M
Misha
Guest
Apologies in advance if this topic has been discussed before...
On a flight today, the four FAs where all immaculately presented - as is normally the case. Three ladies and one gentleman. One of the female FAs was dressed extremely well, and had her make-up on nicely (not like some who look like they are about to take to the ice with their partner at the Winter Olympics!) and her hair was manicured into a ball with one of those net-thingy-me-jigs over the bun. When she walked down the aisle however, I couldn't but help notice a large and clearly visible tattoo (Chinese symbol) on the back of her neck just under the hairline.
It got me thinking. I am no conservative, nor snob. I too have a tattoo (although not in a visible part of my body, unless I were at the beach perhaps) but I couldn't help but think about policies of retail outlets whereby no excessive jewellery or tattoos can be seen. TV shows like Glee where most of the actors have tattoos require their staff to wear skin-coloured makeup over the tattoo for filming.
I am genuinely interested to know what people on here - who would be exposed to travel and FAs more than perhaps the general leisure travel population - think of this. A couple of weeks ago a male FA also had a tattoo on his wrist, mostly hidden by his watch. That didn't phase me - perhaps I am being sexist - though I think if the guy had a tattoo on his neck, it would be even worse than the females??? (IMHO)
Allow me to point out a few things:
* The FA in question did her job impeccably.
* I am referring to the appearance of FAs, both male and female
* This is not intended to be an argument about the failing standards of self-presentation in contemporary society (!), more so a dicussion about what people think is appropriate from their own perspective, and how they feel when they see something that doesn't meet with their expectations
* Hair/make-up/wrinkled shirts/yes I will say it - even overweight staff whose clothes are far too small (like a flight I had yesterday - th male FA's shirt buttons needed to be pressurised more than the cabin - his stomach clearly visible to everyone he walked past. I have no issue with someone's size - but he should have worn a shirt about 3 or 4 sizes larger)...
Interestingly, when I flew to LAX on VA in J, one of the male FAs had long hair. His hair and general appearance were spotless and it was well coiffed, and indeed suited him nicely. I still made the comment to my travel companion that I was surprised to see he had it that way. It didn't bother me in the slightest - though I thought perhaps some European/Asian/American carriers perhaps would not be so progressive. Keeping in mind that this was a VA flight, and very in groove with their 'cool' image - he nevertheless was working the J cabin. I hope no-one minds me mentioning this - as I honestly believe he was a great rep for V Australia - but cannot help but think some perhaps would have issue... Bruce Ruxton perhaps
Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Perhaps some experiences? Perhaps some even know what the formal (or implied) policies are within the Australian carriers. Is there a 'too much make up rule'? for example. Within the last month I was on a flight where one of the male FAs was clearly wearing some foundation and possibly eyebrow stuff (sorry ladies and gents I don't know what it's called!) - I noticed and didn't really think much more about it. I bet some others might?
Again, apologies if this has been discussed previously, and more so: apologies if anyone has taken offense to this post. I honestly do not mean it that way - just curious what you all have to think - or if it even registers on your radar.
Cheers,
Misha
On a flight today, the four FAs where all immaculately presented - as is normally the case. Three ladies and one gentleman. One of the female FAs was dressed extremely well, and had her make-up on nicely (not like some who look like they are about to take to the ice with their partner at the Winter Olympics!) and her hair was manicured into a ball with one of those net-thingy-me-jigs over the bun. When she walked down the aisle however, I couldn't but help notice a large and clearly visible tattoo (Chinese symbol) on the back of her neck just under the hairline.
It got me thinking. I am no conservative, nor snob. I too have a tattoo (although not in a visible part of my body, unless I were at the beach perhaps) but I couldn't help but think about policies of retail outlets whereby no excessive jewellery or tattoos can be seen. TV shows like Glee where most of the actors have tattoos require their staff to wear skin-coloured makeup over the tattoo for filming.
I am genuinely interested to know what people on here - who would be exposed to travel and FAs more than perhaps the general leisure travel population - think of this. A couple of weeks ago a male FA also had a tattoo on his wrist, mostly hidden by his watch. That didn't phase me - perhaps I am being sexist - though I think if the guy had a tattoo on his neck, it would be even worse than the females??? (IMHO)
Allow me to point out a few things:
* The FA in question did her job impeccably.
* I am referring to the appearance of FAs, both male and female
* This is not intended to be an argument about the failing standards of self-presentation in contemporary society (!), more so a dicussion about what people think is appropriate from their own perspective, and how they feel when they see something that doesn't meet with their expectations
* Hair/make-up/wrinkled shirts/yes I will say it - even overweight staff whose clothes are far too small (like a flight I had yesterday - th male FA's shirt buttons needed to be pressurised more than the cabin - his stomach clearly visible to everyone he walked past. I have no issue with someone's size - but he should have worn a shirt about 3 or 4 sizes larger)...
Interestingly, when I flew to LAX on VA in J, one of the male FAs had long hair. His hair and general appearance were spotless and it was well coiffed, and indeed suited him nicely. I still made the comment to my travel companion that I was surprised to see he had it that way. It didn't bother me in the slightest - though I thought perhaps some European/Asian/American carriers perhaps would not be so progressive. Keeping in mind that this was a VA flight, and very in groove with their 'cool' image - he nevertheless was working the J cabin. I hope no-one minds me mentioning this - as I honestly believe he was a great rep for V Australia - but cannot help but think some perhaps would have issue... Bruce Ruxton perhaps

Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Perhaps some experiences? Perhaps some even know what the formal (or implied) policies are within the Australian carriers. Is there a 'too much make up rule'? for example. Within the last month I was on a flight where one of the male FAs was clearly wearing some foundation and possibly eyebrow stuff (sorry ladies and gents I don't know what it's called!) - I noticed and didn't really think much more about it. I bet some others might?
Again, apologies if this has been discussed previously, and more so: apologies if anyone has taken offense to this post. I honestly do not mean it that way - just curious what you all have to think - or if it even registers on your radar.
Cheers,
Misha