Flight Attendant Interview Success Program gives you deeper support before an interview invitation arrives.
There is no single tattoo rule for every flight attendant. Each airline sets its own appearance standards, and those standards can differ for interviews, training, and working in uniform.
Location matters. An airline may permit a small tattoo on an arm while restricting tattoos on the hands, neck, or face. Another airline may require visible tattoos to be covered.
Someone else’s successful interview cannot tell you whether your tattoo meets your airline’s rules.
Before you apply, check the tattoo and appearance requirements in the current job posting and on the airline’s official flight attendant careers page.
Flight Attendant Tattoo Rules at American, Delta, and United
These three airlines do not have the same tattoo policy. Where your tattoo is located matters, so check the rule for the airline you want to join.
American Airlines
American says no visible tattoos or body art at its In-Person Experience. That does not mean you cannot have tattoos. They cannot be visible at that hiring event. See American’s flight attendant careers page for its published requirements.
Delta Air Lines
Delta does not permit visible tattoos during its flight attendant interviews. Its candidate appearance requirements explain the rule. You can start with Delta’s flight attendant careers page and review its current requirements before applying. For an FFA overview, see our Delta flight attendant requirements guide.
United Airlines
United permits visible tattoos on the arms, wrists, ankles, and feet if they are no larger than a United badge. Larger tattoos in those areas must be covered by a standard uniform piece. Tattoos on the head, hands, or neck, including behind the ears, are not permitted. See United’s published flight attendant tattoo policy.
Tattoo Policies at Alaska, Hawaiian, Horizon, SkyWest, and Frontier
These airlines show why “tattoos allowed” is only part of the answer. Their rules differ on location, size, and whether a tattoo may be visible in uniform.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska permits some visible tattoos, including one no larger than a quarter on each hand. It does not permit visible tattoos on the face, front of the neck, or chest. Other locations have limits too. Read Alaska’s current flight attendant tattoo policy for the full rule.
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian does not permit body art to be visible in its standard flight attendant uniform, including when reaching or bending. Its policy does not allow makeup, bandages, or jewelry to cover tattoos. Hawaiian publishes its rule on the shared flight attendant careers page.
Horizon Air
Horizon permits one tattoo no larger than a quarter on each hand. Tattoos elsewhere have size and location limits, and visible tattoos on the face, front of the neck, or chest are not allowed. See Horizon’s published flight attendant policy for the details.
SkyWest Airlines
SkyWest permits visible tattoos within its size and location limits. Tattoos outside those limits must be covered by the uniform or skin-tone-compatible tattoo makeup. Bandages are not approved. SkyWest explains this in its flight attendant appearance guidelines.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier does not permit tattoos on the hands or above the collarbone, including the neck, face, and behind the ears. Other tattoos must not be visible in uniform, even when reaching or bending. Frontier’s flight attendant requirements explain its limited allowance for makeup.
Does Tattoo Location Matter for Flight Attendants?
Yes. A tattoo on your forearm can fall under a different rule than one on your hand, neck, or wrist. Airlines also differ on whether a tattoo may be visible in uniform.
The tattoo pictured is on the forearm. Its placement alone does not tell you whether it meets a particular airline’s policy. Check that airline’s size, location, and visibility rules in its current job posting.
What About Southwest and JetBlue Tattoos?
I could not verify a current, detailed public flight attendant tattoo policy for Southwest or JetBlue. That is not the same as saying either airline bans tattoos.
For these airlines, check the appearance requirements in the job posting when you apply.
Flight Attendant Tattoo FAQs
Can flight attendants have hand tattoos?
It depends on the airline. Alaska and Horizon permit one small tattoo per hand within their published limits. United and Frontier do not permit hand tattoos under their flight attendant policies.
What about tattoos behind the ear?
The rules differ. United and Frontier do not permit them. Alaska and Horizon allow a tattoo behind each ear only if it is not visible when someone looks directly at you.
Can a watch or makeup cover a tattoo?
Do not assume either is allowed. Alaska and Horizon list approved watches among their permitted coverings but do not allow makeup. SkyWest permits certain tattoo makeup. The rule depends on the airline.
Will tattoos be checked at an interview?
Some airlines check. United, Alaska, Hawaiian, and Horizon describe tattoo or appearance checks during their in-person hiring events. Follow the policy for the airline where you apply.
Know the Tattoo Rule. Then Get Ready for the Interview
Having a tattoo does not automatically rule out a flight attendant career. The answer depends on the airline’s policy and where your tattoo is located.
When you are ready to apply, check the Future Flight Attendant Job Board for current openings and application links.
Appearance is only one part of an interview. If you want support preparing for the rest, explore the Flight Attendant Interview Success Program. You can also read our flight attendant interview outfit guide for general attire guidance.