economie

Flight attendants share the 14 things they wish all passengers would start doing

August 23, 20240
Flight attendants have a lot of major responsibilities.

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  • Flight attendants told Business Insider things they wished passengers did more often.
  • They encourage passengers to stop bringing their cellphones to the bathroom.
  • They also insist you really pay attention to the in-flight safety demonstration.

Traveling on airplanes can be stressful, and it can be easy to forget about others around you — including flight attendants.

But it’s important to remember that they’re there to make your ride more comfortable and ensure everyone on board stays safe.

To help everyone have the best trip possible, read on for things flight attendants wish passengers would start doing for every flight. 

Bring something warm or wear layers.
Flights can sometimes get delayed.

Ben Mack / Insider

It may be tempting to book flights with a short layover so you can save travel time, but Lorelei McAree, a flight attendant for a domestic US airline, said that may not be the best choice. 

“Weather, mechanical delays, and a whole host of other things can turn what would otherwise be a smooth and one-time operation crazy,” she said. “It’s not in anyone’s control.”

Her advice? Give yourself an added cushion of time so you don’t miss a connecting flight.

Read the terms and conditions of your ticket before you buy it.
Always pay attention when they have announcements.

Adnan Abidi/Reuters

Yes, flight attendants are there to make your flight comfortable — but their main focus is on safety, meaning they also need to follow the rules. 

“If there is turbulence or something that warrants us to stay seated, please be mindful that we have to discontinue service so that we can maintain the safety of ourselves, passengers, and the aircraft,” McAree told BI. “We love helping customers, but we cannot do so if we are not safe.”

 

Bring some of your own snacks and beverages, especially if you have certain restrictions.
It’ll only take a few minutes.

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You may have heard it several times before, but it is important to pay attention to the safety demonstration before takeoff.

“Again, flight attendants are there for safety,” McAree said. “Safety demos take no more than five minutes, and they will be helpful in an emergency situation.”

Take out your headphones when flight attendants come by for service.
Flight attendants have a lot of responsibility.

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Lorrie Metrejean, a flight attendant for a domestic US airline, told BI that being ignored by passengers could be disheartening.

“I wish passengers would realize that my job is just as important as a pilot’s job,” she said. “Flight attendants are responsible for the safety of the entire aircraft. At the end of the day, we’re there for when an emergency occurs — whether that be a medical issue or security issue or if there’s something wrong with the plane and we’d have to evacuate the aircraft and get everyone off safely.”

The takeaway? Be sure to thank your flight attendants as you’re exiting the aircraft.

 

Greet staff members when you board the plane.
Remember that planes are flight attendants’ workspace.

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Andujar-Geacoman told BI that passengers should think of the aisle as flight attendants’ office space.

“I would never dream of coming into your office, taking off my shoes, and leaving them out in plain sight so you could trip over them,” Andujar-Geacoman said.

As a courtesy to your flight attendants, do your best to keep your belongings, knees, and elbows out of the way throughout the trip, not just during the beverage service.

Obey the carry-on and personal-item rules that come with your ticket.
Airplanes are a shared space, and the bathrooms are no exception.

AP/Matt Slocum

Be mindful of the other passengers when you’re using the restroom by trying to be as quick as possible. One way to speed things up is by not bringing your phone with you in the stall. 

“It’s already gross that you’re taking your phone in there, but there are also only two bathrooms on a 737 for 170 passengers, not including the bathrooms for first-class,” Andujar-Geacoman said. “The line can get long, and turbulence is real.”

Try to stay out of the galley — it’s not really for passengers.
Some flight attendants wish passengers would do this more often.

Nykonchuk Oleksii/Shutterstock

Andujar-Geacoman told BI that a small token of appreciation can go a long way, whether it’s a small bag of chocolates or a kind note.

“This has to be the biggest, most wonderful compliment to us,” she said. “Please do this more often. We’ll be your biggest fans and be sure to spread the word to the crew by including your seat number for praises and high-fives.”

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Read the original article on Business Insider

https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-make-flight-attendants-like-you-2020-1