Credit: @ioanaiachim/TikTok
Flight Attendant Explains Why Your Reply To ‘Hello’ Matters When You Board A Plane
There’s actually a very important reason why flight attendants say ‘hello’ when you board a plane.
Flying can often be a anxiety-inducing experience for some.
In fact, studies suggest that up to 40% of people find jetting off into the sky a scary experience.
And while the cabin crew are trained in all sorts of practical safety guidance, they are also there to make sure their passengers feel as ease mentally too.
They’re known for their friendly greeting as you onboard the aircraft, and will always help you to find your seat in the event of any confusion.
The cabin crew greeting
And while this warm welcome may seem a simple courtesy, it seems there’s more to it than meets the eye.
The greeting actually serves several purposes that ensure your safety and comfort during the flight.
One flight attendant on TikTok has explained why the passenger’s response is so important, and people have shared their surprise.
Passenger reaction
One person commented: “How times have changed… we used to say hi to be polite – flying has changed so much!”
Another asked: “If I’m on a plane, I always just say hi, good morning/afternoon, how are you to a flight attendant, what else would you say?”
A third, who claimed to have been a flight attendant in the past, said: “This is true.”
“Isn’t this the basics of customer service?” somebody else questioned.
After a bit of pre-flight socializing at the terminal bar, perhaps an earlier-than-average beverage or two, you finally head to the gate.
Then comes the wait, almost always longer than expected, until you board the aircraft.
And as you step on board, a friendly cabin crew member greets you.
Wizz Air flight attendant Iona Iachim has taken to TikTok and explained that while politeness is part of the job, there’s more to the warm welcome.
Why is a passenger’s response important?
It’s widely known that some passengers use their airport time to celebrate the holiday in style with a couple of alcoholic drinks.
And while some leave it at just that, others have been known to take it a little too far.
Saying ‘hello’ allows flight attendants to assess whether passengers are intoxicated or ill, ensuring everyone is fit to fly.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Flight attendants also scan the crowd to identify passengers who could assist in an emergency.
This includes physically able individuals – an ABP (or able-bodied person) – likely to cooperate during unforeseen circumstances.
Social media users are chiming in, sharing their own experiences and insights.
One laughed: “I had pancreatitis when I was in Corfu, I acted normal going on to the plane, otherwise I knew they wouldn’t let me on.”
A second joked: “Me with headphones walking on the plane completely ignoring the flight attendants…”
Another shared: “Ah okay, this makes a lot of sense. I always get the same look going on flights.”
Contrary to the safety procedure, passengers are allowed to have alcoholic drinks onboard.
Alcohol on a flight
Some airlines, however, including Ryanair, have called for a two-drink maximum, after seeing a rise in disruptive passenger behaviour, with violent incidents now a weekly occurrence.
Of course, cabin crew are legally allowed and are expected to refuse serving alcohol to any passenger who appears intoxicated, is disruptive, or seems unfit to fly.
Not only is it for the safety of the person, but it’s a serious offense to be drunk on an aircraft, prioritizing the safety of others too.
Slurred speech, stumbling, aggression, or irrational behavior are all clear indicators for cabin crew to say you might have had one too many.
It’s an important rule for passengers to be aware of, as it could result in being denied boarding, or being removed from a flight.
So next time you board a plane and receive a warm welcome from the cabin crew, remember, it’s not just courtesy – it’s a strategic assessment ensuring a safe and smooth journey for all.
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