Flying can be an adventure, filled with excitement and new experiences. However, as a seasoned web content writer who has spent countless hours interviewing airline staff and gathering insights into their world, I’ve come to learn that not every aspect of flying is as glamorous as it seems. Today, let’s explore seven passenger habits that tend to drive airline staff up the wall, even though they may seem minor to us.
1. “How Long Will These Turbulences Last?”
While turbulence is a common concern for travelers, the question of its duration can be a thorny issue for cabin crew. As Belinda, a veteran flight attendant, once shared in an interview with a well-known daily, predicting the length of turbulence is not within the crew’s control. “I’d love to summon the universe’s forces, but weather isn’t something I can influence,” she joked. Remember, turbulence, although uncomfortable, is rarely dangerous. Nicolas Coccolo, a former military pilot and current private aircraft pilot, reassures us that no crash in aviation history has been due solely to turbulence.
2. Ignoring Safety Instructions
Even frequent flyers who’ve heard safety instructions countless times should pay attention. What might not be widely known is that cabin staff regularly participate in safety drills. In the unlikely event of an actual emergency, knowing these procedures could be life-saving. As they say, better safe than sorry!
3. “What Do You Mean There’s No Chicken?”
Meal choices on flights can sometimes be limited. If you find out there’s no more chicken left, take a breath and maybe try the fish. “We do our best to please everyone, but when the chicken’s gone, it’s gone,” a flight attendant explained. And who knows? A smile might just get you access to some special treats from their secret stash.
4. “Do You Have a Pen?”
It always happens! Right when it’s time to fill out the customs declaration form, passengers realize their pens are packed away in their checked luggage. Unfortunately, as flight attendants often point out, they don’t carry an endless supply of pens. Pro tip: Always pack a pen—or two—in your carry-on.
5. “Can I Lie Down Somewhere?”
Unless you’re flying first or business class, the chances of finding a cozy spot to lie down are slim. Lying down in aisles not only poses a safety hazard but it’s also unsanitary. It’s always best to try to make the most of your assigned seat.
6. “Where’s My Boarding Pass?”
Scrambling to find a boarding pass at the last minute can hold up lines and frustrate not just airline staff but your fellow passengers too. A seasoned flight attendant once told me, “We need to ensure you’re heading to the right destination for your own sake!” Keeping your boarding pass handy is a simple way to avoid any pre-flight chaos.
7. “Yes, It’s Dark, But I Want to Look Outside”
Night flights are generally dimmed to allow passengers to sleep. However, if you decide to gaze out the window and let in light, it could disrupt others’ sleep. If you’re not sleepy, consider using your personal light instead. This keeps the cabin dark and peaceful for everyone else.
Air travel, while essential, contributes significantly to carbon emissions, with aviation accounting for a major portion of greenhouse gases for longer trips. Being mindful of this can also shape how we think about flying and our behaviors on board.
Navigating the world at thousands of feet in the air can bring out different sides of people, but a little consideration goes a long way. Understanding and adjusting these small behaviors can make your journey—and that of others around you—more pleasant and less taxing for those who work to get us safely to our destinations.
