Virgin Atlantic eases tattoo policy

The airline is the first one in the UK allowing flight attendants to display their tattoos; some exceptions are still in place

Virgin Atlantic, the UK-based airline founded and owned by Richard Branson, has relaxed regulations regarding cabin crew with visible body artwork, as the carrier announced that flight attendants will be allowed to display tattoos.

“[…] employees can show off their ink to the world, while still representing Virgin Atlantic in their uniform,” the airline statement quotes.

Before this decision, employees had to cover up their ink work either with makeup and special plaster, or by wearing long-sleeved shirts while on duty.

Virgin Atlantic’s Chief People Officer Estelle Hollingsworth added:

“Many people use tattoos to express their unique identities and our customer-facing and uniformed colleagues should not be excluded from doing so if they choose.

“That's why, in line with our focus on inclusion and championing individuality, we're relaxing our tattoo restrictions for all our people”.

Nevertheless, some exceptions will be kept in place, meaning that neck and face tattoos will not be permitted. Moreover, the new rules do not apply for all types of tattoos, as offensive or controversial artwork will remain covered.

The announcement was also posted on social media with the occasion of International Flight Attendant Day.

“We’ve always encouraged our people to be themselves, so from today, they can now show their tattoos with pride,” the airline tweeted.

The news comes after in 2019, Virgin Atlantic dropped its makeup policy for female flight attendants.

 

Source: euronews.com