Air NZ to permit staff to show visible tattoos

[Melburnian1]

It may not be the only airline that allows or will allow this, but from 1 September 2019 Air NZ is officially allowing its staff (including cabin crew) to show 'visible tattoos'.

However it will have some review committee for any "contentious" ones:

Air New Zealand poised to announce backdown on tattoos

Airline is set to announce a policy change.

www.nzherald.co.nz

In the "paradise" that NZ has become (although some over there think otherwise) anything goes, but given that a survey found 31 per cent of people regret having tattoos and the "look" it results in, it would far preferable that that tattoos were never visible:

No regrets: Tattoo removal business making a mark in Canberra

Tattoo removal is a growing industry and this Canberra business has the market cornered.

www.commercialrealestate.com.au

This traditional airline policy is preferable:

All about cabin crew tattoos - How to be cabin crew

Are cabin crew allowed to have tattoos? This seems to be a commonly discussed issue among those, men or women, who wish to become cabin crew, but already have tattoos. A complete article about cabin crew tattoos.

howtobecabincrew.com

Banning tattoos in the workplace technically isn’t discrimination

CHONTELLE McGoldrick was 18 years old when she got an anchor tattooed on the inside of her right ankle.

www.news.com.au

One is not old fashioned, or a 'square' to suggest that we look better without such adornment.

Whether Air NZ likes it or not, however unfair it may be (stereotypical), many associate large numbers of tattoos with being or having been involved in criminality, and perhaps having been in gaol. Outlaw bikies wear tattoos as a way to show off, or differentiate themselves from the mainstream. No thanks!

It's a very downmarket step. I just couldn't imagine Asian airlines permitting this, and good on them for not. Air NZ is taking individual expression too far.

Just as airlines have strict rules about cabin crew hair lengths and how it's presented - one reason is they're working with food - they ought retain a strict 'no tattoos' policy for any staff who routinely interact with passengers. Baggage handlers - doesn't matter so much.

One suggestion to young people leaving school is 'don't have tattoos inscribed.' Not only may one want them to go six months later,an expensive and reputedly painful process requiring laser removal, but it may make it even harder in a competitive graduates' market to obtain that dream white collar job. It's not against the law for employers to discriminate like this. They do so for good reason.

 

[AIRwin]

I have an idea for the next Air NZ safety video - tattoos illustrating the various safety procedures...

 

[AviationNZ]

One is not old fashioned, or a 'square' to suggest that we look better without such adornment.

Whether Air NZ likes it or not, however unfair it may be (stereotypical), many associate large numbers of tattoos with being or having been involved in criminality, and perhaps having been in gaol. Outlaw bikies wear tattoos as a way to show off, or differentiate themselves from the mainstream. No thanks!

It's a very downmarket step. I just couldn't imagine Asian airlines permitting this, and good on them for not. Air NZ is taking individual expression too far.

I'd don't think you're being a 'square', but I do think you're missing the traditional significance tattoos play within certain cultures, of which Polynesian is one of those cultures and NZ in general have a large number of Polynesians living there. I see your point that some view all tattoos as linked to crime, but that doesn't make it right that we continue to encourage that view by blocking them all.

 

[Denali]

I was reading a month or so ago that tattoo removal and ear lobe reconstruction businesses are booming.

 

[Happy Dude]

What's the saying - "Not all people with tattoos are criminals but all criminals have tattoos"?

I think extensive tattooing, especially head/neck/face, could be a sign of mental issues. Why would a person be so unhappy with their appearance? It's a cry for help, isn't it?

I get that some people are forgetful of children's names and birthdates, or need a constant reminder to live an awesome life, but I fully don't understand the need to have a koi pond scene the length of your arm. Can't you just buy a shirt with it on, or get a number plate that says "K01 B01"?

Luckily I'm not in a position to hire/fire staff, but I reckon they're a great way to identify yourself as a unique individual with 'hey-look-at-me' issues (just like everyone else!) and probably doesn't think things through and definitely makes poor decisions.

 

[trooper]

I would agree with AviationNZ. It may well be quite inapropriate for , say, an Asian airline to go this way. For an airline with such a large Polynesian customer base (and employee base) I think its an entirely suitable concession to make. I have to say too that I think anyone who (still?) automatically equates tattoos with criminality must live a VERY sheltered lifestyle... I work with the public and see a LOT of very well dressed, clearly affluent young people every day..sporting modern, quality tattoos… (but no..not neck or face...) (And I'd be the LAST person on earth to actually get one so its not as if i'm a tattoo aficionado! )

 

[Renato1]

Might be a safety issue - hijackers will know who among the flight attendants they had better take out first.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

This traditional airline policy is preferable:

All about cabin crew tattoos - How to be cabin crew

Are cabin crew allowed to have tattoos? This seems to be a commonly discussed issue among those, men or women, who wish to become cabin crew, but already have tattoos. A complete article about cabin crew tattoos.

howtobecabincrew.com

The 'no birthmarks or scars' is a step too far.

A ta moko is no different from a rugby player expressing religious beliefs.

What should be at issue is the person's ability to do the job.

 

[Melburnian1]

...
What should be at issue is the person's ability to do the job.

For some airline jobs such as flight attendants, there are many more applicants than positions.

Employers can pick and choose. They can find someone who is competent and also looks the part.

Unfortunately, tattoos just don't. The airline industry knows this, because a high percentage of its employees directly interact with the public every day.

 

[Isochronous]

Tattoos are unsightly and this move will merely cheapen the image of Air NZ.

 

[pauly7]

It's a very downmarket step. I just couldn't imagine Asian airlines permitting this, and good on them for not. Air NZ is taking individual expression too far.

Just as airlines have strict rules about cabin crew hair lengths and how it's presented - one reason is they're working with food - they ought retain a strict 'no tattoos' policy for any staff who routinely interact with passengers. Baggage handlers - doesn't matter so much.

I honestly don’t think Air NZ is an upmarket airline/brand to begin with...

I work in an area where public appearance and perception is paramount, (a few AFF’ers know where and who with) and I can very confidently say that tattoos signal the opposite messages that a ‘premium, reliable, safe, expert’ brand would want to relay, and NZ would know this well so I expect they’ve decided to not focus so much about these before mentioned aspects of their brand for example, for whatever reason.

Perhaps if their customer base is highly tattooed, or just see that as the norm (at the moment) then ‘relatability’ and ‘same as you’ are more of a brand positioning they are going for.

 

[juddles]

Hmmmm. Complicated issue. I have no problem with tattoos in a general sense. But i also know that for many, they are a life-choice made in a certain moment that they later regret. I get the whole "freedom of personal expression" angle, but also see the desire by many businesses to avoid losing customers. IMHO there is no real difference (fundamentally) from someone who has a tatt on their arm, to someone who has a chain linking piercings from their nose to their nipple. It is all personal stuff, but I as a customer just don't really want to see it. At the end of the day it is a visual thing that may or may not upset some people. As a business you have to be conservative - a tattoed employee may damage the business, but noone gets damage from a lack of same.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I think a ta moko (and perhaps other cultural tattoos) might fall in a different category. And if you're flying Air New Zeland you're most likely either from NZ, or a toursit going there. And if the latter I suspect a large part of your holiday will involve aspects of Maori culture.

i can see the point... if NZ wants to use the koru on the side of the planes it's a bit odd that they want to ban the ta moko.

 

[odysseus]

The 'no birthmarks or scars' is a step too far.

A ta moko is no different from a rugby player expressing religious beliefs.

What should be at issue is the person's ability to do the job.

Presentation is part of the job.

Your argument could similarly mean they can wear t-shirts and shorts if they're comfortable and safe in them.

But if customers are turned off because of the poor image of either then they're not actually "doing the job."

 

[dajop]

I think a ta moko (and perhaps other cultural tattoos) might fall in a different category. And if you're flying Air New Zeland you're most likely either from NZ, or a toursit going there. And if the latter I suspect a large part of your holiday will involve aspects of Maori culture.

i can see the point... if NZ wants to use the koru on the side of the planes it's a bit odd that they want to ban the ta moko.

This is what I presumed as well - Tattoos seems to be a big part of the Maori culture and this makes a lot sense for NZ.

Of course, we all have our prejudices, but we can also choose an airline in line with those prejudices. 10 across in 777 and the complicated fare structure and lack of decent point earning is more than enough reason to avoid NZ wherever possible (except in business class). Tattooed flight attendants make no difference to me.

 

[Saab34]

Highly doubtful this will happen here. Virgin is known for its strict appearance standards and has often ended up in court cases over employees not following it and being sacked.

 

[AviationNZ]

I have to say it is very worrying reading many of the responses here. I don't have tattoos, nor will I ever get them. However, for those that have them for cultural reasons, I respect that and don't feel intimidated by it, nor do I look down on them from my "ivory tower" which it appears others are doing.

Air NZ have said the tattoos have to be non-offensive, so I honestly can't see the problem.

If your favourite restaurant has staff with cultural tattoos showing, would you stop eating there?
If your local supermarket has staff with cultural tattoos showing, would you stop shopping there?
If your nearest petrol station has staff with cultural tattoos showing, would you stop filling up the car there?

Might be best for many to just stay at home locked away from all the horrible people with tattoos in the world!!

 

[Melburnian1]

I have to say it is very worrying reading many of the responses here. I don't have tattoos, nor will I ever get them. However, for those that have them for cultural reasons, I respect that and don't feel intimidated by it, nor do I look down on them from my "ivory tower" which it appears others are doing.

Air NZ have said the tattoos have to be non-offensive, so I honestly can't see the problem....

It's got nothing to do with an 'ivory tower' mentality. I had to work my way up, and would not have done so had I had tattoos, because quite rightly, employers would - as is their right - say 'no, we prefer someone else.'

I didn't come from some affluent family, and nor I bet did many others.

It has to do with respecting one's body, which tattoos don't do. The best responses above were from Isochronous and Happy Dude, one commenting about unsightliness and the other about tattoos evidencing a 'look at me' mentality (and as he said, possible mental illness.)

Neither is good in a sector where safety is paramount.

I don't distinguish between "cultural tattoos" - whatever they are - and "tattoos" - and yes, if staff at my local supermarket showed them, I'd complain to the manager if the particular staff were constantly interacting with customers on checkouts. If they're shelf stackers, not such a big deal - although still unsightly.

If 31 per cent of individuals who obtain tattoos later regret having done so, that's reason enough to not encourage this body vandalism to proliferate.

Some or many tattoo shops have links to bikie gangs or other unsavoury characters. Police in Australia have highlighted this.

Why Air NZ would want to associate by implication with these scum is beyond me. It won't be getting my patronage again.

Is NZ now the most politically correct society on earth? (That's not praise.)

 

[Denali]

Not a fan of face or neck tattoos but other than than, its not my body and a tatt doesnt mean someone cant perform the task so Im trying to learn to mind my own business.

..... It has to do with respecting one's body,........ I'd complain to the manager if the particular staff were constantly interacting with customers .....

Im pretty sure the people at the nearby gym look at me as distasteful as I choose not to 'respect my body' by being fat and "unsightly". Just as one size does not fit all, theres a wide range or reasons why people get tattoos.

A nephews wife wore a cardi around nanna and me for about 4yrs, hiding a full sleeve. Dont like it at all but again, not my body and you might see her at your local supermarket if you do complain, shes the manager.

 

[AviationNZ]

It's got nothing to do with an 'ivory tower' mentality. I had to work my way up, and would not have done so had I had tattoos, because quite rightly, employers would - as is their right - say 'no, we prefer someone else.'

I didn't come from some affluent family, and nor I bet did many others.

It has to do with respecting one's body, which tattoos don't do. The best responses above were from Isochronous and Happy Dude, one commenting about unsightliness and the other about tattoos evidencing a 'look at me' mentality (and as he said, possible mental illness.)

Neither is good in a sector where safety is paramount.

I don't distinguish between "cultural tattoos" - whatever they are - and "tattoos" - and yes, if staff at my local supermarket showed them, I'd complain to the manager if the particular staff were constantly interacting with customers on checkouts. If they're shelf stackers, not such a big deal - although still unsightly.

If 31 per cent of individuals who obtain tattoos later regret having done so, that's reason enough to not encourage this body vandalism to proliferate.

Some or many tattoo shops have links to bikie gangs or other unsavoury characters. Police in Australia have highlighted this.

Why Air NZ would want to associate by implication with these scum is beyond me. It won't be getting my patronage again.

Is NZ now the most politically correct society on earth? (That's not praise.)

Well, each to their own. I guess you share the same view then that ear piercing is body vandalism, and same for cosmetic surgery?

I do feel sorry for you that you believe all people with tattoos are scum, but as with any discussions on this forum, totally entitled to your view.