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Flight attendant secrets you need to know before your next flight

ONCE again, a bunch of chatty flight attendants have vented their frustrations. And that’s good news for us, because now we know the behaviours to avoid.

Should the Flight Attendant Know Your Birthday?

IF YOU exhibit these bad behaviours on a flight don’t expect to get good service. Budget Travel has spoken to some chatty flight attendants — on condition of anonymity — to find out how to enjoy the comfiest, safest, and most delicious flight, not to mention getting extra help when you really need it.

CALL BUTTONS: THE MOST EFFICIENT WAY TO SAY “HATE ME”

What’s your biggest job-related peeve? For flight attendants, it’s the “call button”. You should basically never, ever, ever press it. Some passengers regard the call button as their ticket to snacks and drinks before the rest of the cabin — no. Or a quick way to get rid of their trash while the flight attendants are still serving other passengers — no. Wondering when your plane will land? Or when those boxed lunches will be available for purchase? Your flight attendant passes by your seat about every 10 or 15 minutes (except in cases of serious turbulence), and you can wait your turn like everybody else.

TO TIP OR NOT TO TIP?

Airlines discourage tipping, so when you offer a tip it is very likely your flight attendant will turn you down. But if you offer a second time, or slip a few bills into his or her hand, it will usually be greatly appreciated — and may earn you a free snack or even an extra-stiff Bloody Mary (if you’re into that kind of thing). When you receive truly extraordinary service, though, a letter or email to the airline praising the work of a specific flight attendant or crew is most appreciated and can sincerely help a flight attendant’s career.

NO, THERE IS NO “SECRET” TO GETTING AN OVERSIZE BAG INTO AN OVERHEAD BIN

We get that you don’t want to pay $25 or so to check a bag both ways. But that means you’ve got to pack smart and, should you happen to sneak past the gatekeepers with a bag that’s too big for the overhead bin, fess up and let them check it for you. Turning to an available flight attendant and asking, “What do you suggest I do with this bag?” is only opening up a conversation about what that overworked, underpaid flight attendant might wish you actually would do with that bag.

SMILE!

Flight attendants go through careful screening during the hiring process, then comprehensive training before they start working with the public. For a good flight attendant, a smile and a friendly “sir” or “ma’am” is not just a good idea but also a job responsibility. For the best service possible, take a page from their playbook: Make eye contact, smile, address them the way you would a friend or neighbour, and you’ll be amazed and how much more likely you are to get that extra blanket, cup of water, or sympathetic ear. (Sure, this precept should be obvious — but take a quick look around the plane to see how little it is observed among busy, cranky flyers!)

KEEP YOUR FEET OFF THE WALLS

Ever invited a friend over for coffee only to have them prop their feet against your living room walls? We didn’t think so. If you’re in a bulkhead seat, keep your feet off the walls. It’s not just a pet peeve of flight attendants and pilots (who may call you out in public over it), but it can also be extremely dangerous to you during turbulent takeoffs and landings.

THERE IS NEVER A GOOD REASON TO TIE YOUR CARRY-ON BAG TO YOUR LEG

This one’s a bit of a mystery to most flight attendants, since it only increases the odds that you will trip and fall when you try to get up out of your seat — or in the rare occasion where an emergency evacuation is necessary. But everyone has considered it at one point or another — including yours truly. But this is easy: Your carry-on belongs under the seat in front of you (not on your lap, not on the empty seat beside you, and not under anyone else’s seat), and your feet belong on the floor, and no mingling of bag and feet is ever, ever, ever a good idea.

YOU CAN HAND OUT SNACKS TOO

Frequent flyers glance at the snack cart and wince at the same-old-same-old. Guess how flight attendants who spend seven or more hours a day on-board feel about those packaged “treats”? If you really want to make your flight attendant’s day, board your flight with snacks not only for yourself and your loved ones but also for the crew! We always recommend that you travel with high-quality chocolate, not just because it’s a nice surprise for airline staff at check-in and boarding, but also because it can really open up a flight crew to going the extra mile for you should you need it in the event of weather-related travel delays or cancellations.

SPECIAL OCCASION? SPREAD THE LOVE!

If you’re flying on a honeymoon, anniversary, or other special occasion, flight attendants love to be looped in. They can help you make a little on-board fuss (the good kind!) and might even congratulate you over the PA system. If you’re travelling with kids, it’s basically always a special occasion, and the crew will do its best to accommodate a cockpit visit when the plane is on the ground. Just ask-but don’t hit the call button!

Should the Flight Attendant Know Your Birthday?

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-advice/flights/flight-attendant-secrets-you-need-to-know-before-your-next-flight/news-story/2405e492fa5e370a87ac693bfd486204