19 Shocking Things Flight Attendants Secretly Judge You For

1. Not Following Instructions

When you board a plane, paying attention to the flight attendants is a must. They’re there to make sure everything goes smoothly and, believe it or not, making their day harder by ignoring the safety briefing or not turning off your phone can land you on their silent list of naughty passengers.

2. Bringing Too Many Bags

Flight attendants are checking out your luggage situation as you board. They have an eagle eye for those who bring too many bags, and it can cause some raised eyebrows. Multiple bags can clog up the cabin and make it tough for everyone to find space in the overhead bins.

Remember, space is at a premium in the air, so pack smart and keep it simple. Your fellow passengers will appreciate it, and you’ll breeze through the boarding process.

3. Asking for Upgrades Constantly

Are you the one who always zips a smile at the flight attendant and asks if there’s a chance for a seat upgrade? You might want to ease up on the charm. Frequent requests for upgrades can really test a flight attendant’s patience.

While flight attendants understand that everyone loves extra legroom, they wish passengers knew that upgrades are rarely available just for the asking. It can add a bit of turbulence to their day when they need to repeatedly explain this.

4. Ignoring Safety Briefings

When you settle into your seat on a plane, the safety demonstration might not seem like the most thrilling show. Flight attendants notice when passengers gloss over the safety briefing, and it’s a real concern. But paying attention can make a big difference in case of an emergency.

5. Leaving Trash in Seat Pockets

When you’re zipping through the skies, it’s easy to forget to keep things tidy. But leaving your trash in the seat pocket? That’s a big no-no. Flight attendants spend hours ensuring a clean cabin. Slipping that empty wrapper or used tissue into the seat pocket isn’t just unsightly; it’s adding to someone’s already long to-do list.

6. Taking Off Shoes

Ever wonder if you should keep those shoes snugly on during a flight? It turns out, zipping them off might get you some sideways glances from the cabin crew. If the thought of flying shoeless sounds comfy, remember that flight attendants might not approve, especially if the aroma of your feet spices up the cabin air.

7. Walking Barefoot

When you ditch your shoes on a flight, flight attendants take note—but not in a good way. They know airplane floors aren’t the cleanest. Sure, that soft carpet feels nice, but it’s a highway for germs and spilled drinks. Ever think about what happens to all those crumbs and splashes from snacks and beverages? They end up right under your seat.

8. Reclining Seats Abruptly

When you’re on a plane, relaxing in your seat, it’s tempting to push that recline button and kick back. But remember, your quick move can catch the person behind you by surprise. They could be mid-sip on a hot coffee or knee-deep in a crossword puzzle. There’s an unspoken rule up in the air: be kind and give a quick glance back before you recline.

9. Snapping Fingers for Attention

If you’ve ever used a quick snap of your fingers to catch a flight attendant’s eye, you might want to rethink that approach. In the crowded aisles of an airplane, getting the attention of cabin crew courteously is key. A snap might seem quick and efficient, but it’s not exactly polite.

10. Using Airplane Mode at the Last Minute

Did you know? Flight attendants often notice if you switch your phone to airplane mode just as the plane is about to take off. It’s not just a quirky rule—it’s for safety. Your electronic devices can interfere with aircraft systems, so when you flip that switch at the last second, you’re keeping everyone’s trip smooth.

11. Monopolizing Overhead Bin Space

Did you know that grabbing more overhead bin space than you need is a big no-no in the eyes of your cabin crew? Imagine stepping onto the plane, excited to claim your seat, only to find your carry-on won’t fit because someone else’s collection of bags has taken over.

Flight attendants wish passengers would follow the unspoken rules of bin etiquette, like using the space above your own seat and keeping it to one bag per person when the flight is full. So the next time you’re flying, show some kindness to your fellow travelers by sticking to your bin space—it keeps everything fair and friendly up in the skies!

12. Blocking Aisles During Boarding

When you’re getting on the plane, finding that perfect spot for your carry-on can be a mini mission. If you stand in the aisle too long, flight attendants take mental notes. Next time you fly, try to stow your bags and take your seat quickly. Your fellow passengers and the flight crew will appreciate your super-smooth move!

13. Making Excessive Drink Requests

On a flight, when you’re asking for another drink again and again, you might be getting some raised eyebrows from your flight attendant. It’s one of those things that can make their work a bit tougher. They’re there to keep everyone comfy and safe, not just to bring you endless refreshments. Remember, on a plane, every passenger needs attention, and if you’re hitting that call button for the fifth time, the crew can’t help but notice.

14. Talking Loudly

Ever caught an earful of someone’s loud chatter during a flight? Well, you’re not alone! Flight attendants prefer a quieter cabin. After all, planes are like shared living rooms in the sky, and nobody wants to hear every detail of someone else’s drama or business deal. Let’s keep our phone voice down, so everyone can enjoy a peaceful flight.

15. Bringing Smelly Food

When you’re packing snacks for your flight, remember that strong smells can soar through the cabin, and what’s delicious to you might be a nose-crinkler for the person in the next seat. Your love for garlic-laden sandwiches or hard-boiled eggs could be someone else’s sniffle-trigger.

Flight attendants have seen it all, and they definitely notice when passengers bring smelly food on board. It’s about being considerate, so opt for less pungent options that both you and your flight neighbors can appreciate.

16. Arguing with Crew

Arguing with the crew isn’t the best move during your flight. It’s okay to ask questions, but challenging the rules can create discomfort for everyone on board. Your understanding and cooperation mean a smoother trip for all! So next time, share a smile instead of a debate. You’ll make the flight nicer for yourself and those around you.

17. Playing Music Without Headphones

When you’re up in the air, playing music out loud is a no-no. Flight attendants witness a lot and, believe it or not, your choice to skip the headphones doesn’t sit well with them—and likely your fellow passengers too. It’s courteous to keep those tunes to yourself. Whether you’re jamming to rock or relaxing with classical, using headphones shows respect for everyone’s personal space.

18. Using Armrests Aggressively

If you’ve ever found yourself in the middle seat on a flight, elbow room can feel like a luxury. But here’s a fun fact: even flight attendants judge passengers who claim more than their fair share of the armrest territory. Believe it or not, your actions could be whispering tales about your personality!

Taking over the shared space might save your elbows some trouble, but it could also draw some side-eye from your seat neighbors and the cabin crew. Remember, sharing is caring, even at 30,000 feet.

19. Changing Baby Diapers on Seat

If you’ve ever had to change a diaper mid-flight, you know the struggle. Airplane bathrooms are tiny, but did you know that tackling the task at your seat can draw some side-eye from flight attendants and fellow passengers? They’re not just worried about the smell; it’s about keeping things hygienic for everyone.