Flight attendants (cabin crew) have an almost impossible job, and sometimes passengers make it worse without even knowing. Imagine a flight attendant, or a cabin crew team, trying to serve drinks and meals to anywhere from 100-400 passengers in a limited space, and time frame. The cabin crew do it with a smile, but there’s a catch! Some small habits you think are harmless, can actually come across as rude.
The Minor Things That Annoy Flight Attendants (Without You Knowing)
The first one? Headphones. Yup, that amazing little thing we all love that also helps your sanity; it’s a mood killer for cabin crew. When it’s time to serve meals or drinks, it weirdly makes communication poppy, slow, or just clumsy, (to put it nicely). By taking off your headphones, and paying attention to when your attention is desired, you show respect, and it just ‘works’ better for the crew & you.
Another surprisingly annoying thing? Deciding; or at least appearing to be undecided. Cabin service is fast-paced; flight attendants don’t have all day while you decide if you want coffee or juice, while we’re trying to provide service to everyone else. Yana Biryukova, a flight attendant who shared this on Instagram, stated being ready with the decision – headphones off, no food in your mouth – is an easy way to help everyone.
Not the Place for Secret Menu Items
No, there is not a secret barista menu at 35,000 feet. When you ask for off-menu items, it does nothing but delay all the orders and irk the crew. If you must have something, use the call button—but, keep in mind that all the other passengers may need help at the same time.
At some point in this conversation, it is important to remember: politeness is a two-way street. The crew was smiling when they greeted you and assisting you throughout the flight, so I don’t think it is too much to ask to return that respect. When you are ordering, speaking clearly (not shouting at them) will assist them in serving quickly—airplanes are noisy during service, and every second counts.
