Airplanes are a unique element in the tattoo industry and are popular among pilots and aviation enthusiasts. People who love adventure, flying or traveling usually wear these tattoos. Moreover, the meaning of the tattoo depends on the type of aircraft that is tattooed. Airplanes can represent different stages of your life journey, your turbulent mood and the many people and emotions that you experience or interact with. You can have an airplane tattoo all by itself or combine it with hearts or other elements to tell a story. In this article, we have listed some stunning tattoo designs to give you some ‘sky’ inspiration. Check them out.
What does an airplane tattoo symbolize?
Airplane tattoos generally represent courage and love for travel and adventure. There are different aircraft vehicles, from the Cessna to the big Boeings, that have their own meanings.
Paper airplane: This simple minimalist design symbolizes simplicity, careful mind, and for some, even childhood nostalgia. The paper airplane is also a common tattoo for Taylor Swift fans, as it is linked to the singer’s past relationship with Harry Styles. Tight jet plane: Represents modernity, progress and the excitement of air travel. It can also symbolize ambition and efficiency. Vintage double-decker: Symbolizes nostalgia, adventure and 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 aircraft: Stands for patriotism, fighting spirit and participation in the air force.
Clearly, airplane tattoos can’t be contained in just one design! Read on below to learn about the different tattoo styles you can consider, along with some interesting design inspiration.
8 Awesome Airplane Tattoo Ideas
Airplane tattoos can look stunning when done right. While there are many tattoo styles to choose from, here are the 8 most popular designs that you really need to know about. Check out the list below!
1. Paper airplane tattoo
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A minimalist paper airplane tattoo on a woman’s wrist perfectly combines playfulness and elegance. It is a symbol of childish joy, while the dashed lines represent the journey to independence. It also symbolizes a person’s readiness to enter unknown experiences and adventures with the joy and openness of a child.
Some people get a tattoo of a white airplane. These tattoos are associated with the sky and symbolize a peaceful transition to the other side.
2. Small airplane tattoo
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
A small airplane tattoo on a woman’s wrist symbolizes adventure and freedom. This small yet beautifully intricate design represents a person’s love of travel and discovery. It can also be interpreted as a daily reminder of the willingness to pursue her dreams with courage and navigate through life with grace and determination. You can also add a splash of color for added effect.
3. Airplane Heart Tattoo
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An airplane heart tattoo on a woman’s back beautifully combines love and adventure. This design depicts an airplane inside a heart, which symbolizes passion for travel and affection. It also represents love for exploration and cherished relationships. Beautifully tattooed with bright colors, this tattoo is a perfect blend of beauty and wanderlust.
4. Black airplane tattoo
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
An all black aircraft usually symbolizes a military vessel. This can mean that the wearer is part of or looks up to the air force. However, those who are not in the air force get this design to reflect an adventurous and fiery spirit. It also shows courage and determination to navigate the journey of life with confidence. The black color gives a bold and edgy look.
5. Two paper airplanes flying tattoo
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The ‘two paper airplanes flying’ tattoo is inspired by the same lyric from Taylor Swift’s song ‘Out Of The Woods’. In the song, Taylor uses the phrase to denote two hopeful lovers who are doomed to fail, like paper airplanes that can’t fly far. Many Swifties have gotten this tattoo to show their love for the singer and her journey and songs.
6. Airplane tattoo for men
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Airplane tattoos for men that are aesthetically tattooed on the back symbolize a sense of strength and adventure. This tattoo, placed in a bold manner, also symbolizes the passion for travel and discovery. The colors, sun rays, mountains, clouds, and trees all paint a beautiful picture of a wild heart that travels freely without limits. The airplane itself has a traditional design, which represents the willingness to chase your dreams.
7. Traditional Airplane Tattoo
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A traditional airplane tattoo symbolizes the love of adventure and travel. With its classic design, this aircraft represents freedom and exploration. The classic craft, designed with clean lines 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, mixed with beautiful artistry.
8. Paper airplane shadow tattoo
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
A paper airplane shadow tattoo along with a fighter jet on a woman’s forearm creates a mesmerizing effect. Gracefully placed, this tattoo symbolizes strength, resilience along with simplicity. With its creative design, it represents a desire to explore new horizons and pursue dreams with grace and subtlety. The placement provides maximum visibility and adds a touch of mystery to an individual’s personality.
When you decide to get a tattoo, bring a printed version of your design to the tattoo parlor. The artist may ask for the digital version, so make sure you give them the copy you have saved. They can load this digital copy into their printer, making it easier for the artist to create the exact tattoo you want.
Airplane tattoos are one of the most popular tattoo elements for aviation enthusiasts and people who love to travel. These tattoos have many personal meanings and can be interpreted in many beautiful ways. Airplanes are beautiful body art elements that represent growth, challenges, nostalgia, and fighting spirit and can be tattooed in many creative styles such as watercolor, black art, and even a simple geometric pattern. These designs are minimalistic on their own, but can also be combined with other symbols such as a heart to tell a person’s personal story in an aesthetically pleasing way. Get inspiration for your next ink scheme from our curated list of top airplane tattoo designs.
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Marcos Juarez is a professional tattoo artist at 18b Tattoo in Las Vegas, USA. As a renowned professional in his field, he had the opportunity to showcase his work at the 13th Annual Portland Tattoo Expo. His expertise lies in elaborate tattoos with animal and human themes, although he is also known for creating tattoos with realistic black and white and color ink photography.
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