10 Polite Habits that Flight Attendants Secretly Hate
You see it all over social media: passengers doing wild things on planes. Through it all, flight attendants somehow keep their cool and handle everything with a smile. Watching these videos might make you want to be the best passenger ever on your next flight, helping out and being super polite.
That’s a great goal, and the crew definitely appreciates passengers who are thoughtful and follow the rules.
But what if your attempt to be helpful is actually making their job more difficult? Sometimes, what seems like a nice gesture from a passenger can create a headache for the flight crew. This usually happens when you don’t know about the strict safety rules they have to follow.
We’ve compiled a list of confessions from flight attendants about the “polite” habits that secretly annoy them and what you can do to be genuinely helpful instead.
Acting like the rule enforcer on board
It might feel like you’re helping out by telling another passenger to buckle up or put their phone on airplane mode. You see something wrong and think you’re doing the flight attendant a favor by stepping in. However, trying to enforce the rules yourself can actually create a bigger problem.
It can lead to arguments and make the situation more tense for everyone on board, which is the last thing the crew wants.
Instead of playing the role of rule police, the best thing you can do is quietly let a flight attendant know what’s going on. Find a moment to tell them discreetly about the issue.
They are trained to handle these situations and will know the right way to approach the other passenger without causing a scene. This way, you’re truly helping them keep the flight safe and calm.
Rearranging the overhead bins
You see an overhead bin that looks like a messy closet and think you can fix it. You start rearranging bags, trying to make more space, thinking you are being super helpful. While your intentions are good, this can cause big problems. You should only handle your own luggage.
Moving other people’s bags around can make them angry, and it also makes it harder for the crew to know where everything is, which can slow things down later.
The best way to help is to put your own bag away quickly and then take your seat. Let the flight attendants manage the overhead bins. They have a system and are pros at making everything fit, even if it looks like a game of Tetris.
They know which bags can be shifted and how to do it safely, so just trust them to handle it.
Pulling on a flight attendant’s sleeve
When you need something on a plane, it might seem polite to give a flight attendant a gentle tug on their arm instead of shouting across the aisle. You’re trying to be quiet and not disturb other people, which is considerate.
However, most people, including flight attendants, don’t like being touched unexpectedly by strangers, even if you mean well. It can feel invasive and startling, especially when they are busy and focused on their tasks.
A much better way to get their attention is to simply use the call button above your seat. That’s exactly what it’s there for. It sends a quiet signal directly to them without bothering anyone else.
If you prefer, you can also try to make eye contact and give a little wave or say a quiet “excuse me” as they pass by. They will appreciate you respecting their personal space.
Requesting a refill for your reusable water bottle
Bringing your own reusable water bottle on a flight is a great way to help the environment. You might think asking a flight attendant to fill it up is a simple request. However, airplanes carry a limited supply of drinking water for all the passengers.
If they filled every person’s large bottle, they could run out before everyone gets a drink during the regular service.
The best plan is to fill your bottle at a water fountain in the airport after you pass through security but before you get on the plane. This way, you arrive with all the water you need.
It’s still okay to ask for a cup of water during drink service, but just stick to the standard cup they provide.