Flight attendants have to be professional, polite, and accommodating, no matter what kind of passenger they’re dealing with — that’s just part of the job.
However, as you can probably imagine, they definitely have their own unique set of pet peeves. While they can’t always say what they’re really thinking, there are plenty of behaviours that make their job harder, slow things down, or just outright annoy them. If you don’t want to be that passenger, here are just some of the things flight attendants secretly hate but can’t call you out on.
1. Ignoring the safety briefing
Most people think they know it all when it comes to in-flight safety, but that doesn’t mean ignoring the briefing is a good idea. Even if you’ve heard it a hundred times, paying attention shows respect for the crew who are doing their job. Flight attendants don’t expect you to take notes, but rolling your eyes, chatting loudly, or scrolling through your phone while they’re talking is just rude. If something actually goes wrong mid-flight, you’ll wish you had listened.
2. Taking forever to sit down
Boarding takes long enough without passengers blocking the aisle while they search for their headphones, rearrange their bags, or debate whether to put their coat in the overhead bin. The longer you take, the more it holds up everyone else. Flight attendants won’t rush you out loud, but trust that they’re mentally screaming, Just sit down already! Stow your bags quickly, take your seat, and sort out the rest once boarding is done.
3. Ringing the call button for ridiculous reasons
The call button is there for a reason, but using it for minor requests, like asking for a pillow two minutes after takeoff or requesting a drink during turbulence, drives flight attendants mad. They’re not ignoring you, they’re just busy doing more important things. If it’s not urgent, wait until the service trolley comes around or approach them politely when they’re free. Pressing the button repeatedly won’t speed things up — it just makes you look impatient.
4. Trying to switch seats without asking
Everyone wants the best seat, but taking one that isn’t yours and then acting like it’s no big deal is frustrating for the crew. If you want to move, ask. Flight attendants will do their best to accommodate if there’s space, but just assuming you can swap isn’t how it works. It’s even worse when people move into premium seats without paying. Flight attendants notice, but they often can’t say anything unless someone complains. Just because there’s an empty seat in business class doesn’t mean it’s free.
5. Walking around barefoot
Somehow, people forget that an aeroplane isn’t their living room. Walking to the toilet in bare feet is not only disgusting, but also unhygienic. That carpet? It’s probably been cleaned far less often than you think. Flight attendants might not say anything, but they’re definitely judging. If you wouldn’t walk barefoot in a public toilet, don’t do it on a plane, either. At the very least, wear socks.
6. Holding up the drinks service with complicated orders
The drinks trolley isn’t a cocktail bar, but some passengers seem to think otherwise. Ordering something complicated or asking for a special mix slows everything down for everyone. Flight attendants appreciate quick, simple orders—asking for “just a Coke” rather than a “Coke, no ice, but in a different cup” keeps things moving. If you’re on a short-haul flight, they have limited time to serve everyone, not just you.
7. Treating them like personal servants
Yes, flight attendants are there to help, but there’s a difference between being polite and treating them like hired staff. Snapping fingers, making demands instead of requests, or acting entitled is a guaranteed way to annoy them. A little kindness goes a long way. Saying “please” and “thank you” takes no effort, and you’ll probably get better service just by being a decent human being.
8. Taking your seatbelt off as soon as the plane lands
The second those wheels touch the ground, there’s always someone who immediately unclips their seatbelt, despite the announcement asking them to wait. Flight attendants aren’t just being fussy — sudden stops or sharp turns can still happen while taxiing. It’s not just a safety rule — it’s common sense. The same goes for standing up the moment the plane stops. Unless you’re planning to teleport off the aircraft, standing in the aisle won’t get you out any faster.
9. Leaving a mess behind
It’s an aeroplane, not your personal rubbish dump. Flight attendants don’t expect you to deep-clean your seat, but leaving food wrappers, tissues, and empty cups everywhere makes their job harder. They’re not cleaners, and picking up after hundreds of passengers isn’t their main responsibility. If there’s a bin bag coming around, use it. If not, at least try to keep your space somewhat tidy.
10. Complaining about things they can’t control
Delays, turbulence, and bad weather aren’t the flight attendants’ fault, yet some passengers seem to think having a go at them will magically change things. News flash: they can’t control air traffic or the weather. If your flight is delayed, chances are they’re just as frustrated as you are. Venting at them isn’t going to fix the issue — it’s just going to make their shift even more miserable.
11. Expecting them to babysit your kids
Flight attendants are not substitute parents, yet some people act like they are. Allowing kids to run wild, climb on seats, or throw tantrums while expecting the crew to handle it is unfair. If your child is struggling, of course they’ll help, but it’s not their job to supervise them for the entire flight. Other passengers get annoyed, but no one is more frustrated than the flight attendants who have to keep smiling through it.
12. Blocking the aisle when there’s a queue for the toilet
Standing awkwardly next to someone’s seat while waiting for the loo isn’t just annoying — it’s unnecessary. Most flights have clear signs for when a toilet is free, so hovering near the front of the cabin or squeezing into tight spaces just gets in the way. Flight attendants need to move freely, especially during food and drink service. If there’s a queue, just wait in your seat and go when it’s less busy. The toilets aren’t going anywhere.
