Ask any flight attendant and they’ll tell you it’s not an easy job. Keeping a group of people happy while they are all stuck together in a metal tube 35,000 feet above the ground is no easy feat. Not to mention that cabin crew also have to deal with passengers who don’t always make their life easier. These professionals work long shifts, often away from home, and in stressful conditions. But that doesn’t mean they don’t love what they do — after all, who wouldn’t want to travel the world for a living? To help you get the most out of your next flight and avoid those awkward small-talk moments with your local flight attendant, here are some useful tips we learned from real cabin crew.
Check in early
Most airlines can now change your seat selection online, but you might have to physically go to the airport counter to check in. If you have a long flight ahead of you, it’s best to do this as early as possible in order to get the seat you want. Some airlines have a premium seating if you’d like a little extra legroom, or you can sit near a window. If you have a long layover, you can also try to request an earlier flight, which will get you to your destination faster.
Don’t check your luggage
Unless you’re going on a very short vacation, avoid checking any luggage. Some airlines charge a fee for checking a bag, and you don’t want your stuff to get lost in transit. If you’re only taking a carry-on bag, you’ll save a lot of time at check-in and at the security checkpoint. Plus, you won’t have to wait for your bags at the baggage carousel after you land. If you do have to check your bag, make sure it’s packed neatly and use an elastic band to keep it from getting squashed. Also, label your bag with your name and a contact number in case it gets lost.
Pack light
One of the first flight attendant jobs is to check that passengers have packed their bags correctly. To avoid getting a lecture, follow these tips: Don’t overstuff your bag — you might have to lift it up a flight of stairs. Instead, roll your clothes to avoid creasing and make your bag as compact as possible. Even if you’re allowed to take a carry-on bag, don’t bring a suitcase that you’d need to wheel down the aisle. Keep your stuff organized to make it easier to find things quickly when you’re in a rush. Wear something that is easy to take on and off, like sneakers or sandals, so you can easily go through security.
Bring snacks
Most airlines provide snacks and drinks on the flight, but it’s always worthwhile bringing some of your own. If you have food allergies, check what snacks your airline offers to avoid missing out. If you are traveling with someone, it’s also a good idea to split the snacks between you. It’s a nice way to break the ice and start a conversation with the person sitting next to you. If you need to take medication during the flight, you should let the cabin crew know so they can help you find a safe way to take it.
Stay in the aisle seat
Most people want to sit in the window seat, but there are a few reasons why you should choose the aisle instead. First, you can get out of your seat quicker to let other passengers out of their seats. When the meal service begins, you’ll be able to grab the flight attendant’s attention more easily. If you’re traveling with children, they might be more comfortable being next to the wall instead of next to the aisle, which is a good reason to choose the window seat. If you get seasick easily, choosing the aisle seat could prevent that feeling of nausea. Lastly, many people go to the bathroom before or after take-off and landing, so it’s best to sit near the aisle in case there’s a line.
Avoid Using the bathroom during takeoff and landing
The bathroom is usually pretty busy during the flight, especially before takeoff and during the last hour of the flight. If you need to go during these times, try to avoid the rush by visiting the bathroom before takeoff and/or during the descent. If you need to go during the descent, make sure you take the headphones off so you can hear the flight crew’s instructions.
Key takeaways
Flight attendants are some of the hardest working people in the travel industry. They are responsible for the safety of the passengers on their flight, as well as their overall comfort. Many flight attendants have to deal with passengers who are stressed out, impatient, or rude. In these situations, it is often up to the flight attendants to calm the situation and diffuse the frustration. If you are flying, remember to be mindful of the flight attendants around you. This is their job, and they love what they do. Be patient, follow their instructions, and they will do their best to make your flight an enjoyable experience.
