Why can't pilots have beards?

Author: Jerrell Doyle  |  Last update: Friday, January 23, 2026

The paramount concern in aviation is safety. In emergency situations, pilots must don oxygen masks quickly and efficiently. Facial hair can disrupt the tight seal necessary between the mask and the face, potentially compromising the flow of oxygen. This is critical at high altitudes where oxygen levels are low.

Why are pilots not allowed to have a beard?

These policies are typically in place for safety reasons and to ensure a proper fit of oxygen masks or respirators in case of emergencies. Facial hair can interfere with the proper seal of these devices, which could compromise the pilot's ability to breathe adequately at high altitudes or in emergency situations.

Can you have a beard and be a pilot?

Can Pilots Have Beards? In general, no, airline pilots cannot have beards. Most U.S. airlines, with few exceptions like Hawaiian and Allegiant, do not permit beards because they can interfere with the proper sealing of oxygen masks. There are some airlines that permit mustaches.

Why can't pilots have tattoos?

The uniform of an airline pilot is a symbol of authority, professionalism, and trust. Thus, airlines have a vested interest in maintaining this image. A visible tattoo might, rightly or wrongly, be perceived as a breach of this professional presentation.

Why can't fighter pilots have beards?

Similar to tattoos, when you have a beard and work for a US carrier, the chemical reactions and biological processes that result from the beard or tattoo inhibit your ability to fly. For that reason, it is imperative that no pilot have a beard or visible tattoo.

The Biggest Waste of Money in Aviation History

Can Navy seals have beards?

Both the Navy and the Marine Corps generally don't allow facial hair other than mustaches, but they allow beards for religious reasons or for service members with medical conditions like razor bumps.

Can Delta pilots have facial hair?

Delta, Southwest, United, American Airlines and JetBlue, for example, do not allow cockpit crew to wear beards or even goatees, though some allow a neatly trimmed mustache that doesn't extend below the corners of the mouth. Sideburns are allowed, to an extent—they must be trimmed to mid-ear and can't be too bushy.

Why can't pilots wear sunglasses?

Tints that block more than 85% of visible light are not recommended for flying due to the possibility of reduced visual acuity, resulting in difficulty seeing instruments and written material inside the cockpit. POLARIZATION. Polarized lenses are not recommended for use in the aviation environment.

What airline has no tattoo policy?

'Offensive' Tattoos and Revealing Clothing Are Now on Spirit Airlines' No-Fly List. The airline clarified (somewhat) the attire and appearance that might prevent passengers from being allowed to board or remain on a plane, a move that goes a step further than other major U.S. airlines.

Can pilots have ADHD?

FAA Standard Track

Pilots with ADHD can receive a medical certification. However, they must go through a detailed ADHD evaluation if they do not qualify for the fast track. The standard track is very time-consuming and intensive.

Why are pilots not allowed to eat onions and garlic?

Myth #1: Pilots are told to avoid onion and garlic during flights to increase their response time. No study demonstrates this or any official statement from any airline that confirms this.

Can you be a pilot with glasses?

Yes, commercial and private pilots are allowed to wear glasses while on the job. To fly as a commercial or private pilot, you must first pass a medical exam given by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). The exam includes a vision screening and other medical evaluations.

Can you be a pilot as a side job?

If you are an experienced pilot, you can work part-time in various roles. One option is to work for a fractional flight airline that manages a fleet of civilian aircraft. In this role, your duties include providing aerial transportation to customers who each own shares of a plane.

Are pilots allowed to smoke?

The 1990 ban applied to the passengers and the cabin of the aircraft, but not the flight deck; pilots were allowed to continue smoking after the 1990 ban due to concerns over potential flight safety issues caused by nicotine withdrawal in chronic smokers.

What airlines don't allow beards?

On Delta Airlines, pilots are prohibited from having facial hair due to “the need for an oxygen mask to maintain a good seal,” they told Thrillist, and American Airlines enforces a similar policy. “We do not allow pilots with facial hair to be on active duty,” a spokesperson told the outlet.

Why can't grow a beard?

There may be reasons such as your genetics, age and ethnicity that play a role. And while there isn't a proven method to boost hair growth, Dr. Anthony says certain lifestyle changes like focusing on your diet and reducing stress can help.

Can TSA agents have tattoos?

(6) Tattoos: (a) Tattoos of any kind on the head, face, and exposed areas of the neck must be covered at all times and not visible to the general public. TSA issued and approved items such as turtlenecks or dickies may be used to cover tattoos on the lower neck.

Why are flight attendants not allowed to have tattoos?

Company policy regarding cabin crew tattoos. The airline companies' argument for their not wishing cabin crew to have tattoos is that, if they, at a certain point, design a new uniform with shorter sleeves or of a finer material, it is possible that cabin crew' tattoos will be exposed in plain sight.

Do airlines have dress codes for passengers?

United Airlines' policy states that passengers can be removed from a flight if they are "barefoot, not properly clothed, or whose clothing is lewd, obscene or offensive." Delta Air Lines specifically states that passengers can be removed "when the passenger is barefoot" or "when the passenger's conduct, attire, hygiene ...

Why do all pilots wear aviators?

In addition to reducing the impacts of unforgiving sunlight, sunglasses also decrease eye fatigue and provide protection for the ocular tissues from exposure to harmful solar radiation. Additionally, they protect the pilot's eyes from impact with objects, such as flying debris.

Are plane windshields polarized?

Flight deck windshields are made of laminated toughened glass, which exhibits anisotropic properties. This anisotropy causes the glass to be birefringent, meaning that light passing through it splits into two rays with different polarizations and refractive indices.

Why can't you drive with polarized sunglasses?

Although sunglasses can reduce the irritation and glare, it's important to remember that polarised sunglasses should not be worn at night as they can make it harder to see objects, potentially increasing the risk of accidents.

Can pilots have Botox?

Botulinum toxin: The FAA has approved pilots' use of this product in treating painful muscle spasms and for cosmetic treatments, after a 21-day observation period free of side effects. The FAA must clear the case before a pilot may continue to fly while being treated.

Can you have a goatee as a pilot?

Beards can interfere with the functionality of this equipment, affecting communication clarity and the pilot's comfort during flights. The compatibility of aviation gear with a clean-shaven face ensures that pilots can perform their duties without hindrances, maintaining the high standards of operational efficiency.

Can pilots have lip piercings?

Absolutely no! Visible tattoos are also big no.

Previous article
Who is a candidate for brow lamination?
Next article
Can losing weight reverse lymphedema?