What is the first thing flight attendants notice?
Asked by: Prof. Salvador Wuckert | Last update: June 28, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (49 votes)
As you step onto the plane, flight attendants subconsciously scan you in seconds to ensure cabin safety. They primarily notice your demeanor and sobriety, checking for signs of intoxication or illness. They also assess your physical fitness to identify potential "able-bodied assistants" in case of an emergency, and scan your luggage size to gauge how boarding will flow.
What do flight attendants first notice about you?
Flight attendants certainly appreciate a kind greeting or friendly smile. “If we are greeting at the door, we notice if we are acknowledged by a smile or a returned hello,” says Irizarry. And unsurprisingly, if you do return their greeting, you're automatically going to make a better impression.
What drinks are not to order on a plane?
1. Coffee ☕ (Or Any Caffeinated Drink)
- Alcohol 🍷🍹 Why to Avoid: A little in-flight cocktail might sound like a good idea, but alcohol can worsen dehydration, mess with your sleep, and even hit harder at high altitudes. ...
- Soda 🥤 Why to Avoid: Carbonation plus cabin pressure? ...
- Tap Water 🚫💧 ...
- Tomato Juice 🍅
What are three things flight attendants notice about passengers?
Signs of Intoxication or Unusual Behavior
The primary function of observing passengers during boarding is to look for disruptive passengers. Signs of intoxication, anger issues, or entitlement can all have the potential to lead to a disruptive passenger during the flight.
What is the 35-7 rule for flight attendants?
The 35-7 rule is a contractual fatigue-management regulation ensuring flight attendants are not overworked, typically restricting reserve (on-call) flight attendants to a maximum of 35 hours of actual "block" flying time within any seven consecutive day period. Line holders (scheduled crew) often have a tighter limit of 30 hours in seven days.
Flight Attendants First Notice This When You Board
Why avoid seat 11A on a plane?
Seat 11A is notorious—particularly on Ryanair Boeing 737s—because it is a "windowless window seat" where a blank wall takes the place of a window, offering no view and often limited wall space for resting. It is frequently avoided for this lack of a view, along with potential for reduced seat recline, cold drafts, and reduced storage.
How to tell if a flight attendant thinks you are attractive?
You can also take it as a good sign if crew members keep passing by and glancing up at your seat number. You're probably hot stuff, and they've pointed out an interesting specimen: “Check out 40C!” It's often said that the cabin crew are onboard entertainment.
What two drinks flight attendants say to never order on a plane?
But ask any seasoned flight attendant and they'll tell you to skip the coffee and tea. Seriously. While the cabin crew may smile as they hand you that steaming cup, many of them wouldn't drink it themselves—and haven't for years.
Why is peanut butter not allowed through TSA?
Peanut butter is restricted in carry-on luggage because the TSA classifies it as a liquid 0.5.2. Because it can be spread, it does not meet the "solid" criteria and must abide by the 3-1-1 liquids rule (3.4 oz or 100 ml) 0.5.3.
Why do flight attendants sit on hands during take-off?
Flight attendants sit on their hands during takeoff and landing as a deliberate "brace-ready" position to maximize safety. By placing their hands under their thighs (palms up) while strapped into the jumpseat, they keep their arms secure, stabilize their bodies against sudden turbulence, and reduce injury risks, ensuring they can immediately act in an emergency.
What is the three seat economy trick?
The "three-seat economy trick" involves booking the window and aisle seat in a row of three (leaving the middle empty) to increase the chances of having an empty row, often called "poor man's business class". It works best on underbooked, off-peak, or long-haul flights by leveraging the fact that travelers usually avoid selecting middle seats, leaving them for last.
What are the three things flight attendants say you should never eat or drink on a plane?
Flight attendants advise avoiding tap water (coffee/tea), alcohol, and gas-producing foods to avoid dehydration, severe bloating, and digestive discomfort caused by cabin pressure. For a better flight, skip tap-water-based drinks, opt for sealed beverages, and avoid salty or high-fiber foods to reduce dehydration and bloating.
Which airline has the happiest employees?
Happy Employees = Happy Customers
Southwest Airlines has proven the same and now it's Volaris that demonstrates that a positive internal culture and work environment results in exceptional treatment of customers too.
What are the 4 laws of flight?
The four forces (or "laws") of flight—lift, weight, thrust, and drag—are the fundamental physical forces acting on an aircraft, as explained by NASA Glenn Research Center. They act in opposing pairs: Lift acts opposite to weight, while thrust acts opposite to drag, determining an aircraft’s ability to take off, maintain altitude, and maneuver.
What is the most unsafe seat on a plane?
Statistically, the most unsafe seats on a plane are often considered to be in the middle third of the cabin, specifically the aisle seats. While the rear of the plane has historically shown higher survival rates, seats in the middle-third of the cabin have shown higher fatality rates in studies of accidents.
Why is number 13 not used in flight?
In many Western cultures, the number thirteen is unlucky. Flying on the thirteenth day of the month (let alone Friday the 13th), or sitting in row 13 in the plane are the kind of things that make many people feel uncomfortable. That's why some airlines, such as KLM, have a row 14 and a row 12 - but nothing in between.
Why do pilots say "heavy"?
Pilots say "heavy" to alert air traffic controllers and other aircraft that they are flying a large airplane—generally over 300,000 pounds—which generates severe wake turbulence. This warning ensures proper spacing (separation) behind them, as the, often invisible, wingtip vortices can be dangerous or cause loss of control for smaller aircraft.
What are flight attendants looking for when they greet you?
When flight attendants say hello during boarding, they are performing a rapid safety, security, and medical assessment. They look for intoxicated or sick individuals, potential threats, and passengers who may need extra help or be able to assist in an emergency, such as off-duty first responders.
Which airline is the hardest to become a flight attendant?
Delta Air Lines is widely considered the hardest airline to get hired as a flight attendant in the United States, often cited as being more selective than Harvard University. With over 270,000 applications per year and less than 1% acceptance rates, the hiring process is highly competitive, complemented by rigorous, intensive training.
What airline has the most beautiful flight attendants?
Based on various surveys and traveler experiences, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Virgin Atlantic are frequently cited as having the most beautiful, elegant, and well-groomed flight attendants. Singapore Airlines is often top-ranked for its iconic "Singapore Girl" service and uniform, while Emirates is frequently praised for its polished, international crews.
What is the most annoying thing passengers do according to flight attendants?
Flight attendants cite not locking or fully closing the bathroom door as a top annoyance, causing confusion and long lines. Other major irritants include treating crew rudely, standing up while the seatbelt sign is on, grabbing at attendants to get their attention, and blocking the aisle during boarding.
Is it better to wear leggings or jeans on a plane?
Stay away from clothing that's too tight.
"Your body naturally swells at altitude, and restrictive clothes can make that even more uncomfortable." Etiquette expert Lisa Mirza Grotts echoed the sentiment, adding that while tight jeans may look polished at the airport, comfort and circulation matter far more in the air.
What suitcase do flight attendants say not to use?
Flight attendants generally advise against using cheap, flimsy, or oversized suitcases, particularly those with poor-quality zippers, broken wheels, or non-removable lithium batteries. They strongly recommend avoiding hard-shell luggage that cracks easily under pressure, and suggest steering clear of bags that exceed airline size limits, as these cause gate-check delays.