8 Amazing Airplane Tattoo Ideas And Their Meanings

Fly high with the beautiful aesthetic appeal of these aviation designs!

Reviewed by Marcos Juarez, Professional Tattoo Artist Marcos Juarez Marcos JuarezProfessional Tattoo Artist insta_icon
Written by Aparna Mallampalli, BEd, MSc (Microbiology), Diploma In Nutrition Aparna Mallampalli BEd, MSc (Microbiology), Diploma In Nutrition linkedin_icon Experience: 5 years
Edited by Shreya Mukherjee, MA (English) Shreya Mukherjee MA (English) Experience: 2 years
Fact-checked by Sangita Goel, MA Sangita Goel MA linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
Last Updated on

Airplanes are a unique element in the tattoo industry and are popular among pilots and aviation enthusiasts. People who love adventures, flying, or traveling usually sport these tattoos. Additionally, the tattoo’s meaning depends on the type of airplane that is inked. Airplanes may represent various stages of your life’s journey, your turbulent mood, and the many persons and emotions you are experiencing or coping with. You can flaunt an airplane tattoo all by itself or pair it with hearts or other elements to tell a story. In this article, we have listed a few stunning tattoo designs to offer you some ‘aerial’ inspiration. Check them out.

What Does An Airplane Tattoo Symbolize?

Airplane tattoos generally represent courage and love for travel and adventure. It also includes themes like freedom, exploration, personal growth, milestones, nostalgia, adventure, and connection to aviation culture.

  • Paper Airplane: This simple minimalistic design symbolizes simplicity, careful spirit and even for some it may symbolize childhood nostalgia. The paper plane is also a common tattoo for Taylor Swift fans, as it is linked to the singer’s past relationship with Harry Styles.
  • Sleek Jetliner: Represents modernity, progress, and the excitement of air travel. It can also symbolize ambition, and efficiency.
  • Vintage Biplane: Symbolizes nostalgia, adventure, and a love for classic aviation.
  • Propeller Plane: Symbolizes reliability, durability, and a connection to vintage aviation technology. It can also represent adventure, exploration, and the joy of flying in smaller aircraft.
  • Fighter Plane: Signifies patriotic love, a fighting spirit, and participating in the air force.

Let us now take a peek at current trends in airplane tattoos

Current Trends In Airplane Tattoos

Airplane tattoos are becoming increasingly popular as symbols of freedom and adventure. Current trends in airplane tattoos feature minimalist designs that are often inked with clean line work. Some designs incorporate the airplane with other elements such as world maps, compasses, or clouds to signify flight or wanderlust. Watercolor effects and small, delicate placements like the wrist or ankle that express an action-oriented approach to life and fit seamlessly with airplanes are also trending.

For a more personalized touch, many people are adding coordinates of meaningful places or dates and merging the concept of travel with personal experiences.

Clearly, airplane tattoos cannot be pigeonholed into just one design! Learn more about the different tattoo styles you can consider along with some interesting design inspirations below.

8 Amazing Airplane Tattoo Ideas

Airplane tattoos, when done right, can look magnificent. While there are many tattoo styles to select from, here are the 8 top trending designs you really should know about. Check out the list below!

1. Paper Airplane Tattoo

Paper airplane tattoo
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

A minimalistic paper airplane tattoo on a woman’s wrist perfectly blends playfulness and elegance. It’s a symbol of childhood joy, while the dash lines represent the journey toward independence. It also symbolizes one’s willingness to head into unknown experiences and adventures with the glee and openness of a child.

Some people get white airplane tattoos that are associated with heaven and may symbolize a peaceful transition to the other side.

2. Small Airplane Tattoo

Small airplane tattoo
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

A small airplane tattoo on a woman’s wrist symbolizes adventure and freedom. This tiny yet beautifully intricate design represents one’s love for travel and exploration. It can also be interpreted as a daily reminder of readiness to chase her dreams with courage and navigate life with grace and determination. You can also add it some color for added effect.

3. Airplane Heart Tattoo

Airplane heart tattoo on a woman’s back
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

An airplane heart tattoo on a woman’s back beautifully merges love and adventure. This design features an airplane within a heart, symbolizing passion for travel and affection. It also represents love for exploration and cherished relationships. Beautifully inked with bright colors, this tattoo is a perfect blend of beauty and wanderlust.

4. Black Airplane Tattoo

Black airplane tattoo
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

A full black airplane usually symbolizes a military craft. This could mean that the wearer is a part of or looks up to the Air Force. However, those not in the Air Force, get this design to reflect an adventurous and fiery spirit. It also shows courage and determination to navigate life’s journey with confidence. The black color gives a bold and edgy appearance.

5. Two Paper Airplanes Flying Tattoo

A woman with a back tattoo of two paper airplanes flying
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

The ‘two paper airplanes flying’ tattoo is inspired by the same lyrics from Taylor Swift’s song ‘Out Of The Woods’. In the song, Taylor uses the phrase to indicate two hopeful lovers destined to fail, much like paper planes that cannot fly far away. Many swifties have gotten this tattoo to showcase their love for the singer and her journey and songs.

6. Airplane Tattoo For Guys

Airplane tattoos for guys
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Airplane tattoos for guys inked aesthetically on the back symbolize a sense of strength and adventure. Positioned boldly, this tattoo also symbolizes the passion for travel and exploration. The colors, sun rays, mountains, clouds, and trees all paint a beautiful picture of a wild heart traveling freely with no boundaries. The aircraft itself has a traditional design, representing readiness for the age-old need to chase one’s dreams.

7. Traditional Airplane Tattoo

A woman with a traditional airplane tattoo on her hand
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

A traditional airplane tattoo symbolizes a love of adventure and travel. With its classic design, this airplane represents freedom and exploration. The classic craft designed with clear linework and precise shading indicates the wearer’s need for new experiences and challenges. This tattoo is an example of a simple yet powerful expression of individuality blended with beautiful art.

8. Paper Airplane Shadow Tattoo

Paper airplane shadow tattoo
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

A paper airplane shadow tattoo along with a fighter jet on the forearm of a woman creates a captivating effect. Positioned gracefully, this tattoo symbolizes strength, resilience along with simplicity. With its creative design, it represents a desire to explore new horizons and chase dreams with grace and subtleness. The placement offers maximum visibility and adds a touch of mystery to the personality of an individual.

When you decide to get inked then carry a printed version of the design with you to the tattoo studio. The artist may ask for the digital version, so be sure to provide them with the copy you saved. They might load this digital copy into their printer,l making it easier for the artist to create the exact tattoo that you want.

Airplane tattoos are one of the most popular tattoo elements for aviation enthusiasts and those who love to travel. These tattoos hold many personal meanings and can be interpreted in many beautiful ways. Planes are beautiful body art elements that represent growth, challenges, nostalgia, and a fighting spirit and can be inked in many creative styles like watercolor, black art, and even a simple geometric pattern. These aviation tattoos include different types of aircraft and elements like wings and propellers. These designs are minimalistic on their own but can also be paired with other symbols like heart to narrate one’s personal story in an aesthetically pleasing way. Take inspiration for your next inking schedule from our compiled list of top airplane tattoo designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I consider before getting an airplane tattoo?

Before getting an airplane tattoo, consider its symbolism, design style, placement, and how it reflects your passion for travel or adventure. Also, consider its size and the time it would take to get it tattooed to plan your appointment accordingly.

How do I care for my airplane tattoo?

Keep your airplane tattoo clean and moisturized, avoid sun exposure, and follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare guidelines for optimal healing and ensuring its vibrancy.

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Marcos Juarez
Marcos JuarezProfessional Tattoo Artist
Marcos Juarez is a professional tattoo artist at 18b Tattoo based in Las Vegas, USA. As a renowned professional in his field, he got the opportunity to show his work at the 13th Annual Portland Tattoo Expo. His expertise lies in elaborate animal and human-themed tattoos, though he is also known for doing tattoos featuring realistic black-and-white and color-ink photography.

Read full bio of Marcos Juarez
Aparna Mallampalli
Aparna MallampalliHealth & Wellness Writer
Aparna is a professor-turned-content writer with over 5 years of experience in life sciences. Her passion for writing and interest in the healthcare and wellness industry pushed her toward a career in content writing. She has a master’s degree in microbiology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy.

Read full bio of Aparna Mallampalli
Shreya Mukherjee
Shreya MukherjeeBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Shreya is a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience. After graduating from Christ University, Bengaluru, she started as a writer for a non-profit organization, Bhumi, as an intern. She then wrote for a progressive content website.

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Sangita Goel
Sangita GoelBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Sangita is a content writer with a passion for exploring diverse genres. She has written 100+ blogs on an array of topics, including relationships, travel, beauty, and fashion. Armed with a master’s degree in history from Indira Gandhi National Open University, she has leveraged her curiosity to write captivating, engaging, and informative articles.

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