When interacting with flight attendants, there are certain things that should be avoided to ensure a pleasant and respectful experience. Remember, flight attendants are there to ensure your safety and comfort, and treating them with courtesy and appreciation enhances everyone’s journey.
“I’ll have my eggs over easy.”
While your spouse may respond to your dad jokes with a courtesy laugh, don’t expect everyone else to—especially if you use this line to greet flight attendants as you board a plane. This joke is heard by flight attendants far too often and can come across as belittling their primary role, which is to ensure your safety.
“When are you retiring?”
Commenting on someone’s age is a surefire way to not make new friends when talking to a flight attendant. Experienced flight attendants are proud of their service and asking about retirement can be perceived as dismissive of their dedication and skills.
“You don’t look old enough to be a flight attendant.”
Passengers might think they are giving a compliment, but this comment can come off as condescending. Airlines have stringent hiring standards, so you can be assured that all flight attendants are adequately trained and qualified.
“Where do you guys stay?”
This question raises safety concerns. Flight attendants prefer not to disclose their accommodation details to avoid any potential risks or unwanted attention during their layovers.
“Can you help me put my bag in the overhead bin?”
If you can’t lift your own bag, it shouldn’t be considered a carry-on. Flight attendants lifting heavy bags repeatedly throughout the day can lead to injuries, so it’s best to only bring what you can manage yourself or ask a fellow passenger for help.
“How much longer will the flight be?”
You likely have a smartphone or watch that can track the flight’s progress. Flight attendants announce the flight duration at the beginning, and setting a timer can help you keep track of the remaining time without needing to ask them.
“What city or state are we over right now?”
Flight attendants often don’t know the exact location of the plane during the flight, as they are busy attending to passengers. Asking this question can be seen as a distraction from their duties.
“What should I do in [insert name of city]?”
Flight attendants travel frequently but might not have extensive knowledge about every destination. Instead, it’s better to ask if they are familiar with the area before requesting recommendations.
“What is causing this delay?”
Delays are usually due to issues beyond the flight attendants’ control, such as coordination between ground staff and air traffic control. They often don’t have detailed information about the cause of the delay.
“The ground staff said you would arrange for us to sit together.”
This request can be challenging, especially on full flights where seats are pre-assigned. Flight attendants can ask other passengers to switch seats, but this depends on their willingness.
“I have an injured [insert body part]. Can I get an upgrade?”
Many passengers might use this excuse for a more comfortable seat, but upgrades are not typically granted based on injuries. If you have specific seating needs, it’s best to arrange this in advance when booking your flight.
“Why can’t I just move to that empty seat with more legroom?”
Seating arrangements are made to ensure the aircraft’s balance. Moving to a different seat without permission can disrupt this balance and is not allowed for safety reasons.
“Can you have them hold my flight? My connection is so tight!”
Flight attendants have no control over the schedules of connecting flights. They can provide information to help you navigate the airport quickly, but they cannot delay a flight for individual passengers.
“I fly even more than you do!”
Flight attendants spend a significant amount of time in the air and have detailed records of frequent flyers. Claiming to fly more than them is often not true and can be met with skepticism.
“You should smile!”
Telling someone to smile is intrusive and dismissive of their professional demeanor. Flight attendants have numerous responsibilities and pressures, and their focus is on safety and service, not on entertaining passengers.
“It’s my birthday/anniversary/honeymoon. Can I sit in first class?”
In the past, upgrades were more flexible, but now they are strictly managed by gate agents before boarding. Special occasions do not typically qualify for complimentary upgrades.
“Can you give me a massage?”
This is an inappropriate and intrusive request. Flight attendants are there to ensure your safety and comfort, but this does not extend to providing personal services like massages.
“Do you have any food? I’m diabetic.”
While flight attendants are sympathetic to medical needs, their ability to provide suitable food options is limited. It’s best to bring your own snacks if you have specific dietary requirements.
“That’s a funny name … “
Commenting on a flight attendant’s name can be awkward and uncomfortable. It’s best to avoid making jokes about someone’s name, which can be seen as unprofessional and disrespectful.
“Isn’t there going to be a meal service?”
Meal services have changed significantly over the years, with many flights now offering limited snacks for purchase. Bringing your own food or eating before the flight can prevent disappointment.
“Stewardess!”
The term “stewardess” is outdated and not gender-neutral. The preferred term is “flight attendant,” which respects the professionalism of all crew members, regardless of gender.
“Will I make my connection?”
Flight attendants cannot predict flight schedules or connection times. It’s best to check your airline’s app or speak to a gate agent for updated information about your connections.
“Hang on just one minute … “
Flight attendants operate on a tight schedule, especially during boarding and landing. Complying promptly with their requests helps ensure safety and efficiency for everyone on board.
“Did you hear the one about the hijacker?”
Jokes about hijacking or terrorism are never appropriate and can lead to serious consequences. Such comments are taken seriously and can cause unnecessary alarm and delays.
“Are you free after the flight?”
Assuming flight attendants are interested in socializing after the flight is unprofessional. They often have tight schedules and limited free time, which they prefer to spend resting or preparing for the next leg of their journey.
“Can I borrow a pen?”
Flight attendants have limited supplies and cannot provide pens to every passenger. It’s wise to carry your own pen for filling out customs forms or other paperwork.
“But I have to … “
Arguing with flight attendants about regulations or instructions can lead to being denied boarding or facing legal consequences. Compliance with their requests ensures a smooth and safe flight experience.
“Can you turn down the temperature? It’s too cold in here.”
While it’s understandable to feel uncomfortable, the cabin temperature is often set to accommodate the majority of passengers and to maintain optimal conditions for flight safety and equipment. Instead of asking the flight attendant to adjust the entire cabin’s temperature, consider bringing a jacket or blanket on board to stay warm.
“I need you to make my seat recline. It’s stuck.”
If your seat won’t recline, it’s usually a mechanical issue that a flight attendant can’t fix during the flight. Instead of getting frustrated with the flight attendant, try to find a comfortable position or use a travel pillow. You can also inform them politely so they can report it for maintenance after the flight.
“Can you open the window shade? I want to see outside.”
Window shades are often kept closed during certain parts of the flight, such as early morning or late at night, to ensure other passengers can rest and to control the lighting in the cabin. If you want to see outside, kindly ask the person sitting by the window if they would mind opening the shade briefly, but be prepared to respect their comfort and the flight crew’s instructions.
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