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Galley Gossip: More flight attendant pet peeves - the summer edition
1. Deodorant - Need I say more?
2. Boarding - Just because you have kids does not entitle you to board first, especially when the ages of those kids fall into the double digits. Oh I know it takes a little longer to get settled in due to the Winnebago sized stroller piled high with who-knows-what, but airlines strive for on-time departures and the fastest way to get the airplane out is to board from back to front. Sit tight and wait for your row to be called.
3. Car seats - There are dozens of different models to choose from each year, so unless your flight attendant has a child that owns the exact same car seat, he/she will be just as clueless as to how to secure the seat properly. Review the installation instructions before you board and make sure you're not blocking other passengers from the aisle before spending a good fifteen minutes strapping it to the seat.
4. Blankets - It's hot as a mother out there, but don't come on board an aircraft half dressed and then get angry at me when I'm unable to find you a blanket. Most domestic flights don't even offer blankets anymore, and if they do, there are only a handful to pass out. Bring a sweatshirt next time.
5. Snacks - Traveling today is much like being on an episode of Survivor in that you must come prepared for the worst. Sure, you may not be hungry when the snack cart rolls by, but if there's even the slightest chance you might get the munchies an hour before arrival, buy the snack! Don't wait until it's too late. We do run out of food. Or just bring your own snacks next time. I do.
6. Kids - I know it's a long flight, and yes, your little stinker is adorable, and I really don't mind that he's standing in the aisle when the seat belt sign is off, but please, please, please, when you see us trying to get the service done, keep little Johnny in his seat. Do you really want me to fall on top of him? Or accidentally kick him down the aisle? 7. Parents - You're sitting in first class while the kids are in coach. I get it, you're worried, makes perfect sense, but don't keep asking me to move a one-hundred-and-fifty pound beverage cart so you can continuously check up on them. And don't you dare take first class service items back to coach. If you're worried that much and you'd like to share your experience, try sitting beside them next time.
8. Call lights - They're there for a reason, which means it's okay to use them. But ringing the flight attendant call button fifteen times on a two hour flight is just not acceptable, even if the person ringing that bell is under two feet tall. Lights and sounds are used as a means of communication between crew members, so if the call light is being abused don't be surprised if a flight attendant arrives at your row holding a fire extinguisher. If you're a parent, quick - learn how to turn the call light off!
9. Deplaning- The captain makes an announcement to prepare for landing about twenty minutes prior to touch down. How about using this time to get the princess dressed and the toys packed - instead of waiting until everyone has deplaned except for the crew. There's nothing worse than arriving to a city late at night with only an eight hour layover and while the cleaners wait to board, mommy is just tying the shoes while daddy is checking every seat back in sight.
10. UM's: There's been a lot in the news about airlines losing unaccompanied minors, but what about parents who show up 45 minutes late? Or not at all! It's happened. I, myself, got stuck at baggage claim with a kid who looked to be about 10 years-old. I would have asked him his age, but he didn't speak English, so we just stood there smiling at each other - for 45 minutes.
Photos courtesy of: (suitcase) Ksfc84, (Monkey) Rob, (Airplane) Woodleywonderworks
Filed under: Airlines, Transportation, Galley Gossip
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)
Anton Jul 25th 2009 10:04AM
One more thing when did it become ok for you to board and show no common courtesy? When we say hello or ask how are you at least fake it. And say hello or fine. Most people with manners and a education understand what COURTESY is. Try it it gets you a lot further with the flight attendants and customer service
Ron Jul 27th 2009 6:57PM
You're all complaining about kids for the most part. Yeah the kids can do annoying things because they're kids.
I've seen annoying kids on flights, but I think annoyed flight attendants are probably THE worst part of flying.
I'd rather have to save my sorry ass in a disaster than deal with pushy and authority abusing women who consistently judge people and are always doing what they can to give preference to people they judge worthy.
The lies, the pushy-ness, the I don't have to follow the rules mentality, the "I know that anyone who isn't a frequent flyer is stupid" attitude has basically made people lose respect for the whole experience.
Children behave like animals when you put them in the zoo.
Maybe if people had some empathy and understanding, then the unruly children could be less annoying. Instead of bullying them into submission or suggesting that be given baby benadryl.
Also, if you encounter the children that you're "not trained to deal with" so often that it's a top ten pet peeve, then why don't you train yourself on it.
Also, to the passengers complaining. It's called HEADPHONES. You don't have to listen.
I admit it. I do keep my headphones on even after being asked to put it away like 20 minutes before the plane lands. (I'd have to say that is annoying.) Especially if I'm peacefully sleeping and I'm woken up just to be asked to do something I'm not going to do anyway.
The kids might be annoying, but usually they're trying to entertain themselves. It's the other a--hole adults that are way more concerned about being confrontational that should be on the list.
frank96 Jul 27th 2009 8:09PM
Ron
Jul 27th 2009 6:57PM
You're all complaining about kids for the most part. Yeah the kids can do annoying things because they're kids.
&
I admit it. I do keep my headphones on even after being asked to put it away like 20 minutes before the plane lands. (I'd have to say that is annoying.) Especially if I'm peacefully sleeping and I'm woken up just to be asked to do something I'm not going to do anyway.
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Ron, what's YOUR excuse for not following the rules and acting childish? I didnt make those pesky rules, THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION did. And, they "require" me to make sure YOU, the passenger follows them. Perceive that as pushy or having a power trip, but the traveling public doesnt think the RULES apply to them. Nor would I come to your place of business and NOT follow YOUR rules.
I rarely have problems with children inflight, it's the ADULTS who act like children that have me shaking my head in disbelief. And, I hope YOU dont travel with children because your behavior is being picked up by them. You just taught them to NOT follow the rules, by continuing to use your headsets. What's next, jaywalking?
simon forbes Jul 28th 2009 2:33AM
Just as a counterpoint to all the above - (and possibly because nobody writes about the peaceful, relaxing times, only the stressful times) - I recently flew back on a commuter hop across the Irish Sea (I commute between the UK and Ireland weekly), was upgraded to business, and had what I thought would be the misfortune to sit behind 2 adolescent boys (I'd say 11 and 9 thereabouts) - the seats on this plane in business were configured 2-aisle-2, so the boys were on one side of the plane, their mum and dad on the other.
How wrong I was. They were the best-behaved kids I've seen on a plane in years. Sure, they played up, but on the first stern look from Mum they stopped. They even still had that youthful innocence that made them ask me stuff about cloud formations, what a particular engine noise means, (and no, I'm no pilot, but flying weekly you tend to learn lots!), and why the seat belt sign stays on for as long as it does.
They were a shining example of controlled, within-limits play in an aircraft environment, coupled with enthusiasm, respect, and good manners!
ann Jul 28th 2009 4:53PM
i don't understand why the FAA doesen't make it a law that all children are required to have their own seat and that children under a certain age are required to have car seats. this would save a lot of trouble on a flight. kids are or should be used to their car seat and will stay put more easily. they may even fall asleep. it will help keep them from kicking the seat in front of them and they won't be able to play with the tray table and call light. I also don't understand parent who will not put the seat belt on their children the proper way. they allow the seat belt to allow two kids to sit in it it is so loose. i often wonder if these parents just don't love their children. please bring snacks, toys, diapers, and at least one sippy cup. the sippy cup will help your children not spill their drink all over the place. i carry two sippy cups with my six year old. one for him and one for me. that way he can't spill his drink or mine.
Kathy Aug 6th 2009 11:54AM
How about those sick passengers? I was sick on a flight returning from Las Vegas (YES, it was a baaaad Vegas hangover) and the FAs on Southwest were absolutely wonderful to me. I received sympathetic eyes from all of them, and when I requested a paper towel and a trash bag I was told, "sure Sug, just hang in there, I'll be right back". Of course, I was very polite and nice to them to begin with, so I received the same in return. I LOVE flying Southwest!
Happy Aug 8th 2009 7:55AM
Has anyone thought about trying to HELP the Mom with the screaming baby, instead of sitting in the galley and complaining? I have taken screaming babies from their upset Mom's and bounced them on my shoulder up and down the aisle until they fall asleep, then return them to the Mom who is now relaxed. Baby's sense their Mom's are upset and won't stop crying or yelling until their Mom relaxes. I have received applause from the psgrs,, by being empathetic, not by making smart ass PA announcements about yelling kids. And Don't tell me there is no time between service (what service?, especially in coach!!
Carla Oct 13th 2009 1:02PM
As a frequent international travelor, I have to say that I have never had to experience very much rudeness from children, but I have actually wanted to slap the taste out of some adults who come on board and party it up until they are too drunk to talk, "this it's my vacation" is something that on a 10 hour flight is unacceptable to me, on my last flight, 6 jerks partied for 7 hours on a NIGHT flight, and then passed out 2 hours before landing, the worst was that they then cussed out the FA for waking them up for breakfast. I got major applause when I told them to shut their pie holes, we had to put up with their crap all night, and had a whole day to face with no sleep because of their partying all night. They appeared to be embarrassed, but we all know they probably partied all the way back too. Jackasses.