A Little Goes A Long Flight
You might think becoming a flight attendant’s favorite passenger involves expensive tickets or handing out gifts. Apparently, the bar is considerably lower. Crews say some of the things they appreciate most take almost no effort—and a few will definitely leave you wondering what everyone else has been doing.
Ordering Your Coffee Without Making It An Interview
You’ve probably been drinking coffee for decades. You know what goes in it. So give them the whole order: coffee, two creams, one sugar. Flight attendants appreciate getting it right without playing 20 questions while the next ten rows wait for their turn.
Taking Off Your Headphones Before They Have To Ask
You see the cart coming. You see the flight attendant standing beside you. This probably isn’t the moment to start another episode. Taking off your headphones means they can ask their question once, hear your answer, and move on. A surprisingly popular arrangement.
Saying Hello When You Board
Someone says good morning, and you say it back. You probably learned that before kindergarten, yet flight attendants say plenty of passengers skip it. As one attendant put it: “It would just make everyone’s day a tiny bit better if we could say a ‘hello’ to each other.”
Getting Organized Before You Block The Entire Plane
Your book, glasses, and headphones are somewhere in that bag. Ideally, you find them before standing in the aisle with 40 people behind you. Have the essentials ready, put your luggage away, and get settled. Everyone else would also enjoy reaching their seat today.
Sitting In The Seat On Your Boarding Pass
That empty window seat looks nice. Unfortunately, somebody else might think so too—particularly the person who booked it. Checking your assignment and sitting in the correct place saves the crew from untangling a seating mix-up before the plane has even left the gate.
Remembering The Overhead Bin Isn’t Your Personal Closet
Getting your suitcase into the bin is only part of the job. Leaving usable room for somebody else’s bag helps too. Follow the crew’s instructions about positioning it. Flight attendant Destanie Armstrong specifically praises these small acts of consideration—and the next passenger probably would too.
Clearing A Landing Spot For Your Drink
You ordered a drink. Now someone is standing beside you holding it while your tray table doubles as a home office. Clearing a little space before it arrives saves an awkward scramble. Veteran flight attendant Heather Poole specifically mentions appreciating passengers who think ahead here.
Actually Trying With Your Children
A crying child doesn’t automatically make you the unpopular parent onboard. The flight attendants behind Two Guys on a Plane say they notice when parents are making an effort. Helping with seat belts and responding to problems matters. They’re looking for effort, not a silent toddler.
Staying Decent During A Miserable Delay
Nobody enjoys sitting on a plane that isn’t going anywhere. That includes the people working on it. Flight attendants say passengers who stay gracious during long delays stand out. You can be annoyed about the situation without taking it out on whoever brings the water.
Remembering That “Please” Still Works At Cruising Altitude
“Can I have a ginger ale, please?” gets the same basic message across as barking “ginger ale.” It just makes the exchange considerably nicer. Flight attendants say manners get noticed. Apparently, remembering two words your parents taught you can still help you stand out.
Vera.vvo, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Giving The Safety Card More Attention Than The Shopping Magazine
You’ve found the snack menu. You’ve checked whether there’s Wi-Fi. That safety card deserves a look too. Flight attendants say they appreciate seeing passengers read it. It shows you understand there’s more to their job than finding out who wants pretzels and who wants cookies.
Following Simple Instructions Without A Negotiation
Putting your bag away or fastening your seat belt shouldn’t require three visits and a closing argument. Following routine safety instructions promptly makes the crew’s job easier. Ask questions or explain any assistance you need, of course. Just don’t turn every ordinary request into a debate.
SuperJet International, Wikimedia Commons
Having Your Garbage Ready At The Right Time
When the trash bag comes down the aisle, that’s your cue. Gather the cup, wrappers, and napkins before it reaches you. Handing over garbage while someone is busy preparing the cabin is another matter. Helpful passengers pay attention to what the crew is actually doing.
Saying “Excuse Me” Instead Of Poking Someone
Flight attendants have been quite clear about this one: they don’t enjoy being poked or grabbed while working. A polite “excuse me” is a much better start. If you need help and can’t get their attention, the call button is there for a reason.
Asking Before Making Yourself Comfortable In The Galley
That space at the back might look perfect for stretching your legs. It’s also where people are trying to work. Armstrong says she appreciates passengers who ask before hanging around. A quick question gives the crew a chance to tell you whether you’re in the way.
Using The Call Button With Some Common Sense
The button is there when you need assistance. Use it. For a small request that can wait, catching a crew member passing by may be easier. Flight attendant Niccolo Serratt recommends using judgment—and nobody should hesitate over medical concerns, accessibility needs, or necessary help.
Daniel Schwen, Wikimedia Commons
Speaking Up Before A Small Problem Gets Bigger
Spilled a drink near the seat equipment? Tell someone. Device getting unusually hot or starting to smoke? Alert the crew immediately, as the FAA instructs. This is one situation where quietly hoping everything sorts itself out is considerably less helpful than getting someone’s attention.
Thinking About Who Has To Lift Your Suitcase
Packing half your wardrobe doesn’t make the suitcase any lighter for someone else. Serratt appreciates passengers considering the risk of injury when asking crew to lift bags. If you need help, explain what you need and arrange assistance where possible. Don’t simply assume they can lift anything.
Keeping Your Movie Out Of Everyone Else’s Vacation
Your show might be excellent. That doesn’t mean the next six rows want to hear it. Flight attendant Jenn Lujan specifically calls for headphones when watching something on a device. The same courtesy applies to children’s entertainment. One cartoon soundtrack can travel an impressive distance.
Helping Someone Without Making A Production Of It
Someone drops a jacket. Another passenger is struggling to find their row. If you can help easily, do it. The flight attendant union encourages helping fellow travelers when you’re able. Sometimes a small favor sorts things out before a busy crew member needs to get involved.
Mangkorn Danggura, Shutterstock
Bringing A Little Thank-You Without Expecting A Payoff
Some attendants love a small treat, but nobody needs to arrive carrying presents. Airline policies vary, and food gifts should be commercially sealed. There’s no upgrade attached. As flight attendant Charity Moore puts it: “Nothing is expected but everything is appreciated.”
Letting The Rows Ahead Of You Get Off
Being ready to leave doesn’t make the people ahead of you disappear. Lujan recommends exiting row by row, unless the crew gives other directions. Give people a moment to stand and collect their things. The last few minutes don’t need to become a competitive sport.
Oleg V. Belyakov, Wikimedia Commons
Telling The Airline When Someone Got It Right
People can usually find time to complain when a flight goes badly. When someone makes your trip better, put that in writing too. Moore recommends naming helpful attendants in surveys or airline recognition programs. A minute of your time lets their employer hear something worth passing along.
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