Flight attendants and other staff at Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) can now wear sneakers and keep their tattoos visible while in uniform, as the carrier becomes the latest to update its uniform policy.
SAS Loosens Uniform Policy, Now Allows Sneakers And Visible Tattoos
Over the weekend I wrote about the second anniversary of Virgin Atlantic’s loosened tattoo policy. Recently, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines also liberalized its tattoo policy. Now SAS is following, a move it says will foster a “modern, inclusive and welcoming environment for all.”
Starting today, our team members can proudly display their tattoos and wear sneakers while in uniform.
This update to our uniform guidelines is part of our ongoing commitment to creating a modern, inclusive and welcoming environment for all. By further embracing individuality and comfort among our staff, we aim to enhance the overall experience and ensure everyone feels valued and welcome.
There are still some limits: tattoos must be in good taste and below the neckline. Not every pair of sneakers will be permitted.
So is this good policy? As I said concerning the Virgin Atlantic change:
I’ve never been a tattoo fan (you certainly won’t find one carved into my body) and urge all of you to think twice about getting a tattoo considering its permanence and the fact that it generally does not age well, especially if you go out in the sun.
At the same time, I’m not offended by a tattoo and understand that many consider it a mark of personality like a hairstyle or wardrobe choice. I still insist that there is a benefit in taking the eye off the individual and promoting a uniform look at an airline, but the ubiquity of tattoos in many cultures makes it increasingly harder to simply cover them up as if they are not there.
Bottom line, I’m pretty indifferent when it comes to tattoos.
CONCLUSION
As long as I receive professional, kind, and compassionate service onboard, I will be happy. If the new SAS policy encourages flight attendants to be friendlier and more gracious, then I’m fine wtih this policy.
Comments section boomers: This is literally the cartel
I’m a millennial and think this is tasteless. I understand the sneakers since it’s important to be comfortable but tattoos all over the arms are low class and crude.
“ongoing commitment to creating a modern, inclusive and welcoming environment for all.”
What about the customer? Compare dumb western airlines like this and Virgin with their stupid-ass gender policy with the Asian carrier and their immaculate, beautiful, graceful FAs and it is not even close. Give me Singapore, EVA, and Korean airlines anytime.
@Chi … +1 . Spot on . Pleasant , dignified , classy , clean , edible , on the Asian airlines .
“edible”
hol up
Referring to the airline food .
I wish you didn’t clarify, it would have been funnier that way hehe
This is why Asian and Middle Eastern airlines are the best.
I’m okay with tattoos, but sneakers? No! They don’t give their airlines a professional appearance. They could have created something nicer for their employees with comfortable footwear like ECCO shoes. It’s a letdown for us.
What’s to like : graffiti , track marks , hookers , messy thinking ?
What people don’t really realize when they get that tattoo is that time passes.
That girlfriend, you know, Penelope, may not be your girlfriend in 5 years. Why in the world would you like to have her name embedded in your skin until the day you die?
That snake, sure it seems cool, but when you hit age 60, its not so cool any more…
That tats do not age well is an is an understatement, Matthew. One only has to go to the grocery store and see the aging seniors sporting their withered “art” on sagging skin. Blah! But who’s thinking when you are 20 and drunk and someone dares you to get inked…
Look folks, flying is no longer the luxurious experience of the 1960s and early 1970s. Today, it is like taking a bus and both the passengers and crews often look and act like they are on an old Greyhound or Trailways long-distance bus. Tats, while not my thing, are ubiquitous amongst most under-45-year-olds. Sneakers are certainly more comfortable for crews on their feet for long hauls and neither negate nor improve the customer service experience if the FA is efficient, effective and pleasant. And let’s remember that Scandinavia and the Netherlands are a pretty straightforward places without a lot of upscale notes or known for their elegance and class; they solid, stolid, direct, no-nonsense/no-frills.
When I see a good with tats I immediately know she’s loose and I can have my way with her if I so choose.
Can I show up to the office or meet clients in my pajamas tomorrow? That’s the real me and it’d certainly make me happy.
Disgusting and woke
I am probably one of the younger commenters on this blog and good for SAS. Plenty of professionals have tattoos on them and last I checked anyway having one doesn’t cause you to be unable to pilot a plane.
One of my high school religion teachers turned his body into the story of his life, each tattoo marked an important significant event in his life, covering his degree, his marriage, each of his kids, the passing of his family. They can help remind us of significant events or things we don’t want to ever forget. Sure some are tasteless but why punish everyone for the actions of a few?
So now the alreadysnippy SAS FAs will be even more annoying to have to deal with …