Working as a flight attendant is no easy gig. The main concern is keeping passengers comfortable and feeling safe, but there have been too many incidences of passengers acting unruly and disrespectful towards the cabin crew.
There are a few things flight attendants wish they could change about their job. Some of the most obvious ones are how passengers treat them. Flight attendants also face some tough personal challenged they wish they could change. Feeling lonely can come with the job and strains on relationships can be damaging too.
However, flight attendants can overcome these tough battles and continue to make their passengers their number one priority when they are on the job. Here are 15 things from the point of view of flight attendants that they wish they could change about their job.
15 Having More Passengers Greet Them
Flight attendants are always waiting at the front of the plane to greet passengers as they walk on board. Travelers should always greet the cabin crew with a simple "hello" because people like to be acknowledged. Also, saying, "thank you" while disembarking the plane lets them know they kept you feeling safe and comfortable during the trip.
14 Constantly Telling Passengers Not To Take Up All The Space In The Overhead Bins
There is a constant battle among passengers when it comes to finding room for their luggage for the overhead bin. It could be a tremendous hassle for the cabin crew when passengers decide to throw their heavy jackets or purses up there when they're meant for carry-on luggage. Always allow people with carry-ons to stow away their belongings in the overhead bins.
13 Passengers Not Knowing What They Want When The Beverage Cart Comes Around
When it's time for flight attendants to roll out the bar cart with beverages and snacks, passengers should already know what they want. There are announcements letting passengers know where to find the menu and it would take up a significant amount of time if a flight attendant needed to list off the fifty or so beverages available.
12 Make The Passengers Listen To The Safety Demonstration
No matter how many times a person has traveled on a plane, it's always important to listen to the safety demonstration. It is incredibly rude to use a cell phone or listen to music while this is going on, and ignoring important rules that might potentially just save your life will just make you look foolish.
11 They Wish Passengers Knew The Call Button Is Only For Emergencies
There is no need to ring the call button, which is located above your head, unless a passenger is dealing with an emergency. It is especially annoying to flight attendants when a passenger uses the call button after it has just been announced that the cabin crew has to be seated or right after takeoff.
10 Have Passengers Stop Touching Them
Flight attendants wish that passengers would stop grabbing them and disregarding their personal space while on board. There is never a need to touch a flight attendant to get their attention. Too many flight attendants have recalled getting poked and tugged way too many times to remember.
9 Flight Attendants Can Become Sleep Deprived
During multi-trip days, flight attendants often sleep in hotels, but between shifts, most of the crew usually sleep in "crash pads." These spaces can sleep 30 or so people, and are sometimes not in the safest neighborhoods. Flight attendants may not know who they are sleeping next to, which can end up making them sleep-deprived.
8 Flirting Just Makes Things Worse
A flight attendant's main objective is to keep passengers feeling comfortable, safe and happy while in flight. The last thing these people need is for a passenger to try and flirt their way to grabbing an open first-class seat or to try and make their job feel difficult.
7 Passengers Complaining About The Food
A flight attendant is not responsible for the food that is served on board, so there is never a need to blame them for it. Passengers are not at a restaurant, so if they don't like plane food, there is always the option of purchasing their own food before getting on the flight.
6 Having To Deal With Travelers Who Act Entitled
Flight attendants must make every passenger onboard feel comfortable and happy, so they do not have time to act on an individual's every need. Don't act entitled in front of the cabin crew by not listening to the safety demonstration or not greeting them as you walk onboard.
5 Having To Constantly Tell Passengers To Obey The Seat Belt Sign
One of the most frustrating things a flight attendant has to do is remind a passenger that the seat belt sign is on and to remain seated until it is safe to get up. Why wait until the last minute to use the restroom? Make life easier for the cabin crew and sit patiently until the light is off.
4 Passengers Blaming Flight Attendants When It's Clearly Not Their Fault
It is not the fault of a flight attendant when a flight is delayed or canceled. They do not have a say in this matter and are doing their best to keep passengers calm and informed the best way they can. No one wants to be stuck in a plane for hours, and blaming the cabin crew won't make things any easier.
3 Wishing Travelers Knew That They Don't Have All The Information From The Captain
Flight attendants don't know why the captain has decided to go a new route or why the plane can't leave earlier than intended. The cabin crew doesn't even know how bad the weather is! Flight attendants do not have all the information that the captain has.
2 The Job Can Put A Strain On Personal Relationships
Flight attendants may find it hard to see loved ones if they aren't based in their hometown. Being gone for a number of days can put a strain on any relationship, but there are hundreds of flight attendants who have made it work with their significant others and are married!
1 How Lonely It Can Get
Flight attendants can feel lonely at times especially working long hours and holidays. These hard-working people spend a lot of time away from family and friends and can even miss important dates because they must work. So, we should all be a lot more understanding toward flight attendants.