Pet Peeves of Flight Attendants: Avoid Annoying Your Flight Crew

While flight attendants may not always publicly share their pet peeves, understanding what frustrates them can help passengers have a more enjoyable flight experience. As someone who has had the privilege of talking and hanging out with many different flight attendants, I can share their top ten pet peeves, especially when it comes to dealing with passengers.

While flying, it’s important for passengers to remember that they have certain responsibilities on board, and disregarding them can lead to frustration and annoyance for flight attendants. I’ve witnessed some common pet peeves of flight attendants, including those who order them to stow their luggage into the overhead compartment “because it’s their job.” In reality, flight attendants are not obligated to stow passenger luggage unless the passenger needs assistance due to being a PWD, senior, or pregnant woman.

Another issue that annoys flight attendants is when passengers deliberately disobey boarding rules, such as failing to show their boarding pass. Additionally, some passengers ignore safety protocols and procedures because they feel inconvenienced doing so. However, a plane ticket is not a permission slip to disobey safety rules and instructions. Passengers are mandated to follow the instructions of flight attendants.

To ensure a pleasant flight for everyone, it’s best to avoid these pet peeves. Here are more pet peeves and advice on how to avoid annoying your flight attendants and make their day a little easier.

Disrespectful Passengers

One of the most significant pet peeves of flight attendants is dealing with disrespectful passengers. This includes passengers who ignore safety instructions, refuse to follow instructions, or talk back to the flight attendants. Flight attendants are trained to deal with these situations, but it can be frustrating and time-consuming.

Flirting and Cat Calls

Flirting with flight attendants is an inappropriate practice that still occurs in this day and age, despite the widespread understanding that it is not okay. Flight attendants have a job to do and making unwanted advances towards them is not only disrespectful but also grossly inappropriate.

Poking the Flight Attendants to Call Them

Instead of poking flight attendants, use the call button to get their attention. The call button is designed to alert flight attendants when a passenger needs assistance, and it’s a much more polite way of getting their attention. Flight attendants often have to deal with passengers who poke them with their trash or try to get their attention by physically touching them. This behavior can be uncomfortable for flight attendants and is a violation of their personal space.

Standing Up While the Fasten Seatbelt Sign is On

In the Philippines, it’s common for passengers to unfasten their seatbelts as soon as the plane lands, despite flight attendants reminding them to keep their seatbelts on until the plane comes to a complete stop. However, keeping your seatbelt fastened is crucial for your safety as the plane can suddenly come to a stop and cause you to lose your balance and get injured. So, it’s important to keep your seatbelt on until it’s switched off for your own safety.

Pressing the Call Button Repeatedly

Flight attendants often request passengers to only press the call button once, except for emergencies. Patience during food service is also appreciated as flight attendants will serve every passenger their meals. Unfortunately, some passengers can become impatient and demand immediate service, which is a significant pet peeve of flight attendants. While it’s understandable to have urgent needs, it’s important to remember that there are other passengers on board. If you need anything, please press the call button once and wait for your turn, unless you’re experiencing a medical emergency or notice something that requires immediate attention, such as a fire on the engine.

Taking a Video or Picture of the Flight Attendants Without Consent

In the Philippines, taking pictures or videos of flight attendants without their consent can be considered a privacy violation and can make them feel uncomfortable. It is always better to ask for permission from your cabin crew before taking any pictures or videos of them. Even if the flight attendants know you as a digital content creator, it is essential to seek their consent and inform them of your intention to post their images or videos on social media. Showing respect towards others is crucial, and seeking their consent is a way of demonstrating that respect.

Treating Them Like a Personal Servant

Flight attendants are on board to assist passengers with their needs, but they are not there to cater to your every whim. It’s important to remember that flight attendants are highly trained safety professionals whose primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and security of all passengers. While they strive to make your flight as comfortable as possible, there are limitations to what they can do for you. For instance, they are not permitted to provide back massages or perform tasks that go beyond their job description. As passengers, it’s essential to be mindful of these limitations and to treat flight attendants with respect and consideration.

Flight attendants have a demanding job that requires them to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers on board. As we have discussed, they have certain pet peeves that can make their job even more challenging. To avoid annoying flight attendants and make your flight experience more pleasant, it’s essential to be respectful, patient, and mindful of their limitations. Follow their instructions, keep your seatbelt fastened when required, and refrain from taking pictures or videos without their consent. Remember that flight attendants are not there to serve your every whim but to keep you safe and ensure a pleasant flight for everyone. So, the next time you fly, be considerate, and show some appreciation for the hard work that flight attendants do.