If Travelers Only Knew
They're Watching You
Hey, passenger with a smartphone, tablet or laptop: Your flight attendant can see what you're watching. If you're one of those travelers who think it's acceptable to watch, say, pornography, just know they can see it and, yes, they're totally judging you, as are your fellow passengers. (We were shocked to learn that some airplane passengers actually do this. While there's no specific law banning travelers from watching pornography, airlines are at their own discretion when dealing with passengers who do so.)
Don't Hog the Overhead Bins
The overhead bins have limited space, and you, dear traveler, don't have the right to hog it. Turn your larger carry-ons when placing them in the overhead compartment so that they take up the least amount of space while still allowing the bin to close completely. Smaller bags and purses need to be kept out of the bins and placed under the seat in front of you to maximize space for other passengers.
Knees and Feet Off the Seats
Scratch that, any part of your body that extends from your seat to another passenger's is a problem. From dealing with people who think it's OK to wedge their feet onto someone else's armrest to having to kindly ask passengers to stop bouncing their knees or legs against another passenger's seat, flight attendants are seriously over travelers thinking their comfort matters more than anyone else's.
They Hate the Call Button
While flight attendants never mind helping passengers who need assistance, they are totally overwhelmed by travelers who press the call button nonstop throughout a flight. Along with managing the personal requests of hundreds of people, flight attendants have a schedule to maintain and pressing the call button, especially to ask redundant questions— like "When's the beverage cart coming through?" or "How far away are we?"—only interrupts their flow.
They Smell Everything
Planes, even jets, are actually pretty small when it comes to personal space. That being said, flight attendants, as well as all the other passengers, can smell when someone passes gas or takes off their shoes in-flight. Don't be that traveler who pollutes the air everyone is forced to breathe. This also applies to those who like to apply perfume or cologne. Just because you think it smells nice, doesn't mean everyone else will, too.
Don't Touch Them
Honestly, we're not even sure why anyone thinks it's OK to touch someone while they're working. If a flight attendant walks past you, a simple "excuse me" suffices to get their attention. If that doesn't work, you can wait and try again or, if it's truly important, press your call button. Don't, under any circumstances (unless you're saving their life) reach out and grab them. That's not just annoying, it's also completely inappropriate.
