Flight attendants have a hard job. They have to clean up after inconsiderate passengers. They have to deal with drunken and disorderly passengers. I feel for them sometimes. Here are 21 rules of etiquette from flight attendants.
If there are quotes from flight attendants and/or cabin crew, I'm going to give them their credit by adding their quotes.
1. They want you to follow the boarding directions
-It's not that hard. Just do what you are told. These announcements include checking luggage at the gate, boarding calls, finding your seat. They may not seem like a big deal, but they are. Doing everything correctly helps streamline the process of loading passengers on to the airplane. And by not paying attention and doing what you are supposed to do, you can hold up the process and make it take longer to board, says one flight attendant named Yaika B. The cabin crew sees everything!
2. They're not looking for a hookup in every city they land in
-Some people think flight attendants have a fast life, looking for hookups everywhere they go. This idea is an idea conceived by Hollywood. One flight attendant, named Ashley M says "I'm married, but honestly, I'm too exhausted to go swiping through Tinder anyhow. After I land, all I want is sleep." Flight attendants are not looking for hookups. Most of them are in committed relationships and others are single, but are not actively pursuing relationships
3. They're not looking to hookup with passengers, either
-Don't hit on the flight attendants. They are not interested in hookups. Most of them are probably in committed relationships or they're single, but not interested.
4. Going viral is not their thing
-A lot of airlines have incredibly strict policies about social media. They are not allowed to post anything on social media that is obscene or offensive, anything that makes their airline look bad. One example includes a Delta Airlines employee getting fired for posting a political cartoon on social media. Passengers can do as they please on social media, but then again-be forewarned. The security teams at that social media's headquarters will do something about that. Flight attendants don't want to be part of the passengers' social media. One flight attendant, named Evan, said "We don't want to be on your social media, at all, not ever, not on accident, not on purpose." He adds that it's even worse when passengers secretly record them. "One of my worst experiences ever was when a 'famous' YouTuber filmed himself "pranking" me."
5. They use / need sleep aids too
-Flight attendants are going through all sorts of time zones and their sleep cycles can get just as out of whack as their passengers. When they land, they sleep and get themselves back in perfect running order. This same flight attendant, Evan, says "I keep a bottle of melatonin gummies in my flight bag." He also swears by using a eye mask and headphones playing gentle white noise. And if you know anyone who is a flight attendant, those make great gifts
6. The airline app has the fastest and most accurate information
-If you need information, check the app for the airline you're flying through. It'll have the most up to date information about delays, seat and gate numbers, checked luggage, time changes and more. The apps will even get updates before the airline's own staff does, according to an airline employee named Nicole J. These apps will also give weather alerts and travel restrictions and will even walk you through the boarding process if you're a first time flyer
7. Don't recite the drink list for every passenger
-Every flight has the same types of drinks-various types of cola, various types of beer and spirits, various types of water. To streamline this process and thus, make it easier on them, listen to them when they cite the drink types and don't make them repeat themselves. One flight attendant, named Emily C., says "If you can't remember it, no sweat. Just ask if they have something. If they don't, it's a simple no."
8. Turbulence freaks out flight attendants too
-Flight attendants are human beings too, despite what some think. Turbulence can scare the daylights out of them just as much as it does the passengers. It's harder for flight attendants because they have to remain cool, calm and collected like the storied cucumber to avoid causing stress among the passengers. Olga P., a flight attendant, says "It's OK to feel scared, but you can't let the passengers see it. We are trained to stay calm, even if we don't feel calm." It also helps if the passengers remain calm "It only takes one passenger to start screaming to set off a whole plane in panic", says Olga P.
9. They tire of the rules too
-They are just like us-human beings who tire of the rules. Every airline has rules for its cabin and crew members. There are even some incredibly strict rules that must be followed. One flight attendant, named Carol. L, says "Especially during COVID-19, I wanted to scream over all of the cabin-sanitizing requirements because some of them were ridiculously time-consuming and really didn't do anything other than put [on] a safety show."
10. You're not the main character in your own flight story
-Flight attendants are ridiculously tired of dealing with passengers trying to film TikTok or other social media videos of their process of getting on to the flight. Social media has led to what is called "main character syndrome", which is where people feel they are the star of their show. They must make a reality TV show of every step they take and assume their needs must be met with the highest level of urgency. One flight attendant named LynnDee F says "This drives me absolutely crazy. Don't jam the aisle trying to film your TikTok dance, talk loudly into the camera as you narrate your whole trip or force the entire plane to become the audience for your singing solo. I will make you stop."
11. You may not think it, but they see you overstuffing the overhead bins, and they don't like it one bit at all
-The overhead bins are for small bags and thin strollers that have already been checked in. The first thing flight attendants notice about incoming passengers is their boarding habits. So, like the phrase goes, "you don't get a second chance to make a good first impression". Make a good first impression. If you're having issues with the overhead bins, choose a bin with more room or ask for assistance. According to one flight attendant named Beth B, "Want to start off on the wrong foot with me? Put your carry-on in a full overhead bin, leave it sticking out 6 inches, then take your seat at the window and wait for someone else-me!-to come along and solve the physics problem you just created."
12. The pay is not the best
-For what flight attendants have to put up with, you'd think the pay would be better. Unfortunately, it's not. This is one of the HARSHEST realities about being a flight attendant. They have low hourly wages, starting at $11-$20 an hour, but they're not even considered "on the clock" until the boarding door is closed and the plane starts taxiing down the runway. This roughly transfers into the concept that flight attendants are not getting paid to help you stuff your overpacked bag into the overhead bin or get connected with your connecting flight. One flight attendant, Emily says "By the time I count all the hours I spend doing stuff that is necessary for my job but isn't 'official', I make less than minimum wage. Think about that the next time you want to demand we do something extra for you."
13. Saying "hello" helps brighten their mood too
-Being polite and friendly makes things better. Odds are high that you'll be sitting next to strangers if you're not already sitting next to your family or friends. A flight attendant named Carol says "I get it. I have social anxiety, too, but I've learned through my two decades as a flight attendant that you may need that stranger to help you, and that goes a lot better if you were friendly from the beginning. A little kindness really goes a long way in air travel." You don't have to become fast friends, but things will go smoother if it starts out on good terms
14. They're all for getting passengers to take their side
-Everyone has seen the viral videos of unruly passengers treating the plane like it's their own version of Fight Club or treating the plane like a new level of Mortal Kombat or the flight attendants who finally reach their breaking point and steal alcohol, jump out of the plane (on the tarmac) or curse out passengers. Not all of them take it that far, but they do reach their breaking point and do have to put up with a lot. They are all for getting passengers to come to their defense when dealing with unruly passengers. A flight attendant named Beth says "You disarm an unruly passenger by introducing yourself, asking his name and saying something like 'I've been incredibly nice to you for three hours. Why are you treating me like this?' That also gets the other passengers on your side-and sometimes they'll even applaud."
15. They accidentally break wind too
-It's natural to pass gas. "Crop dusting" is when you accidentally pass gas and don't realize it. Everyone does it. If someone has to break wind, they'll use the restroom to do it. One flight attendant named Evan says "I've never done it, obviously, but I know flight attendants who will 'crop dust' a section of the cabin as they walk down the aisle if they feel like a particular group is being rude-or they just can't hold it in. Usually we go into the lavatory to pass gas and I recommend you do that too instead of grossing out your neighbors."
16. There's more diversity and maturity than you think
-It's always been a stereotype that flight attendants are young, single white females. Not even close. There is such a massive diversity and maturity in the world of flying that the possibilities are endless. Ashley, a 39 year old married, Latina flight attendant says "Another stereotype flight attendants are constantly fighting is the idea that they're all young, single, white women." The average age for female flight attendants is 46 and for men it's 44
17. Safety takes priority over comfort
-A flight attendant named Alisha R. says "We are there for your safety first. Services comes second to us. We aren't even trained in service while we go through initial training; it is six to eight weeks of drills, tests and safety equipment knowledge only." Airline pilots also prioritize safety over comfort. They are, after all, being paid to take people from place to place
18. Don't expect them to fix emergencies that YOU could have prevented
-They're not miracle workers. They work with what they have. If you have a baby, bring everything you'll need to address that baby's needs, such as diapers, wet wipes, powder, etc. If you're a diabetic who relies on insulin injections, bring your glucometer and syringes, provided you've already cleared the syringes through TSA. If you suffer from high blood pressure, bring your medications. Carol, a flight attendant, says "If you ask nicely, I will try to make a diaper out of a sanitary pad and a pillowcase or ask over the intercom if someone has a spare inhaler. Lack of preparedness on your part doesn't constitute an emergency on our part." The whole point is be prepared ahead of time
19. No, you cannot just sit wherever you want
-The whole point of assigned seats is that whoever paid for those seats should get those seats. And, if in the case of a crash landing, people can look at the seating arrangement and know who was sitting in what seat. A pet peeve of a flight attendant named Alisha is passengers seeing their seat assignment as a suggestion, not a rule to follow. It's not open seating, so just sit in the seat you were assigned. Switching after everyone is seated-if you're a parent who wants to be closer to their child, then that's fine. At that point, it'll come off better on you if you ask a flight attendant politely to assist you in smoothly switching seats
20. Airplanes are far more unsanitary than you think
-We all know planes are gross. They are metal tubes that have germs floating in the air. What makes it worse is when people don't cover their mouths or noses when sneezing or coughing. That can get people sick. Another gross thing is when people don't wash their hands after using the bathroom. Those germs get everywhere too. Planes are horribly unsanitary and cabin crew can only do so much in between flights. Dirty, sweaty feet on armrests and tray tables. People changing their babies and getting their fecal matter and urine-filled diapers on tray tables. Gum stuck to tray tables. Spilled food, vomit, blood, you name it, the plane has probably seen it. Carol, a flight attendant says "You name it, I've seen someone do it on an airplane. And for the love of all that is holy, stop taking off your shoes and socks."
21. Bring a reusable water bottle
-This will help keep you hydrated. Make sure it's empty before going through security otherwise TSA will confiscate it. Having your own supply of water will also help in case of delays or cabin service can't resume for some reason
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