(Washington, Aug 27) Most travelers want to be polite and considerate when they board a plane. But many actions that seem thoughtful on the ground can become bothersome in the air.
According to Yahoo! News, flight attendants have listed 12 so-called “polite” habits from passengers that actually make their jobs harder—such as handing over trash too early or helping themselves to items from the service cart.
At 30,000 feet, flight attendants must balance safety, service, and efficiency. Even well-intentioned interruptions add to their workload. A little more awareness and respect not only eases their burden but also improves the experience for all passengers.
The report stresses that being a “good passenger” is simple: be mindful, respectful, and considerate of crew responsibilities. Small courtesies can make a big difference during a flight.
Here are the 12 “polite” behaviors that flight attendants dislike most:
1. Touching a flight attendant to get attention
Even a light tap or shoulder pat crosses a line. A simple “excuse me” or pressing the call button is preferred.
2. Using nicknames or overly familiar terms
Words like “dear” or “sweetheart” may sound kind, but they are unprofessional in this setting. A respectful “excuse me” works better.
3. Taking items directly from the service cart
The cart isn’t a buffet. Grabbing food or drinks disrupts the order process, affects inventory, and breaks hygiene rules.
4. Handing over trash too early—especially unpleasant items
Giving diapers or messy waste outside of collection time forces attendants to handle it awkwardly and interrupts service flow.
5. Rearranging overhead bins or moving others’ luggage
It may seem helpful, but it creates confusion and can cause problems when deplaning. Best practice: store your bag quickly and ask crew for help if needed.
6. Acting as a substitute flight attendant or correcting other passengers
Reminding someone to raise their seatback may be well-meant, but enforcing rules should be left to the crew.
7. Asking for water immediately after boarding
Boarding is a hectic, safety-critical period. Requests at this moment disrupt workflow. Better: hydrate before boarding.
8. Using the lavatory during meal service
Maneuvering around the service cart is inconvenient and unsafe. Wait until the aisle is clear.
9. Repeatedly pressing the call button
For emergencies, it’s appropriate—but for minor needs, constant use distracts crew. Waiting until they pass by is usually enough.
10. Expecting crew to lift heavy luggage
Lifting oversized bags risks injury. If your luggage is too heavy, check it at the gate.
11. Requesting meals after service has ended
Airline catering runs on strict schedules. If you’re worried about hunger, bring your own snacks.
12. Drinking tap water or using ice from the onboard water system
Trying to avoid “bothering” attendants by using plane water isn’t safer. Aircraft tanks can harbor bacteria, including E. coli, and are cleaned infrequently. To avoid illness (and extra work for crew), stick to bottled or canned drinks.
Bottom line: Good intentions aren’t always helpful at 30,000 feet. True courtesy means respecting flight attendants’ roles and letting them focus on keeping everyone safe and comfortable.
Source: Liberty Times Taiwan
