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11 Things Flight Attendants Wish You’d Stop Doing
Flying is a marvel of human achievement (or so you’d think) until you’re trapped in a tin can hurtling through the sky with 200 strangers and their questionable habits. Isn’t it incredible how some people seem to believe they’re at home, minus the courtesy?
From armrest battles so intense they could be Olympic events, to the guy clipping his toenails like it’s a spa day, air travel is an epic showcase of humanity’s quirks. Think you know the unspoken rules of mile-high etiquette? Well… maybe, maybe not.
The skies are as much about deftly avoiding awkward eye contact as they are about actual flight. Got your own pet peeves from 30,000 feet? Drop your wisdom in the comments – because clearly, we could all use a refresher course in basic airborne decorum.
Ignoring Greetings During Boarding
You’d think saying “hello” would be easier than remembering your Wi-Fi password, but apparently not. Ignoring the crew and your fellow passengers as you stomp aboard like a moody storm cloud? Not exactly winning hearts.
A simple greeting isn’t just polite – it’s the verbal equivalent of not slamming the door in someone’s face. Even a half-hearted nod works better than brushing past like a VIP with invisible earbuds. Plus, it sets the tone. Friendly skies start with friendly people (or at least people who don’t grunt).
Hogging Overhead Bin Space
Overhead bins – those precious, limited real estate zones. Yet some passengers treat them like their personal storage unit. Putting your laptop bag up there while a desperate traveler wrestles with their overstuffed roller? Gold medal awkwardness.
That space is for larger carry-ons, not your beach hat or lucky pillow. Your stuff has a cozy little cave under the seat in front of you, so why not give it a try? Remember, playing Tetris with luggage is already stressful enough without your “essentials” hogging the spotlight.
Walking Barefoot In The Cabin
Sure, being barefoot feels all free-spirited and “natural” – until you step foot in an airplane lavatory. That sticky sensation underfoot? Not water, my friend. Airplane floors are like petri dishes where fears of hygiene come to grow and thrive.
And honestly, would you trot barefoot into a public restroom at your local gas station? Ok, Britney Spears did, but do you want to follow in her footsteps? Slipping into shoes isn’t just for protection; it’s a kindness to everyone who has to witness those toe escapades.
Using The Lavatory Immediately After Boarding
Oh, the urgent rush to “go” as soon as you find Row 22B. Meanwhile, behind you, people with massive duffel bags are muttering silent curses while waiting to squeeze by. Boarding is already the most chaotic part of the flight – adding a bathroom pit stop slows things down for everyone.
Skip the toilet tour and hit the restroom before stepping on the plane. Trust me, your bladder isn’t going to self-destruct during takeoff. Unless you just gulped a Big Gulp, in which case… we might need a subtopic just for you.
Pressing The Call Button For Non-Essentials
The call button is not a magic wand, people. Using it to summon a flight attendant for another packet of peanuts? Not ideal. Those attendants are busy juggling crying toddlers, turbulence, and the constant possibility of an overhead bin explosion.
When you ping them over for minor things, it’s like yelling “Fire!” because you saw a spider in the corner. Save it for actual emergencies – like if your seatmate is clipping their toenails… or, you know, you need assistance landing the plane.
Leaving Trash In Seat Pockets
The seat pocket is not a black hole for your trash. Gum wrappers, empty snack packets, that mystery paper you found crumpled next to you – it’s not the flight attendant’s job to fish them out like they’re on an archaeological dig.
When that cart rolls by and someone asks for your garbage, take the opportunity to rid yourself of every crumb and wrapper. Ignoring that moment? That’s like hoarding expired yogurt in your fridge. Just why?
Blocking The Aisle During Boarding And Disembarking
The classic aisle blocker. Even if you’re just finding something in that overstuffed bag that you put in the overhead bin, this one’s a real crowd-pleaser (given the bottleneck it creates). Boarding is not the time to reorganize your entire carry-on.
And disembarking isn’t an advanced game of “Freeze Tag.” Grab your stuff quickly, step to the side, and keep things moving. It’s kind of like traffic – don’t be the bus that stalls in rush hour.
Ignoring The Fasten Seatbelt Sign
You’re not a rebel without a cause; you’re just someone risking a midair faceplant when turbulence hits. The fasten seatbelt sign isn’t a decorative light display – it’s there because nobody wants to catch airborne passengers pinballing around the cabin.
You might think stretching your legs or rummaging for that one snack buried in your bag is worth the risk, but trust me, it’s not. Take a seat, stay put, and channel your inner patience guru. Ever heard of a little thing called gravity? Yeah, it’s not very forgiving at 30,000 feet.
Using Speakerphone Or Playing Videos Without Headphones
There’s nothing like the dulcet tones of someone’s video game sound effects or a loudly narrated voice memo to set the mood during a flight. So here’s a wild idea: nobody wants to hear your phone screaming, “Victory!” or details about your cat’s hairball situation.
Be decent – use headphones. If headphones aren’t your style, maybe reconsider public transportation altogether. Flying is already a symphony of crying babies and roaring engines; your impromptu soundscape isn’t the cherry on top… it’s the rotten egg in the mix.
Attempting To Change Seats Without Permission
Switching airplane seats isn’t the free-for-all you clearly think it is. This isn’t musical chairs – it’s a cautious game of weight distribution and safety regulations.
Think of asking the flight attendant for approval as your golden ticket to seat-swapping. After all, nothing says “awkward” like being told to shuffle back while an entire row of passengers glares at you for stalling takeoff. Spoiler: Window seats are limited, not a magical entitlement handed out for charm.
Getting Up During Taxiing
Taxiing isn’t the minor lull before the flight showdown – it’s an actual part of, you know, safely operating the plane. And you wobbling around the aisle like a drunk flamingo during this time isn’t just risky; it’s downright hazardous.
Sit tight until that seatbelt sign clicks off. Nobody wants to be the person who meets the floor courtesy of a sudden jolt. So stay seated, and instead channel your impatience into fidgeting with your tray table latch or staring longingly out the window.
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