14 Things Flight Attendants Are Surprisingly Not Allowed To Do On Their Break

In case you don't know, flight attendants have strict protocols they have to follow. But besides caring for all passengers' safety, they must not lose their cool, even on breaks.

In fact, flight attendants have extremely organized schedules, something that also applies to their break rounds—which they have to follow and respect very strictly so that each flight's normal functioning does not end up being compromised. Flight attendants are also expected to put the airline they work for before any personal interests.

But there are a lot more things that flight attendants can't do on a flight, even on breaks...

14 They Can't Take Their Uniform Off

Even during the longest flights, flight attendants can not, at any time, take their uniform off. This is one of the examples that shows that each airline always comes first and that flight attendants need to understand what they're representing whenever they're working (breaks included).

13 They Can't Drink On Duty (Not Even During Breaks)

Flight attendants can't drink nor eat during flights—not even during breaks, especially if passengers are looking.

Flight attendants are seen as the major agents of each airline and need to behave flawlessly in everything they can, and that means no alcohol nor snacks for them.

12 Flight Attendants Need To Wait For Their Break To Sit Down

And then again, they are constantly in passengers' sight, which is why they can't show behaviors or reactions any common person would manifest—such as fatigue, for example. They need to be impeccable during the whole flight and always ready to help anyone asking for a hand.

11 They Are Not Allowed To Talk To Passengers To Promote Private Interests

The airline always comes first, remember?

That's why flight attendants can't speak or promote any personal interests, even if they have, for example, side gigs that could use a hand (or two). They need to only promote and defend the company they work for.

10 They Can't Accept Tips

Flight attendants are prohibited from accepting tips from passengers.

Nowadays, a lot of people still want to thank these workers for their service by paying them a small amount of money—something that older people tend to do whenever they go. Even though it's a beautiful gesture, flight attendants know they can't accept the gratification.

9 Flight Attendants Can't Indulge In Their Vices

Just as some behaviors are not accepted from passengers, the same cannot be accepted coming from flight attendants—such as indulging in their vices, at the risk of being reprimanded.

Security always comes first, besides good conduct, which is why flight attendants can't do what they wish (even during breaks).

8 Flight Attendants Can't Enter The Cockpit (Unless The Pilot Asks Them To)

Since 9/11 a lot of rules have been changed and other strictly implemented and this is one of those.

Before the tragedy, flight attendants (and even passengers) could enter the cockpit if the pilot allowed it, but not anymore. Nowadays, the pilot needs to explicitly say why they need a flight attendant inside the cockpit.

7 They Cannot Fail To Pay Attention (Even On A Break)

Flight attendants need to be constantly aware of what's happening inside the plane, especially during breaks. You never know when a passenger needs immediate help, in case of emergency, which means that even the flight attendants on break need to be prepared to respond accordingly.

6 Flight Attendants Can't Go Barefoot

The same rule that forbids flight attendants from taking their uniform off applies to their shoes. These workers can never go barefoot, at any time, even when they're seated or on a break.

As previously said, flight attendants need to look impeccable at all times.

5 They Can't Sleep When They Want To (Nor Where They Want To)

Flight attendants' schedules are extremely organized and planned differently for each flight. That's why they can't all take a break at the same time but instead wait for their turn.

When they want to sleep, they must go to special cabins which are not visible to passengers. This only happens during long flights.

4 They Aren't Allowed To Be On Their Phones If Someone Is Watching

Of course, flight attendants can bring their phones on board and use them following some basic rules, which is why they can't to that when they wish.

As you may know, passengers can't use phones during flights and that also applies to flight attendants off or on breaks.

3 Flight Attendants Can't Speak To Passengers About Security Measures Or Problems The Flight's Having

These workers need to pass a calm and peaceful message, even if the aircraft is facing major problems. Responding to stress and reacting effusively will only worsen the situation, which is why flight attendants need to remain calm at all costs and reassure the passengers that everything will be alright.

Flight attendants are just like any other professionals that, when working, can't show too much emotion between each other. Besides that, it's important to remind that these people are constantly being watched...

That's why they can't get affectionate with their colleagues, especially during breaks since it will pass the wrong message to passengers.

1 They Need To Assist Any Passenger Requesting For Help (Even During A Break)

If one or more passengers need immediate help during a flight attendant's break, that worker is required to interrupt the break he/she was having to ensure people get the help needed.

This is an extremely important measure since most emergencies request the help of all the flight attendants on board.

Next: According To Flight Attendants: These Are The Strictest Airlines To Work For