Mind Your Manners: These Are Things You Should NEVER Say To A Flight Attendant!
These are the top things you should NEVER say to a flight attendant! Keep your next flight friendly and respectful with these essential tips.
ST. PAUL, MN – When flying, it’s essential to remember that flight attendants are there to ensure your safety and comfort during the journey. However, some passengers may unknowingly say things that can be offensive, insensitive, or simply inappropriate.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the things you should never say to a flight attendant to maintain a respectful and pleasant experience for everyone on board.
“Well, hello there! I’ll take my eggs over easy with a side of your smile!”
Using cheesy pick-up lines or attempting to flirt with flight attendants while they are working is not only inappropriate but also disrespectful to their professionalism and the seriousness of their role.
Why it’s not classy: Subjecting flight attendants to unwanted advances or suggestive comments creates an uncomfortable and unprofessional environment, failing to recognize the boundaries that should exist between passengers and crew members who are there to ensure safety and provide service, not to be objectified or harassed.
“Why are we stuck on this plane? What’s taking so long?”
Asking about the cause of a delay is often met with unsatisfactory answers, as flight attendants are usually not informed about the various behind-the-scenes factors contributing to the hold-up.
Why it’s not classy: Demanding an explanation for a delay from a flight attendant who likely doesn’t have the information puts them in an uncomfortable position and adds unnecessary stress to the situation.
RELATED: From Cakes To Chimpanzees: Most Outrageous Requests Flight Attendants Have Faced
“I’m going to move over to that empty seat with extra legroom, okay?”
Passengers might assume that moving to an unoccupied seat with more space is harmless, but the distribution of weight on the aircraft is a delicate matter that flight attendants aren’t always well-informed about.
Why it’s not classy: Disregarding assigned seating and making demands based on personal preference shows a lack of respect for the flight crew’s authority and the careful planning that goes into ensuring a safe flight.
“So, what are you up to after this flight? Want to grab a drink?”
Attempting to make plans with a flight attendant post-flight is a misguided effort at flirtation that overlooks the exhausting nature of their work.
Why it’s not classy: Propositioning a flight attendant while they are working is inappropriate and disrespectful, as it fails to recognize the professional nature of their role and the boundaries that should be maintained between crew and passengers.
“I probably fly more than you do, you know.”
Claiming to have more flying experience than a flight attendant is not only unlikely but also comes across as an attempt to undermine their expertise.
Why it’s not classy: Comparing personal travel habits to a flight attendant’s profession is disrespectful and fails to acknowledge the extensive training and experience required for their role.
RELATED: Flight Attendants Spill Insider Secrets: These Are The FREEBIES You Can Ask For!
“Come on, let’s see a smile! You’d look so much prettier.”
Instructing a flight attendant to smile or commenting on their appearance is not only inappropriate but also dismissive of the seriousness of their job.
Why it’s not classy: Telling a flight attendant to smile or making unsolicited comments about their looks is demeaning and fails to recognize the professionalism and dedication required for their role, which goes far beyond looking pleasant.
“Isn’t it about time for you to retire? You must be getting up there in age.”
Commenting on a flight attendant’s age or suggesting they should retire is not only rude but also ageist and disrespectful.
Why it’s not classy: Making assumptions about a flight attendant’s age or job longevity based on their appearance is insulting and fails to appreciate the value of experience and the dedication required to maintain a long career in the aviation industry.
RELATED: Want To Impress That HOT Flight Attendant? Learn The Secret Language They Use!
“Are we there yet? How much longer?”
Repeatedly asking about the flight duration or time remaining, especially when the information was already provided, can be irritating for flight attendants.
Why it’s not classy: Constantly questioning the flight’s progress demonstrates a lack of patience and disregard for the flight attendant’s time and energy, as they have other responsibilities to attend to beyond catering to one passenger’s impatience.
“Hey, can I borrow a pen? I need to fill out this form.”
Expecting a flight attendant to provide a pen for personal use overlooks the fact that they have limited resources and can’t cater to every passenger’s needs simultaneously.
Why it’s not classy: Assuming that flight attendants are equipped to provide personal items like pens shows a lack of preparedness and consideration for their role, which is primarily focused on safety and service, not accommodating individual passengers’ last-minute needs.
“Wow, you look way too young to be a flight attendant!”
While possibly intended as a compliment, commenting on a flight attendant’s youthful appearance can come across as patronizing and disrespectful.
Why it’s not classy: Questioning a flight attendant’s age or experience based on their looks undermines their credibility and professionalism, as it implies that they may not be qualified for their role.
RELATED: Flight Attendant Shares Shocking Secret Why They Can’t Help You With Your Luggage
“Can you help me lift my bag into the overhead bin?”
Expecting a flight attendant to assist with lifting heavy luggage into the overhead compartment puts them at risk of injury and overlooks the fact that passengers are responsible for managing their own carry-on items.
Why it’s not classy: Asking a flight attendant to perform physical tasks that are the passenger’s responsibility shows a lack of consideration for their well-being and disregards the limitations of their role.
“What do you mean there’s no meal service? I’m starving!”
Complaining about the lack of meal service or expressing frustration with the available food options fails to recognize the changes in the airline industry and the limited control flight attendants have over these decisions.
Why it’s not classy: Venting frustrations about meal service to a flight attendant is unproductive and fails to acknowledge the evolving nature of air travel and the fact that flight attendants are not responsible for the airline’s catering policies.
RELATED: One Drink You Should NEVER Order On A Plane To Avoid Annoying Flight Attendants
“Did you hear about that crazy hijacking story? Let me tell you…”
Attempting to engage a flight attendant in conversations about sensitive topics like terrorism or hijacking is not only inappropriate but also disrespectful to the seriousness of their role in ensuring passenger safety.
Why it’s not classy: Bringing up potentially triggering or unsettling topics related to aviation security is insensitive and fails to recognize the gravity of a flight attendant’s responsibilities and the protocols they are trained to follow.
“Your name is so unusual! What’s the story behind it?”
Making comments or jokes about a flight attendant’s name can be seen as invasive and disrespectful, even if intended as friendly banter.
Why it’s not classy: Drawing attention to a flight attendant’s name or making unsolicited comments about it can make them feel uncomfortable and fails to respect their professional boundaries.
“I don’t care what you say, I need to use the restroom NOW.”
Arguing with a flight attendant or disregarding their instructions, particularly when it comes to safety-related matters, is not only disrespectful but also potentially dangerous.
Why it’s not classy: Challenging a flight attendant’s authority or refusing to comply with their directives shows a lack of respect for their role and the regulations they are required to enforce for the safety and well-being of all passengers.
RELATED: Nasty! These Are The Dirtiest Places On A Plane That Flight Attendants Avoid At All Costs!
“What should I see while I’m in town? You must know all the best spots!”
Assuming that flight attendants are knowledgeable about every destination they fly to and expecting them to provide personalized travel advice overlooks the fact that their expertise lies in aviation, not tourism.
Why it’s not classy: Treating flight attendants as unofficial tour guides or expecting them to cater to individual travel planning needs fails to recognize the boundaries of their professional role and the limited time they spend in each destination.
“Since it’s a special occasion, could you upgrade us to first class?”
Requesting complimentary upgrades to first class based on personal celebrations like birthdays or anniversaries puts flight attendants in an awkward position, as they have little control over seat assignments and such requests are often against airline policy.
Why it’s not classy: Asking for special treatment or free upgrades based on personal milestones is entitled and fails to respect the fair treatment of all passengers, as well as the limitations of a flight attendant’s authority.
RELATED: You’ll Never Guess What Flight Attendants Are Really Thinking When They Greet You!
“I’m going to need a foot massage after this long flight, haha!”
Jokingly or seriously requesting personal services like massages from a flight attendant is highly inappropriate and crosses professional boundaries.
Why it’s not classy: Suggesting that a flight attendant should perform intimate or personal services is demeaning and fails to respect their role as a safety professional and service provider, not a personal attendant catering to individual whims.
“They told me at check-in that you would make sure we sit together.”
xpecting flight attendants to rearrange seating assignments to accommodate specific requests, especially on a full flight or when passengers have checked in late, puts them in a difficult position and overlooks the complexities of the boarding process.
Why it’s not classy: Placing responsibility for seating arrangements on flight attendants and expecting them to inconvenience other passengers to cater to individual preferences shows a lack of consideration for their role and the needs of all passengers.
RELATED: The BEST Airplane Jokes and Airport Puns! Prepare For Take-Off And Lift Your Spirits
“Which hotel are you staying at tonight?”
Inquiring about a flight attendant’s personal accommodations or travel plans is not only invasive but also potentially compromising to their safety and privacy.
Why it’s not classy: Asking a flight attendant to disclose personal information about their whereabouts or plans is inappropriate and fails to respect the boundaries between passengers and crew, as well as the need for crew members to maintain a sense of privacy and security.
“Just a second, I’m almost done packing up my stuff.”
Disregarding a flight attendant’s instructions or requests, especially when it comes to safety-related procedures like securing the cabin for landing, is not only disrespectful but also potentially dangerous.
Why it’s not classy: Expecting a flight attendant to wait or accommodate individual preferences when they are carrying out essential safety protocols shows a lack of respect for their authority and the importance of their role in ensuring the well-being of all passengers.
RELATED: Outsmart TSA Agents: Unveiling A Liquid Loophole Trick They Don’t Want You To Know!
“Do you think I’ll make my connecting flight? This one is running late.”
Asking flight attendants to predict the likelihood of making a connecting flight overlooks the fact that they do not have access to real-time information about other flights or airport operations.
Why it’s not classy: Expecting flight attendants to provide information or assurances about connecting flights fails to recognize the limitations of their role and the unpredictable nature of air travel, as many factors beyond their control can impact flight schedules and connections.
“The next flight leaves in 30 minutes. Can you call ahead and tell them to wait for me?”
Requesting that flight attendants intervene to hold a connecting flight for a delayed passenger is unrealistic and fails to consider the complex logistics and potential domino effect of such actions.
Why it’s not classy: Asking flight attendants to disrupt the carefully planned operations of an airport or airline to accommodate an individual passenger’s needs shows a lack of understanding for the broader implications and challenges of air travel logistics.
“Hey, what state are we flying over right now?”
Repeatedly asking flight attendants about the current location of the plane during the flight can be bothersome, as they may not always have this information readily available or the time to investigate it for every curious passenger.
Why it’s not classy: Expecting flight attendants to constantly provide updates on the aircraft’s position or geographical location fails to recognize the demands of their job and the fact that their primary focus is on passenger safety and service, not acting as a live flight tracker.
RELATED: Flight Attendant Reveals All: This Is The Secret Hack To Avoid Overhead Bin Chaos!
“Excuse me, stewardess, can I get a refill on my drink?”
Using outdated and gender-specific terms like “stewardess” is not only inappropriate but also demeaning to the flight attendants, who are trained professionals deserving of respect regardless of their gender.
Why it’s not classy: Addressing flight attendants with terms that are rooted in gender stereotypes and a bygone era of air travel shows a lack of respect for their profession and the progress made in creating a more inclusive and equitable work environment.
“Is there any way you can get me into first class since it’s my anniversary”
While it’s understandable to want to celebrate a special occasion like an anniversary in style, asking for a free upgrade to first class puts the flight attendant in an awkward position. These days, upgrades are tightly regulated and typically handled by gate agents before boarding, so flight attendants have little to no control over seat assignments.
Why it’s not classy: Asking for special treatment based on a personal event can come across as entitled and disrespectful to other passengers who have paid for their seats. It’s best to plan ahead and book the desired class of service rather than putting a flight attendant on the spot with a request they likely cannot accommodate.
It’s crucial to be mindful of your words and actions when interacting with flight attendants. They work tirelessly to ensure that your flight is safe and comfortable, and they deserve to be treated with respect and kindness.
By avoiding these inappropriate comments and showing appreciation for their hard work, you can contribute to a more pleasant flying experience for yourself, the crew, and your fellow passengers. Happy travels!
RELATED: Wanna Get Paid To Travel? Here Is How You Can Become A Flight Attendant!
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
We value your feedback! Did you find this article informative, inspiring, or thought-provoking? Leave a comment below and join the discussion. We appreciate your opinion and look forward to hearing from you!
