Flight attendants appreciate passengers who are kind, respectful, and cooperative. But sometimes, even the most well-meaning gestures can backfire.
What seems helpful or courteous to you might actually complicate things for the cabin crew making their already demanding job harder.
Here are 15 common acts that passengers think are polite, but often earn a hidden eye-roll from flight attendants.
1. Handing Off a Dirty Diaper
Changing a baby on a flight isn’t easy especially in those cramped lavatories. Many parents think they’re doing the right thing by removing the soiled diaper instead of leaving it behind.
Unfortunately, handing that dirty diaper directly to a flight attendant is anything but helpful. Instead, seal it tightly in an air-sick bag or bring your own disposal bag and place it in the lavatory trash.
2. Trying to Enforce the Rules
If you notice another passenger not wearing a seatbelt or ignoring electronic device rules, you might be tempted to say something. But don’t.
Acting as the “rule enforcer” only causes tension, and you’re not trained to handle possible confrontations. Let the flight attendants do their job they’re trained for it.
3. Reorganizing the Overhead Bins
Some passengers start rearranging bags in the overhead bins, thinking they’re optimizing space. But what you’re actually doing is interfering with a safety process.
Flight attendants know how to load bins to ensure balance, safety, and accessibility. Moving others’ bags without permission can lead to damaged property or even injury. Just stow your own bag and leave the rest to the pros.
4. Flirting with the Flight Attendants
A friendly smile is one thing flirtation is another. Flight attendants are professionals, not servers in a rom-com.
What you interpret as interest is almost always just good customer service. Unwanted advances are uncomfortable, and flirtatious comments can come off as inappropriate or even creepy.
5. Complaining About the Window Shade
There’s a strange etiquette battle that happens around the airplane window shade. If your neighbor has it open and you want it closed or vice versa don’t turn it into a debate or involve the flight crew unless there’s a policy in place.
On most flights, the shades are a passenger preference unless the crew requests them drawn (like during landing or in dark cabins). If you can’t reach a compromise, just let it go.
6. Tugging or Tapping to Get Attention
You might think tapping a flight attendant on the arm or tugging at their uniform is a gentle way to get their attention. It’s not.
It’s intrusive and inappropriate. Use the call button or wait until they’re nearby and make eye contact. Respecting their personal space is a basic form of courtesy.
7. Offering a Reusable Water Bottle to Be Filled
Bringing a reusable bottle is great for the environment, but asking a flight attendant to fill a giant 24-ounce bottle isn’t considerate.
They’re usually only given a limited amount of bottled water to serve hundreds of passengers.
A polite way to handle this is to fill your bottle at a water station in the airport before boarding, or politely ask for a few small cups of water if you’re especially thirsty.
8. Helping Yourself to the Drink Cart
Believe it or not, some passengers actually try to grab drinks from the cart when the flight attendants are occupied.
This is not only unhygienic it’s also a safety issue. The cart is their workspace, and tampering with it can lead to spills, contamination, or confusion. Just wait your turn like everyone else.
9. Searching Too Hard for the Perfect Overhead Bin Spot
We get it you don’t want your fragile camera or precious souvenir squished under someone else’s carry-on.
But taking too long to find the “perfect” storage spot can slow down boarding for everyone.
If your bag fits in a bin near your seat, place it there quickly and move on. The faster boarding happens, the more likely your flight departs on time.
10. Trying to Chat Mid-Flight
You might be a social butterfly, and the flight attendants may seem friendly, but remember they’re working.
Stopping them for chit-chat during beverage service or while they’re managing safety tasks is inconsiderate.
Keep conversations brief and respectful of their time. Save the small talk for your seatmate.
11. Suffering in Silence
Some passengers tough out nausea, headaches, or anxiety without alerting the flight crew. While this might seem noble, it can actually make things worse.
If you’re not feeling well, tell a flight attendant early they can help with hydration, cool air, sick bags, or even move you to a more comfortable spot. Waiting until it’s an emergency helps no one.
12. Collecting Trash for the Row
At first glance, this seems helpful you’re tidying up, right? Not always. When you start collecting trash from your neighbors, you might accidentally take something they still need like a half-full cup or an important receipt.
It’s better to wait until the crew makes a trash round and let each passenger dispose of their own items.
13. Using Terms of Endearment
Calling a flight attendant “sweetheart,” “honey,” or “dear” might sound harmless, but it can feel patronizing or even disrespectful.
Stick to neutral, professional terms like “sir,” “ma’am,” or simply “excuse me.” These professionals deserve the same level of respect you’d give any customer service worker in uniform.
14. Thanking Only the Pilot
Pilots get plenty of praise, especially after a smooth landing. But while you’re clapping or complimenting the captain, don’t forget the crew behind the scenes the flight attendants who ensured your safety, managed service, dealt with difficult passengers, and kept things running smoothly. A simple “thank you” as you deplane goes a long way.
15. Folding Motion Sickness Bags
You may have a tidy streak and think folding the barf bags looks neater. But here’s the thing those bags are designed to be ready for quick use in emergencies.
Folding them closed makes them harder to grab and open when someone really needs one. So, keep them open and ready as they are.
Alicia Richards