Last Updated on 12/14/2017
Have you ever wondered what your flight attendant is really thinking? They can’t possibly be that smiley… right? My college roommate happens to be one and I love picking her brain about air travel behind the scenes. Maybe it was the sleek chignon and uniform, but I always thought flight attendants were so glamorous when I was a kid.
When you really think about the everyday life of a flight attendant, they must have the patience of a saint to put up with cranky passengers, screaming children and their own jet lag, all while trying to ensure everyone’s safety (not to mention getting hundreds of beverages). I guess it’s all worth that free flight benefit!
She’s mentioned before how annoying it is to say “Hello!” 147 times and have only 6 people respond and look her in the eye. It’s little chats like this that made me think a proper Q&A was in order!
To recline or not to recline… that is the question. What’s the etiquette on this?
RECLINE! I see it as a personal right of everyone that’s paid for a seat. If reclining is a must for you, choose anywhere but the seats in the exit row since those don’t recline.
What’s the most irritating drink order?
There are a few…
1. That person who orders 5 drinks…..”Coke, Tomato Juice, Seltzer, Coffee with cream and sugar and bottle of water.”
Me: “Okay, all at the same time?”
Passenger: “Well, yeah.”
The best part is when I actually come back to deliver all those drinks, they ask for another drink.
2. Some fancy cocktail……do I look like a bartender? I know NOTHING about your Cosmo, Kamikaze, Sex on a Beach, Whiskey Sour, Harvey Wallbanger. Keep it simple. Gin and Tonic, Jack and Coke, Vodka and Soda…..catch my drift?
3. “Coffee regular.” Let’s get something straight folks, not everyone in the nation has a Dunkin Donuts (which a “Coffee Regular” I now know is coffee with cream and sugar). I grew up in California, so “coffee regular” to me means black. I’ve had so many passengers get irritated when I hand them black coffee…..but that’s what “regular” means to me. So use your words, tell us how you take your coffee.
Other pet peeves we should know about?
I get annoyed when passengers act appalled that there aren’t more “options” on the airplane. My thought is, “You could have brought your own snacks.” Same goes for parents demanding snacks during take off because their kid is starving!
That passenger that claims I SKIPPED them during drink orders. No, you were ASLEEP!
Insisting on using the bathroom right in the middle of boarding. You LITERALLY JUST had about an hour sitting in the terminal to use THAT BIG bathroom before you got on the plane. Why wait to use the porta-potty on the plane and hold up the entire boarding process?!
When people unpack all their items from their carry on suitcase (music, headphones, book, magazine, snack, water, etc.) in the middle of the aisle holding up boarding. Do not be that guy.
We are the ones that have to clean and go into every seat back pocket after the flight. Clean up after yourself. We don’t appreciate when people leave a dirty diaper, a vomit bag or a bottle full of pee.
Baggage Claim at the Belize Airport
The Mile High Club… Have you ever caught a couple trying to join?
Not yet! That will be the day!
Ever thought of joining yourself?
I’m sure it’s something everyone has thought of however, now knowing how disgusting the airplane bathrooms are I don’t think I could ever do that.
Looking down after my trip to Santorini
Ever give someone decaf when they asked for regular coffee?
Culprit right here! BUT in defense, I only really do that on Puerto Rican flights because #1-there usually can be a language barrier and more importantly, #2 -they are most likely having their 10th cup of coffee of the day. However, if a passenger asks for decaf, I ALWAYS give them decaf!
Have you ever had a security/mechanical scared?
Once there was a loud BOOM! I actually thought an engine blew but the plane was struck by lightning and luckily the damage to the aircraft was minimal and we were able to continue flying to the final destination.
Any other miscellaneous tips or info for us travelers?
Wear shoes to the bathroom. Just do it.
Bring your own pen during international travel. You’ll need one to fill out those custom forms.
Flight attendants ARE NOT getting paid during boarding and deplaning, we get paid in the air. If there is anyone that wants to get people seated on the plane and the door shut, it is US!
What would you ask a flight attendant?
That was really interesting to read!. I’ always try to make sure I look at my flight attendant in the eyes and say hello 🙂
I don’t think I do any of the other things that are annoying to your friend, I think a lot of it is just being respectful and courteous to fellow humans.
I didn’t know that they only got paid when they were in the air, does that mean that if the plane is delayed and stuck on the tarmac that they are not paid for that time? I hope not, as that doesn’t seem fair.
Anyway, tell your friend thank you from me as I have had some wonderful flight attendants on my travels and they really made a difference to my day 🙂
http://www.thesundaymode.com
You are so right Julia! Most of it is just common courtesy. Their pay structure is so confusing! They only get paid in the air and if they have an overnight layover somewhere, they get like $2 an hour. Glad you enjoyed this post!