15 Things You MUST NEVER Say to a Flight Attendant
Getting thousands of feet above the ground is majestic and fun, but what of those who make it possible? Flight attendants, the unsung heroes of air travel, juggle safety protocols, passenger requests, and unforeseen challenges while balancing a smile.
But really, there’s a lot we, the passengers, can do or say that can complicate their jobs. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), flight attendants spend more than 200 hours training in safety and emergency areas, which proves they know more than serving drinks.
For those frequent flyers or just someone eager to brush up on their in-flight etiquette, here are 15 things you should never say to a flight attendant, no matter how much you wish you could. Knowing these will help make your flight smoother, more pleasant, and even more luxurious.
“Are We There Yet?” – Patience is a Virtue
Sounding innocent enough, one question flight attendants hear far too often seems harmless. They’re not magicians that can break the laws of aviation. Besides, we all have smartphones with capable flight tracking.
Impatience frustrates the crew, but studies have shown that passengers who practice patience report 40% higher flight satisfaction ratings. Settle down, chill out, and believe in the process.
“It’s Not My Job” – Understanding Boundaries
Being a flight attendant is much more than serving snacks in the air. They are trained in emergency response, assisting passengers, and enforcing safety protocols. They work hard to make your trip pleasant, but their role isn’t to carry your bags, babysit your kids, or sort out any personal arguments.
Instead, they are safety professionals caring for your well-being on the flight. Respect their boundaries because they’re professionals, and appreciate their work because you’ll have a better experience as a passenger.
“Can I Get That for Free?” – The Value of In-Flight Services
Running an airline is a high-cost business. It’s not for free just because you get those in-flight drinks, snacks, or Wi-Fi! The International Air Transport Association (IATA) claims that airlines have an average profit margin of 2.7% to 3.6%, and these extras are essential for airlines to stay in business.
Respect the structure. If something isn’t complimentary, persistently asking for freebies won’t help, and it might just leave a sour taste in the crew’s mouth.
“But the Other Airline Does It!” – Respect for Airline Policies
Policies aren’t arbitrary; they result from extensive research, logistics planning, and passenger safety considerations. Comparing one airline’s rules against another airline’s rarely makes a good impression.
Instead, if something doesn’t feel right, you should provide thoughtful feedback through official channels, which is far more likely to be acted upon.
“I Know My Rights!” – Advocating With Respect
Organizations like the U.S. Department of Transportation set down passengers’ rights. But, stating these rights aggressively can unnecessarily escalate tensions and prevent the whole thing from progressing. Instead, it is much better to calmly and politely explain your circumstances.
Appealing to the flight attendants empathetically and being patient will allow you to get their attention and try to get a solution together rather than a thirty-second sprint to confer with management on what protocol to follow.
“Can You Make This Flight Faster?” – Trust Physics, Not People
Sorry, aerodynamics and air traffic control are about as far away as a flight attendant’s responsibilities get. The captain can’t even change a pre-set flight path without approval from aviation authorities.
But you can control what you need to focus on: pick up a great book, watch the latest series you’ve been hearing too much about, or nap.
“Smile More!” – Enough With the Micro-Management
This phrase, laden with tone-deaf undertones, trivializes the demanding responsibilities of flight attendants. They are not entertainers hired to maintain perpetual smiles; they are just trying to comfortably get everyone to their destinations.
Professionalism is essential, but expecting excessive cheerfulness would be considered dismissive. In addition, a study found that crew members experience job stress and fatigue due to irregular hours and challenging conditions. Respectful interactions create a better environment for passengers and crew.
“You Must Love Traveling for Free!” – Assumptions About the Job
Flight attendants receive travel perks at a cost. They regularly work nights and holidays, sometimes spending 12 to 18 days away from home each month.
The job also subjects them to health hazards such as fatigue, higher cancer risk from disrupted sleep, and high air radiation (Air and space forces). Free travel has been marketed as chic, yet its glamor comes with genuine personal and professional sacrifice.
“What’s the Wi-Fi Password?” – It’s in the Fine Details
Unlike pilots, who keep the plane in the air, flight attendants are tasked with maintaining passenger safety and comfort during the flight—from making safety checks to helping passengers with seatbelts to dealing with emergencies.
Airlines’ apps provide information about in-flight Wi-Fi and information in the cabin. By utilizing these resources, passengers can prevent flight attendants from distracting themselves from critical duties.
“I’ll Have What You’re Serving First Class”
First-class perks come with higher ticket prices. Asking for these luxuries despite being an economy passenger creates awkwardness that serves no one. Enjoy what’s offered in your class, or consider upgrading next time!
“I Don’t Need to Follow That Rule”
Seatbelt lights, upright seatbacks, and carry-on rules exist for everyone’s safety. Flouting these rules can delay takeoff or put other passengers at risk.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that in 2023, one unruly passenger incident occurred for every 480 flights, based on over 24,500 incident reports from more than 50 operators globally.
“I’m Allergic to This, Can I Get Something Else?” (without prior notice)
Unfortunately, food allergies are severe and should be relayed before the booking/check-in so you are not forced to rely on inflight resources to address emergencies, leaving the crew unnecessarily stressed.
“Clean That Up” – Shared Responsibility
Mess? Unless it’s an actual hazard or sanitary risk, passengers must clean up after themselves. It is courteous and considerate, allowing the crew to concentrate on addressing more real tasks.
“You’re Just a Waitress/Waiter in the Sky”
Among all the off-limits comments, this one takes the cake for undermining the complexity of the flight attendant role.
Their knowledge spans emergency procedures, medical protocols, and conflict resolution to ensure every passenger’s well-being.
“Why Can’t You Make an Exception for Me?”
No one likes being told “no,” but that doesn’t make individual exceptions more practical. Airline staff adhere to strict company policies; they aren’t arbitrary, and circumventing them is often impossible.
The golden rule holds—treat others as you’d like to be treated. Follow these 15 reminders to ensure your attitude soars as high as the plane you’re on.
Do you have other tips for creating a better in-flight experience? Drop them and help spread the word about respectful air travel.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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