When flying, most passengers aim to be courteous and helpful, but sometimes, well-meaning gestures can unintentionally annoy the flight crew.
From offering unsolicited help to invading personal boundaries, these “polite” actions might actually create more problems than they solve.
Flight attendants are trained professionals with specific procedures and responsibilities, and what seems like kindness may disrupt their workflow.
In this guide, we’ll uncover 15 seemingly polite things passengers do that flight attendants secretly hate.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning your next trip, understanding these insider insights can help you become a more respectful and informed traveler.
1. Dirty Diaper Hand-Off
While it might seem considerate to remove a dirty diaper from the airplane lavatory after changing a baby, perhaps to prevent it from creating a bad smell for others, flight attendants dislike being handed a dirty diaper directly.
The intention might be to be polite and avoid leaving it in the small lavatory space, but this action is explicitly listed as a sure way to make a flight attendant dislike you.
2. Rule Enforcement
Some passengers might think that helping flight attendants enforce the rules would be appreciated, believing they are assisting the crew.
However, the sources state that this is not the case. It is not a passenger’s job to call out other passengers. Interfering in this way can actually lead to conflicts, which makes the flight attendant’s job even harder.
3. Overhead Bin Organization
Whether a passenger is trying to be helpful or simply dislikes seeing disorganized spaces, attempting to organize the overhead bins is not as polite as one might assume.
The source highlights that while it is acceptable for a flight attendant to move someone else’s luggage around, it becomes a completely different matter when a passenger does it.
This implies that passengers should not take it upon themselves to rearrange items in the shared bin space.
4. Flirting
It’s acceptable for passengers to flirt with each other if the other person is receptive. However, the source specifically advises against flirting with flight attendants.
What a passenger might interpret as a flight attendant giving them special attention is most likely just the flight attendant’s professionalism.
Therefore, what might be intended as a friendly or flattering gesture is often unwanted by the crew.
5. Window Shade Conundrum
The position of window shades can be a point of contention among passengers. If flight attendants give instructions to keep the shades drawn for any specific reason, these instructions must be followed because it’s the law.
Otherwise, it is not appropriate for a passenger to instruct their neighbor to close a shade. Furthermore, passengers should not flag down a flight attendant specifically to complain about their neighbor’s window shade position.
6. Touching or Tugging
There are appropriate ways to get a flight attendant’s attention, such as using the overhead call button or making eye contact as they walk down the aisles.
Passengers should never resort to tugging on a flight attendant’s sleeves or grabbing their arms as they pass by. The source clearly states that there is nothing polite about unwanted physical contact.
7. The Reusable Water Bottle
Using a reusable water bottle is commendable for limiting one’s environmental footprint. Airport filling stations are typically available for convenience.
However, asking a flight attendant to fill a large bottle, such as a 24-ounce one, is considered problematic.
This is because flight attendants are generally only supposed to offer a couple of ounces of water per passenger. Requesting a large refill can therefore come across as entitled.
8. Serving Yourself
A passenger might think they are being helpful by grabbing a drink from the cart themselves to save the flight attendant work.
However, the source states that serving yourself from the drink cart is not only rude but also potentially unsanitary. The reason given is that other passengers do not want your “dirty fingers all over their drinks”.
9. Careful Storage
Passengers might have carry-on luggage containing precious and fragile items. They may believe that taking the time to find the perfect spot in the overhead bins for these items is helpful to themselves and the flight attendants.
However, the source points out that taking too long to find this ideal spot holds up the line during boarding. This delay in turn can delay the boarding process and potentially the entire flight.
10. Chatty Customers
While it is generally considered polite to make conversation when meeting someone, stopping flight attendants for a quick chat is not considerate in this context.
Flight attendants have a job to do and also need to attend to other passengers. As much as they might potentially enjoy hearing about a passenger’s travel plans, they have tasks that require their attention.
11. Silent Suffering
Flight attendants are experienced and know how to deal with issues like flight anxiety or motion sickness.
Rather than a passenger enduring discomfort or suffering in silence, the source advises that it is best to communicate your problems to the flight crew.
Flight attendants prefer to help passengers early on with such issues rather than having to deal with a potential “mess later”.
12. Trash Collection
A passenger might perceive collecting the trash in their row for the flight attendant as a helpful gesture. However, the source indicates that grabbing your neighbor’s trash can lead to issues.
What one person perceives as ready for disposal might actually still be in use by someone else. Engaging in unsanctioned trash collection can therefore lead to conflicts among passengers.
13. Terms of Endearment
When addressing a flight attendant, the expected and professional terms are “sir” or “ma’am”.
While a passenger might think that using more familiar greetings like “dear” or “sweetie” is nicer, the source explains that these terms can actually come across as condescending or demeaning to the flight attendant.
14. Thanking the Pilot
It is certainly acceptable and there is nothing wrong with thanking the pilot after a flight. However, the source points out that the pilot should not be the only people you thank.
Flight attendants also work hard to ensure a smooth flight and keep passengers safe. The source implies that it is considered rude not to thank the flight attendants as well.
15. Folding the Motion Sickness Bags
Some passengers might think that motion sickness bags look neater with their tops folded over. While this might be true aesthetically, folding them over makes them less effective.
The purpose of a motion sickness bag is to be ready for immediate use. The source notes that no one wants to have to try and reopen a closed bag in a moment of need.
Alicia Richards