10 Common Habits That Irritate Flight Attendants

We consulted flight attendants regarding the most frustrating behaviors exhibited by passengers during flights — this is their feedback.

Frequent travelers can attest that air travel can be an exceedingly stressful endeavor, particularly as instances of flight cancellations and delays continue to rise. Nevertheless, it is critical to acknowledge that while flying may elevate your stress levels, it is an extraordinary feat, and those who facilitate safe travel — namely flight crew members — merit the highest level of respect.

“There is significantly more to our duties beyond delivering in-flight service. Primarily, we are safety professionals trained to address any emergency situations that may arise during a flight,” stated Andy, a current crew member with a major airline, to GoTravelDaily. “In the event of an incident 36,000 feet in the air, we serve as the initial responders.”

So, how can you enhance your rapport and increase the chances of receiving VIP treatment from your cabin crew? The answer is straightforward: Be courteous.

“Ultimately, it revolves around the golden rule. If you extend a modicum of respect, I will gladly go the extra mile to ensure your flight experience is as pleasant as possible,” shared Andy. “Your flight attendants are individuals as well, so during instances of travel disruption, do engage with us; we likely have encountered a similar situation in our own journeys and can do our utmost to assist. This also entails understanding that we possess emotions and feelings like everyone else. A gesture of kindness can make a significant impact.”

What additional measures can you take? We engaged with the flight attendant community on Reddit to uncover the behaviors that irritate crew members most. Below are the ten most disruptive actions you should consciously avoid.

Touching a Crew Member Without Their Consent

Just as one should refrain from touching a stranger on the ground, the same courtesy applies in the air towards crew members, who are also strangers.

“Do not touch us. Please refrain from poking, tapping, or wiggling your fingers on my arm. I have a name tag. ‘Ma’am’ and ‘excuse me’ are also perfectly suitable forms of address,” expressed one flight attendant.

“We appreciate when individuals utilize verbal communication, and gestures such as poking or shaking trash in our faces are extremely unwelcome and disrespectful,” added another.

Another attendant implored, “Please do not poke or touch me in any way to garner my attention.”

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Asking for Water Immediately Upon Boarding

The boarding process is chaotic for both passengers and the crew. Therefore, refrain from requesting a glass of water during this critical period.

“Requesting water to take medication during boarding is one of my greatest annoyances,” one crew member shared. “Why didn’t you take your medication while waiting at the gate? There are numerous water fountains and bottled water available for purchase at the terminal.”

Another remarked, “If you need to take medication, prepare in advance and secure a bottle or drink water before boarding the aircraft. Passengers often overlook that we have a limited time to ensure everyone is seated and buckled up prior to closing the boarding door.”

Using the Bathroom at an Inopportune Time

We understand the urgency at times. However, if possible, plan your restroom visits so that they do not coincide with meal service.

“It frustrates me when passengers see me in the aisle and still choose to navigate past me towards the restroom,” expressed one crew member.

“It is quite inconvenient when passengers rise to use the bathroom immediately as we begin distributing drinks.” Another added, “It is challenging to manage the tray as it is, compounded by balancing it over someone’s head while they attempt to squeeze past me to return to their seat.”

Pressing the Call Bell Every Two Minutes

That call button above your seat? It should be utilized judiciously.

“If we have just taken off and the seat belt sign is still illuminated, we will be able to assist you shortly. Please wait for five minutes,” advised a crew member. “And if we have just completed meal service or are currently serving several rows behind you, kindly wait for a moment.”

Asking a Crew Member to Be Your Personal Connection Concierge

While facilitating connections is undoubtedly critical, do not expect the crew to possess detailed knowledge regarding all flights arriving and departing from the airport.

“Passengers often express discontent when they discover their flight is delayed and immediately anticipate the [flight attendants] to be informed about their connections,” shared a crew member regarding the behavior that they find most troubling. “We learn about the delays concurrently with the passengers, and we cannot control connection flights.”

Another attendant clarified further, noting, “We have limited information regarding your connections, and no, the next flight will not be held for you.”

Demanding a Meal After Service Is Complete

If you inadvertently dozed off during meal service or chose not to eat at that moment, be advised that you may not receive food later. “We have approximately 300 passengers aboard. Why not conform with the collective?” remarked an attendant.

Needing Assistance With a Bag That’s Clearly Too Heavy

This situation is not merely an annoyance but poses a genuine safety risk for crew members.

“We are not compensated for assisting with your bags, and if we sustain injuries on the job, we are not covered by workers’ compensation as we are technically not on the clock yet,” one crew member explained. “Additionally, many [flight attendants] suffer from rotator cuff injuries and other ailments due to continuous heavy lifting.”

Another crew member added, “When passengers are aware they cannot lift their bags due to injury or another personal circumstance and expect flight attendants to store it in the overhead bin for them — we kindly suggest checking your bag at the gate. Flight attendants are available to assist but are not able to lift bags for passengers.”

Stretching in the Middle of the Aisle

Stretching is beneficial during long-haul flights. However, it is important to do so in an appropriate location.

“When I maneuver through the aisles fulfilling my duties, and a passenger is obstructing the path to utilize the restroom or stretch, please do not act as though I am an inconvenience when I request to pass,” stated one flight attendant. “I am performing my responsibilities in my designated workspace.”

Filing Your Nails

This behavior pertains to both flight attendants and fellow passengers: “Clipping or filing nails is high on the list of passenger irritations.”

Not Saying Thank You

The next time you disembark from an aircraft, take a moment to reflect on everything the crew has done for you — from ensuring your access to food and water to maintaining your safety in transit — and consider expressing a simple “thank you.”

“Failing to acknowledge my presence while deplaning or ignoring my efforts is deeply disheartening,” shared one flight attendant.

Another crew member noted, “Not recognizing us, failing to meet our gaze, and neglecting to say please and thank you diminishes our humanity. Kindly treat us with the respect we extend to you.”

Editor’s Note: Andy’s name has been abbreviated to protect his privacy, as is the case with all crew members quoted in this article.