How to Please a Flight Attendant
All signs indicate that Americans are ready to return to their usual vacations this summer, and airlines are doing everything in their power to lure customers back into the air . Airline personnel, pilots and flight attendants have come a hard way in the past 15 months, from understanding how to deal with limited responses in the early days of the pandemic to dealing with anti-maskers and trying to stay safe. So before you follow your next landing with a requirement for a blanket and a set of headphones before takeoff, take the time to think about the staff who (in many ways) ensure your safety. Here are some ways to show your appreciation to the flight attendants, which will likely mean that you will have a much more enjoyable flight.
To be attentive
Flight attendants spend 75 to 100 hours in the air every month, and also spend many additional hours on paperwork and preparing for flights. Moreover, flight attendants are not paid prior to departure; their job starts with a smile and a greeting even before they get there on time. Yes, they signed up for it, but no one likes to be boarded on a plane, so the least we can do is be welcoming customers. You shouldn’t be surprised to learn that treating flight attendants starts with welcoming them warmly with eye contact, smiles and greetings. Flight attendant Kara Mulder told Reader’s Digest that most people ignore flight attendant greetings while trying to rush into their seats; Take the time to say, “Recognize that your flight crew will make a difference.” Mulder says that using good manners – even trying to have a heart-warming conversation – will not only make one flight out of many a little brighter, but also bring you a free glass of wine after take off.
How to stay at the mercy of the flight attendant
Flight attendants take care of customer service even on the second or third flight of the day. Don’t be the person who makes their 50th flight of the month the worst.
Respect all passengers
Treating the flight attendants with respect will help you have fun, but treating other passengers with kindness is also key. Do not push other passengers on or off the plane. Slowly recline the seat, paying special attention to the people behind you. Keep your feet flat on the floor and keep your shoes on – putting your bare feet on the seat in front of you will definitely lose your chocolate glasses from the staff .
Get ready to serve drinks and snacks
Flight attendants have a lot to do while serving customers. Make sure you skim the snack menu and are ready to order when they appear. State your order clearly and be specific so they don’t have to ask you three additional questions (and take off your headphones while you do). Try not to order a lot of groceries, as in-flight food is a limited resource (you are over 30,000 feet and chances are good that someone will not get their favorite juice). Think about your fellow travelers (and the people who should serve them when they are disappointed) and don’t overdo it.
Get out after yourself
Flight attendants try to make your flight as comfortable as possible, but this is not your personal cleaning. Hold onto the trash until the attendants show up with trash bags. There is no need to grab their attention or give them trash while they are just walking by or serving drinks – they will come back on purpose to collect trash. If this bothers you so much, walk to the back of the plane yourself. And when you leave, take your trash with you.
Be safe
Travel regulations are still in place due to the pandemic, so always wear a mask over your mouth and nose. The CDC believes aircraft pose an increased risk of COVID-19 spread, and given that they are directly exposed to hundreds of customers on every flight, flight attendants are more vulnerable than other flight crew members, so keep your mask on. Also, even if you’ve seen this before, take a look at the crash logs demo ; Making sure you understand this information is by far the most important job of service personnel, and it is critical to everyone’s survival in a real emergency.
Stay where you are
The flight attendants can’t predict when the turbulence will set in, so do them a favor and stay in your seat if you’re not going to the bathroom. Stay where the Fasten Your Seat Belts sign is on and try not to run to the bathroom as soon as the sign goes out. Take your time and be patient for a smoother ride.
Treat them
Usually the flight attendants will give you something, but they may be grateful for getting something in return. Rumor has it that they appreciate getting your magazines after you finish them, or some pre-packaged treats, or even your extra pens.