Flight attendants are the unsung heroes of air travel, ensuring we stay safe and comfortable while flying. Have you ever wondered what it's like for them to take to the skies daily? While most Americans fly just a few times a year, flight attendants often complete several flights in a single day. Because of this, they know safety and airline rules better than anyone. To gain more insight, one talked with 5 experienced flight attendants (who chose to share only their first names) from various regions of the United States about what they wish passengers understood. Here's a peek into their world so you can travel better.
What do flight attendants really want you to know?
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1. Keeping everyone safe is job one
Safety reigns supreme for flight crews. "From the outside, it might seem like we just serve drinks and snacks," shares Megan, an Orlando-based flight attendant with a major U.S. airline. "But in reality, we're constantly vigilant, assessing our surroundings." Flight attendants are trained to handle diverse situations, from routine turbulence to critical medical emergencies or even fires.
Cate, a veteran flight attendant with over a decade of experience in Philadelphia, highlights the challenging aspect of enforcing FAA regulations. "It's frustrating when passengers argue with me about safety procedures," she explains.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets the safety standards for all passengers and crew. All flight attendants emphasize the paramount importance of adhering to these regulations to prevent injuries and avoid fines. Safety is their top priority the moment the cabin door closes.
While safety is paramount, Rachael, a Pittsburgh-based flight attendant, emphasizes the importance of passenger comfort. "You never know what someone is going through," she explains. "They might be a nervous flyer or traveling to a difficult situation like a funeral. Empathy is crucial." Balancing safety with compassionate care is a key aspect of their role.
2. One rule no one follows
If there's one rule passengers consistently disregard, it's the "fasten seat belt" sign.
"I'd say it's the most ignored sign globally," Rachael quips. Many passengers treat it as optional, but seat belt use is crucial. Turbulence can strike unexpectedly, even with the sign off.
"Pilots have superior knowledge of air currents," Megan explains. "We may not anticipate sudden turbulence like they do." A prudent approach is to keep your seat belt fastened whenever seated, preventing any unpleasant surprises. (Needless to say, remain seated when the sign illuminates, regardless of the perceived smoothness of the flight.)
Another frequent oversight? Unbuckling prematurely upon landing. Kaitlyn, a flight attendant with training department experience, emphasizes that "taxiing is one of the most perilous phases of flight." Prematurely unbuckling increases the risk of injury. Always remain seated and belted until the plane reaches the gate and the sign is extinguished.
3. Storing luggage is no joke
We've all grappled with the overhead bin conundrum. However, proper luggage storage is a critical safety issue for flight attendants. Bags must fit securely under the seat in front of you.
"Remember, our objective is to evacuate the aircraft within 90 seconds," emphasizes Megan. FAA studies have revealed that passengers have tripped over their own luggage during actual evacuation scenarios. "This could jeopardize your safety and the safety of others," she stresses.
Cate highlights another critical aspect of in-flight luggage: flight attendants aren't obligated to lift heavy bags. Their workers' compensation doesn't cover injuries sustained while lifting passenger luggage. "We can assist you with lifting," she clarifies. "However, if you're unable to lift your bag independently, the most prudent course of action is to check it to your final destination."
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4. Restroom rules: when it's cool to go (and when it's not)
The airplane lavatory, while necessary, isn't exactly a luxurious experience. Flight attendants offer some practical advice. Kaitlyn recommends using the restroom in the terminal before boarding. "Terminal restrooms are typically cleaner, and we're usually under pressure to maintain an on-time departure. Using the lav during boarding can significantly delay the process."
If lavatory use is unavoidable in-flight, adhere to these guidelines: refrain from using the restroom during boarding or deplaning, while taxiing, during turbulence, or when a flight attendant is navigating the aisle with a beverage cart.
5. They rarely get paid while boarding
Slow boarding processes can be frustrating for passengers, but they're equally frustrating for flight crews. At Rachael's airline, compensation begins only after the aircraft doors are closed and ends when they reopen. This means no pay during boarding, gate waiting, or delays caused by maintenance or weather.
To expedite the boarding process, Rachael encourages passenger preparedness. Know your seat number, have your belongings readily accessible, and avoid obstructing the aisle while searching through your luggage.
These seemingly minor actions significantly impact boarding time. A mere 20 passengers each spending 60 seconds blocking the aisle can result in a 20-minute delay.
Deplaning can be similarly chaotic. Rachael urges passengers to be patient and wait for the row ahead to disembark before proceeding. "Imagine it like merging onto a highway," she explains. "A smooth, orderly flow, akin to a zipper, ensures a much quicker deplaning process."
6. They often get blamed for things beyond their control
Flight attendants have limited influence over many aspects of your journey, including weather delays, baggage fees, TSA lines, and missed connections. Their primary focus remains ensuring your safety and comfort from boarding to arrival at your destination.
A common misconception is that flight attendants can delay departures to accommodate late passengers. "We lack the authority to hold a flight for latecomers," explains Rachael. "We also shouldn't be blamed for in-flight Wi-Fi issues. That's beyond our control and expertise."
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7. They have some other little annoyances
Flight attendants have witnessed a multitude of airplane etiquette blunders. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for all, strive to be a model passenger by avoiding these common pitfalls.
Kaitlyn emphasizes that seat changes require prior approval from a crew member. Passengers frequently attempt to self-assign themselves to empty seats with greater legroom, such as exit rows or premium class, only to be redirected to their original seats. There's a crucial reason for this: "Weight and balance are critical for flight safety, and we must adhere to these restrictions."
While passenger comfort is a priority, maintaining appropriate attire is essential. Keeping your shoes and socks on is crucial, as airplane floors, especially in the lavatory, can harbor germs. While airline seating may be confined, Ashleigh urges passengers to keep their arms, legs, and bags within their designated space. Intrusions into the aisle create a significant tripping hazard, particularly during overnight flights.
Finally, flight attendants encourage passengers to enjoy their journey. Listening to music or streaming content is a great way to pass the time. However, the use of headphones is crucial to ensure a peaceful flight for all passengers. Please remove your headphones during safety demonstrations and when communicating with crew members.
8. They can get worn out by traveling, too
Even the most seasoned travelers can experience fatigue. However, the flight attendants one interviewed expressed a genuine appreciation for the constant adventure their careers offer. "It may sound cliché, but I truly pursued this career because of my love for travel," reflects Kaitlyn. "I vividly recall being on a flight to Hawaii and declaring, 'I want to be a flight attendant when I grow up.'"
Naturally, every profession has its challenges. For flight attendants, these include demanding schedules, unpredictable work hours, and extended periods away from home.
"My schedule is constantly fluctuating, from early mornings to late nights," explains Kaitlyn. "I frequently miss out on important events and personal commitments. Even with seniority, managing the unpredictable schedule remains the most challenging aspect of the job." So, the next time you board a flight, remember the potential sacrifices made by your flight attendants. Your vacation may be commencing, but it could be the culmination of a demanding work week for them.
9. A simple 'thanks' means a lot
Flight attendants deeply appreciate passenger acknowledgment. A simple greeting or a heartfelt "thank you" can significantly brighten their day.
"If you had a positive experience, consider writing a letter of commendation to the airline," suggests Cate. "We receive an overwhelming number of complaints, while genuine compliments are often overlooked."
Kaitlyn shares that some passengers express their gratitude through thoughtful gestures, such as offering chocolates, coffee gift cards, or tips for van drivers. However, all flight attendants agree that the most meaningful appreciation comes from passengers who follow instructions and exhibit patience, making their jobs more manageable.
While the perks of free flights and the opportunity to explore new destinations are undoubtedly appealing, the flight attendants one interviewed emphasized the profound satisfaction they derive from connecting with passengers on a daily basis. Whether it's calming anxious travelers, celebrating with honeymooners, or creating memorable first flight experiences for children, their primary motivation lies in providing reassurance and comfort to passengers at the beginning and end of their journeys.
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