Flight attendants are the unsung heroes of the sky, ensuring our safety and comfort during air travel. But there’s a lot going on behind those friendly smiles and professional demeanors. Here are 23 secrets that flight attendants are sworn to keep from passengers, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of air travel.
We’re Not Just Waiters in the Sky
Flight attendants are highly trained professionals, but many passengers see them as glorified waitstaff. In reality, their primary role is to ensure passenger safety. They undergo rigorous training in emergency procedures, first aid, and even self-defense. Next time you see a flight attendant, remember they’re capable of saving your life in an emergency.
The Tray Tables Are Filthy
Airlines don’t always have time for a deep clean between flights. Tray tables are often neglected and can harbor more germs than a toilet seat. Flight attendants know this but can’t tell you outright. It’s a good idea to bring sanitizing wipes and clean your tray table before use.
We Can’t Accept Tips
Many passengers want to show appreciation for good service by offering tips. However, most airlines prohibit flight attendants from accepting money. This policy exists to maintain professionalism and avoid favoritism. If you want to show gratitude, a sincere thank you or a letter to the airline praising the attendant’s service goes a long way.
The Water Isn’t Safe to Drink
The water tanks on planes aren’t cleaned as often as they should be. This means the water used for coffee, tea, and even to wash your hands might contain harmful bacteria. Flight attendants are aware of this issue but aren’t allowed to warn passengers. Stick to bottled water and sealed beverages when flying.
We’re Judging Your Drink Orders
Flight attendants notice what you’re drinking and how much. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to unruly behavior, which is a safety risk. While they won’t say it, they’re keeping a mental tally of your drinks. If you seem intoxicated, they may discreetly inform the captain.
The Blankets and Pillows Aren’t Always Clean
Those cozy-looking blankets and pillows? They’re not always fresh for each flight. On quick turnaround flights, these items are often simply refolded and reused. Flight attendants know this but can’t tell you. Consider bringing your own travel blanket and pillow for peace of mind.
We Have a Preferred Passenger List
Airlines often have a list of VIP passengers that flight attendants are instructed to pay extra attention to. This could include frequent flyers, celebrities, or airline employees. Flight attendants can’t disclose who’s on this list or why they’re getting special treatment.
The Oxygen Masks Have Limited Supply
The oxygen masks that drop down in emergencies only have about 15 minutes of air supply. This fact might panic some passengers, so flight attendants keep it quiet. The 15-minute supply is usually enough time for the pilot to descend to a safe altitude where oxygen isn’t needed.
We Can Restrain Unruly Passengers
Flight attendants have the authority to restrain disruptive passengers if necessary. They’re trained in these procedures but hope never to use them. For obvious reasons, they don’t advertise this capability to avoid escalating tense situations.
The Captain Can Arrest You
In many countries, the captain has the legal authority to arrest passengers. Flight attendants are often aware of this but don’t share it with passengers. This power is reserved for serious offenses that threaten flight safety.
We Know More About Turbulence Than We Let On
Flight attendants often have a better idea about upcoming turbulence than they let on. They might receive warnings from the cockpit but are instructed not to alarm passengers. If you see flight attendants suddenly taking their seats, buckle up!
There’s a Reason We Dim the Lights for Takeoff and Landing
The dimmed lights during takeoff and landing aren’t for ambiance. It’s to help your eyes adjust to darkness in case of an emergency evacuation. Flight attendants know this but don’t explain it to avoid causing anxiety.
We Can Open the Lavatory Door From Outside
For safety reasons, flight attendants can unlock and open lavatory doors from the outside. They’ll only do this in emergencies, but they can’t advertise this ability to maintain passengers’ sense of privacy.
The Life Vests Are Sometimes Stolen
Believe it or not, life vests are occasionally stolen from under the seats. Flight attendants check for them but can’t always replace missing ones before takeoff. They’re not allowed to tell passengers about this potential safety issue.
We’re Not Paid Until the Plane Door Closes
Many airlines only start paying their flight attendants when the plane door closes for takeoff. All the time spent boarding and preparing the cabin is often unpaid. Flight attendants can’t share this information, as it might affect passengers’ perception of their job.
There’s a Secret Code for Attractive Passengers
Some flight attendants use a secret code to point out attractive passengers to their colleagues. This practice isn’t officially sanctioned, and they certainly can’t tell passengers about it. It’s a harmless way for crew members to pass the time during long flights.
We Can’t Tell You If a Celebrity Is on Board
Even if a famous person is on your flight, flight attendants are not allowed to disclose this information. It’s a matter of privacy and security. No matter how excited they might be, they have to keep this information to themselves.
The Chimes You Hear Have Secret Meanings
Those seemingly random chimes during the flight often have specific meanings that flight attendants understand. They could signal turbulence, changes in altitude, or communications between crew members. For security reasons, flight attendants can’t explain these codes to passengers.
We’re Trained to Spot Human Trafficking
Flight attendants receive training to identify potential victims of human trafficking. They look for specific signs and behaviors. However, they can’t openly discuss this with passengers to avoid tipping off potential traffickers.
The Air in the Cabin Is Incredibly Dry
The air inside the airplane cabin has very low humidity, often drier than the Sahara Desert. This can lead to dehydration and discomfort. Flight attendants are aware of this but don’t typically share this information to avoid causing concern.
We’re Not Just Greeting You at the Door
When flight attendants welcome you aboard, they’re not just being friendly. They’re assessing each passenger for potential issues, like intoxication or illness. They’re also identifying able-bodied passengers who could help in an emergency. This subtle evaluation is something they’re trained to do but can’t explain to passengers.
There’s a Reason We Ask You to Raise Your Window Shade
Flight attendants ask you to raise your window shade during takeoff and landing for safety reasons. It allows them to see outside in case of an emergency and helps passengers’ eyes adjust to the light. They don’t usually explain this to avoid causing anxiety.
We Know When You’re Lying About Joining the Mile High Club
Flight attendants can usually tell when passengers are trying to sneak into the lavatory together. They’re trained to handle these situations discreetly but can’t openly discuss this aspect of their job with passengers.
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Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
