A while back, we wrote a post about 10 ways to make flight attendants love you. It was mainly common sense sort of stuff…be a nice person and don’t be an A-hole. Yet there are plenty of people who seem hell bent on doing the exact opposite and making flight attendants’ lives and jobs that much more difficult.
Don’t be like those people.
For those who appreciated our original 10 ways to make flight attendants love you, here are ten more.
10 More Ways to Win Over Your Flight Attendants
Don’t ask them to help lift your carry-on – FAs are never supposed to help people put their luggage into the overheads; it puts them at risk for back injuries. If you can’t lift your bag up there by yourself (it’s too heavy, you have some sort of injury/pain that prevents lifting, or you’re like me and just can’t reach), ask a fellow passenger to help you.
Stay out of the galley as much as possible – That’s the only space FAs have for themselves; to prepare for service, to talk with each other, to just hang out when they’re on break for a moment. It’s usually OK to stop and talk for a minute or two, but don’t invade their space for an extended period of time.
Pass it on – It doesn’t happen as much as it used to, but some people still read actual physical magazines. If you finish reading yours while you’re on the plane, ask the FA if they’d like to have it. Always nice to have something to read while you’re deadheading in a small town that rolls up the welcome mat at 8pm.
Use the space under the seat in front of you – If you put your computer bag, backpack, etc., into the overhead, it leaves less room for other people’s carry-on bags. That means FAs will have to try to make more room. Those small items belong under the seat in front of you…and no, your feet aren’t THAT big.
It is what it is – If your FA gives you bad news and says the plane’s delayed, or they’re out of the beef, don’t argue and make a fuss; they can’t do anything to fix it. The same thing goes for the IFE not working or your seat not being able to recline. Things happen and whatever it is, it’s rarely the FA’s fault. Suck it up and don’t take your frustrations out on them.
Always be respectful – You were taught manners. Say “please” and “thank you” and don’t be demanding – you’re not nearly as entitled as you think you are.
No touching! – And for heaven’s sake, if you’re trying to get a FA’s attention, don’t poke, tap or touch them in any way; it’s intrusive of their personal space. Saying, “excuse me” works just fine.
Listen to instructions – If you’ve landed and the FAs are asking everyone to stay in their seats so people with tight connections can exit the plane first, stay in your flippin’ seat.
Clean up after yourself – You’re a grown-up… clean up after yourself. And if your kids made a mess, clean up after them. Don’t make even more work for
Did a flight attendant treat everyone well or somehow impress you? – Make sure to personally thank them for whatever specific thing it was (i.e. “I love how you were able to get that little boy to stop crying by inviting him to help you! Thanks for doing that!”) Also, consider getting their name and employee number, so you can email the airline with a compliment. A kind word from a passenger can go a long way.
A Final Thought (and Maybe a Free Cookie)
In the age where so many passengers are rude or have unrealistic expectations, these little things could make the difference between your flight attendants having a good day and a lousy one – helping someone have a better day is always appreciated. And who knows – it could score you a little something extra, such as a free drink or a few extra packs of Biscoff cookies. Either way, it never hurts to go that extra mile to be nice to someone.
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
