Flying can be stressful, and many passengers try their best to be polite to flight attendants. However, some well-meaning behaviors actually make the job harder for these sky-high professionals. What travelers think is helpful or courteous might actually be a source of frustration for the cabin crew.
Flight attendants have seen it all, from overly chatty passengers to those who try to help with tasks they’re not trained for. These airline workers have opened up about the supposedly ‘polite’ actions that actually drive them crazy.
1. Handing Over Trash During Drink Service
Flight attendants appreciate passengers who want to keep the cabin tidy. However, handing over trash during drink service can be problematic. It interrupts the flow of service and can lead to spills or accidents. Instead, wait for the designated trash collection times or use the call button if it’s urgent.
2. Touching Flight Attendants To Get Attention
Some passengers think a gentle tap on the arm is a polite way to get attention. In reality, this can startle or annoy flight attendants who are focused on their tasks. It’s also a violation of personal space in a professional setting. Use the call button or try to make eye contact instead.
3. Standing In The Galley To Stretch
While it’s important to move around during long flights, the galley isn’t the place for it. This area is the flight attendants’ workspace and they need it clear to prepare service. Standing there can obstruct their movement and create safety hazards. Stick to stretching in your seat or in designated areas.
4. Helping To Clean Up After Meals
Offering to help clean up after meals might seem courteous, but it can disrupt the crew’s routine. Flight attendants have specific procedures for clearing trays and recycling items. Well-meaning passengers might mix up trash or create more work. It’s best to simply hand over your tray when asked.
5. Insisting On Giving Up Your Seat
While offering your seat to someone who needs it is kind, insisting can cause problems. Flight attendants often have a seating plan for safety or balance reasons. Changing seats without approval can disrupt this plan. If you want to offer your seat, inform a flight attendant first and let them handle it.
6. Trying To Help With Luggage During Boarding
Passengers often try to help others with luggage during boarding to speed things up. However, this can actually slow down the process and create liability issues. Flight attendants are trained to handle luggage safely and efficiently. Let them do their job to ensure a smooth boarding process.
7. Asking For A Tour Of The Plane
Some curious passengers politely ask for a tour of different areas of the plane. While this interest is appreciated, it’s not feasible during a flight. Certain areas are off-limits for safety reasons, and tours would interfere with the crew’s duties. Enjoy the areas accessible to passengers instead.
8. Excessive Politeness During Safety Briefing
Constant nodding, smiling, or saying “thank you” during the safety briefing can be distracting. While politeness is appreciated, flight attendants need to focus on delivering important information. It’s best to simply pay attention quietly. Your attentiveness is enough to show respect.
9. Waiting To Use The Restroom
Some passengers think it’s polite to wait until the seatbelt sign is off to use the restroom. However, holding it for too long can lead to health issues. If it’s urgent, it’s okay to get up when the fasten seatbelt sign is on, unless during takeoff, landing, or severe turbulence.
10. Letting Children Run Around To “Burn Energy”
Parents sometimes think it’s considerate to let kids run around to tire them out. However, this creates safety hazards and disturbs other passengers. It also makes the job harder for flight attendants, who must ensure everyone’s safety. Keep children seated or walk with them in a controlled manner.
11. Excessive Apologies For Requests
Over-apologizing for every request can make interactions awkward and time-consuming. Flight attendants are there to assist passengers and expect to receive requests. A simple “please” and “thank you” is sufficient. Save apologies for when you’ve actually inconvenienced someone.
12. Trying To Entertain The Crew
Some passengers try to lighten the mood by telling jokes or stories to the crew. While the intention is good, flight attendants are often busy and need to focus on their tasks. They appreciate friendly passengers but prefer brief, pleasant interactions. Save the stand-up routine for your travel companions.
13. Holding The Call Button Too Long
Passengers sometimes hold the call button, thinking it’s more polite than repeated presses. However, this can be confusing for the crew. They might think it’s an emergency or that the system is malfunctioning. A single press is sufficient. If it’s urgent, press again after a reasonable wait.
14. Insisting On Helping During Turbulence
During turbulence, some passengers offer to help flight attendants secure items. While well-intentioned, this can be dangerous. Flight attendants are trained to handle turbulence safely. The best way to help is to stay seated with your seatbelt fastened and follow crew instructions.
15. Excessive Chatting During Meal Service
Some passengers think it’s friendly to engage in long conversations during meal service. However, this can slow down service for other passengers. Flight attendants need to serve everyone efficiently. Keep conversations brief during service times. There’s plenty of time to chat afterward.
15 Smart Strategies for Managing Credit Card Debt
15 Smart Strategies for Managing Credit Card Debt
16 Careers and Jobs That Are Perfect for Introverts
16 Careers and Jobs That Are Perfect for Introverts
17 Reasons Why Men Are Avoiding Marriages Like The Plague
