Tattoo Artist Gains Internet Fame After Unexpectedly Giving A Tattoo To His Seatmate Inflight

Sep 01, 2022 by apost team

Strange and oddly specific behavior seems to go hand in hand with airplane travel. From exotic emotional support animals and heated arguments over armrests to plates of microwaved food spilling off of tray tables, there are enough variables for something to happen between takeoff and landing. 

To keep a lid on any potential hazards, airlines have understandably banned certain activities and items. No excess intoxication, no fireworks, no snakes. Smoking has infamously been banned, although these days it feels impossible to even imagine an open flame on an inflight aircraft. 

There are still passengers, however, who attempt to skirt the rules. Disassembling smoke detectors, opening duty-free booze on board, and picking fights with flight attendants. The incidents usually end up on YouTube with viewers at home happy to not be locked in a flying metal room with a nude passenger. 

A July 2022 TikTok divided the audience about whether or not its participants had broken the spoken and unspoken code of in-flight conduct. Asher, also known by the handle @luckyboytattoos, had happened to sit down next to a young woman who was interested in getting tattooed herself. 

Later speaking to reporters, Asher recalled their interaction, "She seemed a little bit stressed about being able to find a shop and getting in, so at first, I jokingly brought up that I had all of my tattoo equipment with me." While he had the proper equipment with him, Asher knew they weren't in a real tattoo shop and would have to be a little flexible. In speaking to his seatmate-turned-client, Asher made sure to explain how the tattoo would go given they were technically in a moving vehicle. 

He continued: "I did tell her that (the tattoo outline) was not gonna be stenciled, but she was very open to the idea of the tattoo having character. We even talked about bumps and turbulence."

Asher also grabbed his phone and snapped a quick TikTok during the process of the mile-high achievement. Updating his followers on the unexpected turn of events, he wrote, "So I sat down next to someone who told me they were stressed about finding a place to get tattooed on their trip." To quell any concern that those watching might have for the safety of the endeavor, he added, "We followed all sanitation protocols, including prep clean up and disposal." 

The video received millions of views. However, not everyone was a fan of the woman's new ink. Of the response, Asher said: "There’s definitely mixed reactions (of) a lot of people expressing how interesting and cool it was — but also a lot of people shutting down the idea and saying that it is unsanitary." The artist was understanding of their reaction. He explained: "At the end of the day, I understand it’s not the most sanitary place to be doing tattoos — but we chatted about consent, risks, understanding and trusting each other first."

However, he seemed happy to have been able to participate in a special moment with someone who had been a stranger when they boarded. He remarked: "To me, getting a tattoo is such an amazing way of memorializing a mindset. In this case, adventure, openness, and saying hello to new experiences. It’s so powerful to take a piece of this version of yourself with you, to carry and remember."

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What's the "worst" thing you've ever done inflight? Let us know — and be sure to pass this article on to friends, family and any fellow tattooers!