Flight attendants, with their extensive experience in the skies, often develop a unique perspective on air travel, influencing behaviors they adopt when flying as passengers. Several flight attendants shared insights with HuffPost on actions they consciously avoid to ensure a smoother experience for themselves and to maintain respect for the crew and the aircraft.
Hygiene and Personal Space
One common practice flight attendants steer clear of is removing their shoes and walking barefoot on the airplane. Jay Robert, a former flight attendant and founder of A Fly Guy Travels, noted that hygiene is a significant concern. "Having witnessed what goes on behind the scenes, I’m not about to expose my bare skin to the floors of an aircraft," Robert stated, referencing the often superficial cleaning of aircraft carpets and the potential for unseen contaminants.
Similarly, flight attendants avoid intruding on the crew's workspace, such as the galley. Francesco Lentini, a flight attendant with a major U.S. carrier, emphasized that the galley is where the crew works and eats. "Last thing we want is to have a passenger doing yoga poses in our faces while we are having our lunch," he said. Robert added that recognizing the crew's limited break times and respecting their designated areas is crucial, comparing it to not entering an employee break room in a restaurant or hotel.
Passenger Etiquette
Flight attendants also advise against using the call button for non-emergencies. Christa Treat, a flight attendant with a major U.S. airline, explained that the call button should be reserved for urgent situations. "Most people think that button is for extra drinks and snacks," she said, but added that flight attendants are often busy with safety checks and other duties, and passengers can often make requests when crew members pass through the cabin or in the galley when the seat belt sign is off.
Another behavior to avoid is handing trash to flight attendants during boarding. Lentini noted that passengers often bring trash from the terminal onto the plane, expecting crew members to dispose of it. He advises passengers to use airport receptacles before boarding to allow the crew to focus on preflight checks and the boarding process.
Using the lavatory during boarding is also discouraged. Lentini suggests using the restroom before boarding or during flight, as using it during boarding can create traffic flow issues and potentially delay departure.
Luggage and Preparedness
When it comes to luggage, flight attendants emphasize adhering to carry-on size and weight restrictions. Treat pointed out, "If you can’t lift your bag in the overhead bins, chances are I can’t either." She mentioned that airlines will check oversized bags for free to prevent potential injuries to crew members.
Preparedness before boarding is also key, according to Sif Björnsdóttir, a senior cabin crew member. She highlighted the importance of having everything needed for the flight readily accessible at the seat to avoid holding up other passengers during boarding. This includes having essential items in the seat area and other belongings stowed.
Interaction with Crew
Making demands about food and drinks is another area where flight attendants suggest a different approach. Heather Poole, a flight attendant and author, advises passengers not to rely on airlines for meals, recommending bringing food from home or purchasing it beforehand. "Airplane food is like astronaut food. Not worth getting upset over," she commented.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, flight attendants stress the need for kindness and respect toward crew members. Poole likened the flight attendant experience to that of waiters or retail workers, emphasizing the importance of basic courtesies like eye contact, greetings, and polite requests. Crew members are primarily focused on safety, with extensive training in emergency procedures. Treat added, "Our job is to get you from point A to point B safely." Flight attendants in the U.S. often work unpaid hours during boarding and deplaning, making passenger kindness and respect particularly valuable.