A compendium of things that will make them want to throw you out the window
Imagine what the job of a flight attendant must be like. Glamorous scenes from Mad Men or Pan-Am's golden years probably come to mind, where flying is synonymous with soaring through the air and rubbing shoulders with the cream of society. And maybe it was like that in the 60s, but Today, nothing is further from reality.
In these times, flight attendants are a combination of waiters, referees, police officers and therapists ; in addition to being in charge of the minutiae that is flight safety. And as much as their primary role is to make sure passengers are safe and comfortable, there are many things we do without thinking that make it difficult for everyone to fly.
Don't fall asleep during the security demonstration
Do you want your flight attendant to hate you? We snuck into a Facebook flight attendant forum and this is what they told us.
A warning: if you carry out the 11 points, You will make them want to throw you out the window.
1. NOT PAYING ATTENTION DURING THE SAFETY DEMONSTRATION
You may be fed up with seeing it, but attendants point to emergency exits for a reason. Each plane is a world and, although you can count on there being exits in the front, the rear and over the wings, it is not the same to be in row 22 on a low cost plane than on a transatlantic.
Also, as much as we know how to put on the oxygen mask in a hurry and that you have to put it on yourself before someone else, people forget. Constantly. Although you most likely won't end up needing the information, pay attention to them during the ten minutes of the presentation: if it becomes necessary, you will appreciate it.
two. DO NOT TAKE OFF THEIR HELMETS WHEN THEY TALK TO YOU
A word: education.
3. CONSTANTLY ASKING FOR THINGS
Tin-tin. "Bring me a glass of water?". Tin-tin. "I need another blanket." Tin-tin. "Can you take this garbage away?" Tin-tin. “I am not able to change the language on my screen”. Tin-tin.
We know it's hard, but don't be annoying
If it's annoying to read, imagine having to go every time the system beeps. Especially if the orchestra starts while the plane is still heading down the runway. In such circumstances, a more than logical question crosses the mind of a JetBlue flight attendant: "Does it have to be right now!?"
Four. ASK THEM FOR THE CONNECTION DOORS AS SOON AS YOU TAKE OFF
If you make a stopover (short or long), don't make the mistake of thinking that the flight staff knows from minute one where each passenger has to go after landing.
In general, the assistants do not have access to that information and, although they can get to know airports like the back of their hand, they cannot give you directions as to which gate to go to to catch your next flight.
6. OCCUPY THE CORRIDORS FOR GETTING THROUGH
Getting up and stretching your legs during the flight is a good idea, especially if it is a long one. But don't forget that an airplane is not a bar and pick up your drink and go start a conversation with those in row 15 will not be seen favorably by the assistants.
Even if they are not passing the cart, many times they have to move to check that everything is going well in other areas of the plane or to attend to other passengers. If you have to go to the bathroom or run an errand for someone flying in another line, by all means, get up; but try not to make the hallway turn into an obstacle course.
Getting intimate in the bathroom is NOT an option
5. LOADING AND RAISING HAND BAGGAGE DURING THE FLIGHT
In the same line, constantly opening the overhead compartments is very annoying for the same reason (besides the risk of something falling out when opening them).
Before loading your suitcase, make sure you have a book, headphones, tablet and anything else you need.
7. GO TO THE BATHROOM TO 'INTIMATE'
Do you think they don't notice? Of course yes.
8. TAKE IT ON THEM FOR THINGS THAT ARE OUT OF THEIR CONTROL
The flight has been delayed and you are going to miss your connection. It's very cold in the cabin. There are babies crying and dogs barking on the flight. The food is unpalatable.
These things bother us all. Flight attendants can't do anything to fix them. Let's get through it together. “They have even demanded that we process a claim or a refund for a delay,” says a Delta Airlines assistant, explaining that they can do nothing but get them to their destination safely.
9. GET DRUNK
Raising your elbow on the plane or just before boarding is not a good idea for anyone. The assistants will have to be aware of you, in case you have to be taken to the bathroom or you get into a fight. You will arrive at your destination with a considerable headache and more disorientation than necessary. Have a beer or a wine, okay; give you a Melendi, no.
It might sound like a good idea, but getting drunk on a plane is not.
10. take off your shoes
A classic of long flights (and the occasional short flight): take off your shoes. We understand you, the feet swell and footwear becomes an instrument of torture.
However, walking barefoot on the plane (and even, horror of horrors, going to the bathroom) is equivalent to walk a catwalk of germs and other hazards.
"You don't know if there are crystals on the floor, for example," says an assistant with 25 years of experience. "Not to mention that there are passengers who, well, do not aim well in the bathroom."
At a minimum, she wears socks. Or better: leave your shoes on.
eleven. AND OF COURSE GET UP WHEN THE SEAT BELTS SIGN IS ON
They have told you a thousand times. Do not do it. Never.