Tattoos were once seen as an unprofessional display. In the 21st century, however, they are becoming increasingly common. In fact, 32 percent of adults in America have at least one tattoo, with 22 percent having two or more. This increase in popularity means that they have also gained more widespread acceptance in the workplace.
When it comes to the aviation industry, rules concerning dress and personal grooming have historically been strict. These days, they have relaxed — somewhat. There are still detailed requirements for pilots concerning grooming and personal appearance.
So, what is the consensus on tattoos — can airline pilots have tattoos? And will a visible tattoo keep you from being able to become a pilot? 
The General Consensus: Can Pilots Have Tattoos?
As a rule of thumb, the aviation industry discourages visible tattoos. That does not mean that you cannot become a pilot if you have one. However, it does mean that you may need to cover tattoos either with your uniform or with makeup.
But before we dive into the details of different airline policies, you may be wondering — why do airlines care about how their pilots look?
There are a few reasons why pilots are encouraged to dress and groom themselves conservatively.
Safety
Some grooming standards are considered a matter of personal safety. For example, a long beard or facial jewelry could prevent an oxygen mask from sealing properly.
Some people have questioned whether excessive facial hair or the products used to style them might be a fire risk in an emergency. While tattoos don’t generally apply to this, they offer an idea of the reasoning behind strict personal appearance standards.
Authority
Pilots are responsible for the safety of the passengers and crew. To ensure everyone’s safety, they need to look like authority figures — especially when it comes to an emergency situation.
With generational and cultural expectations of authority differing, pilots are asked to defer to the more conservative side. This way, all the passengers will feel like they can trust them when their safety depends on it.
Although this is the official reasoning, grooming standards remain hotly contested among aviation officials.
Tattoo Rules By Airline
In past times, pilots were expected to have no visible tattoos whatsoever. These days, some airlines are adjusting their expectations.
Can commercial pilots have tattoos? Here are a few options you will find among the major airlines operating today.
For our purposes, we’ll stick to airlines based in North America!
Air Canada
Air Canada made the news in 2021 for updating its policies on both tattoos and facial piercings. Tattoos are now allowed provided they are not offensive (there are some limitations about tattoo placement; facial or head tattoos are not permitted). Cultural or religious body art such as henna is allowed.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines is one of the US’ more progressive airlines, allowing visible tattoos within limits. Like several other airlines, AA has a “badge rule,” which states that pilots can have visible tattoos as long as they are smaller than their official badge. That said, tattoos can only be on the arms or legs, with only one per limb.
American Airlines
American Airlines is one of many companies that require pilots to have no visible tattoos. They may, however, have tattoos that are covered by their uniform. For some people, that might require wearing a long-sleeved shirt while working. While some airlines allow small tattoos to be covered with makeup or a Band-Aid, American Airlines does not have this exception. 
Allegiant Air
Allegiant Air does not allow any visible tattoos, nor can pilots cover them with makeup or a bandage.
Delta Airlines
Major airline Delta is among the strictest American aviation companies when it comes to tattoos. Not only are visible tattoos forbidden, but ones under the clothing are also strongly discouraged (though these won’t necessarily keep you from being hired).
Envoy Air
US airline Envoy Air remains firm on forbidding visible tattoos, even ones covered by cosmetics or other means.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines does not allow visible tattoos, even if they are covered by homemade means.
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines does not allow tattoos that are not covered by a uniform, with no exceptions. While long sleeves may be an option, it’s worth noting that Hawaii has a warm climate and most airline staff tend to wear short sleeves for comfort.
JetBlue Airway
JetBlue Airway does not allow any visible tattoos, with no exceptions.
Republic Airways
Republic Airways is another US-based airline that forbids any visible tattoos, regardless of size, placement, or means of coverage. Tattoos that are hidden by a uniform are permitted.
Skywest
Skywest is one of the few US airlines that have shifted to allowing small, visible tattoos. Unlike many other airlines that have strict guidelines, Skywest prefers to take things on a case-by-case basis. But even if your tattoo doesn’t pass the test, there’s another piece of good news: pilots and flight attendants are welcome to cover their tattoos with makeup.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is among the stricter US aviation companies; no visible tattoos are permitted, period.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines does not permit pilots or flight attendants to have visible tattoos of any kind, even if they are covered by cosmetics or a bandage. 
United Airlines
United Airlines has become one of the first major US airlines to allow exceptions for small, tasteful tattoos. In 2021, the company updated its policy to allow for tattoos that are no larger than a credit card. They should also be inoffensive and cannot be on the face.
The Bottom Line: Becoming a Pilot With Tattoos
So if you have tattoos, are your dreams of becoming a pilot doomed? Broadly speaking, no. As long as your tattoo is in a place that will be covered by a uniform, you have some options.
There is also another option for tattooed pilot wannabes. You don’t necessarily have to apply for a job at a commercial airline. Many people prefer to work for corporate or general aviation companies, which often have more relaxed guidelines.
With tattoos becoming more commonplace, it’s also likely that we will see developments in the aviation industry in the coming years.
