"Tank tops, flip-flops, "doo-rags," biker bandanas, basketball uniforms"

What is the intent in saying this and commenting about a person wearing "doo rags", bandanas, basketball uniform? I'm pretty offended by this flight attendants attitude about how people dress. It's not in her place to judge, and I don't understand how it affects her job in anyway just bc they are an "eye sore" to her.

Posted By Jane on October 23, 2008, 9:04 PM

Agreed. Spending hours in a cramped little seat on a plane is not pleasant. When I do fly, I wear comfortable/casual clothes. A tank top, sweat pants, and a bandanna sound just about right to me. And it seems logical to wear flip flops. . . more convenient for the shoe-off security checks.

Posted By Liz on October 24, 2008, 12:14 AM

Can't see why you would be offended unless you are one of the people who think so little of their appearance that you are willing to travel as an Ambassador for your country looking like you just got out of jail. They are not just an eyesore to the flight attendant but to most people.

The thoughtlessness of some people is amazing and sadly it is the trend is to think that the world revolves around oneself and the "I have paid for the ticket I can do what I like" attitude is getting more common. It is a shame as in my 24 years in America I found most people to be polite and caring.

I must say however that not all animals that take a stroll around the cabin are let out. Our cat decided he had had enough of being in the carrier and unzipped it. Fortunately I felt him brush past my leg and he was soon stopped in first class and returned to economy. To be fair to him he had had a good eight hours to work out how the zip worked.

Posted By Xantippe on October 24, 2008, 4:44 AM

I agree with everything this flight attendant says, except the dressing bit..who cares how a person looks as long as they aren't exposing themselves..that's their perogative. However, people are definitely rude on airplanes. I'm a travel agent and I've seen a lot of weird people on planes. It seems that for some reason people forget their manners while flying. Most complainers have caused the problems that they are complaining about themselves by not following rules. You couldn't pay me enough to work at an airport again, or become a flight attendant!

Posted By Jackie O on October 24, 2008, 9:12 AM

I find it amazing that people who obviously have no respect for themselves or anyone else expect people to have respect for themselves. I wonder if it has ever occurred to them that is they acted respectfully, they would be treated that way.

Posted By Marilyn on October 24, 2008, 9:42 AM

I'm not big on seeing everyone in flip-flops
either ...actually it's pretty gross. I do
think it's important to wear shoes that can
provide a safe exit for you in a hurry if
there were an accident. And I really think
shoes AND socks are imporatant for going through
security.

Posted By patty k on October 24, 2008, 10:42 AM

I believe respect goes right along with how you dress. You don't respect yourself, you won't respect others. I hate sitting for 8 Hrs. next to a sloppy looking person. I feel that they are not clean either.

Posted By Barbara P on October 24, 2008, 11:38 AM

I am a frequent flier with my mini-greyhound and we have become pros at it. Unfortunately, every time I board a plane, the attendants repeatedly preach at me to "not take the dog out of the bag" I know this already, and I never take her out. That's my pet peeve.

Posted By Sarah on October 24, 2008, 11:38 AM

I appreciate that flight attendants care for our safety and the safety of those traveling with us. It is outrageous that most of these people who behave so badly on flights will not read Toni's story or change their ways. After all, it's not just the flight attendants who have to deal with them in the air.

Posted By liza on October 24, 2008, 12:15 PM

You know....I TOTALLY agree with everything this flight attendent said INCLUDING the subject of dress. All of you on here who have complained about her stating that must be the slobs that I have had the displeasure to travel amongst. I have had my fill of stinky, smelly feet near me because somebody has poor hygene & chooses not to wear SOCKS...or wears a tank top without using deodorant. Not to mention just "how you now represent Americans' to the rest of the world that you are traveling to.....wake up & clean up your act & start having some respect for not only others but also for yourself!!!!!!!!!

Posted By Sky on October 24, 2008, 1:17 PM

My pet peave is flight attendants that are blind to the fact that the pax going to the back of the plane, that are always boarded first, fill up all the bins overhead in the first part of the plane. Then when you get on, the bins above your seat are full. You have to travel with your one flight bag crowding your feet for 3 hours. They could stop this if they would speak up.

Posted By J Reid on October 24, 2008, 9:05 PM

In response to J Reid, immediately above -- this from my original (and much longer than reproduced on Budget Travel!) piece:

Pax puts (oversized) bag into first bin in first class, then proceeds to his seat on last row. Never mind the fairness/etiquette issue...this is a security issue. Gets mad when it's returned to him. Often it's too close to departure time to go find him and the bag has to be sent to cargo. He has a fit when he comes forward at deplaning and doesn't see his bag where he put it. It's fun to watch a flight attendant pretend not to know what happened to it. Maybe he would learn the foolishness of this when he realizes how easily his bag might be taken by another passenger.

Posted By toni vitanza on October 25, 2008, 12:59 AM

So much of the very welcome response here has been about the issue of dress. Anyone who says that dress isn't an important signifier in any culture is being disingenuous. Anyone who thinks they cannot be both comfortable and at least DECENT is not paying attention and needs to go shopping. I see many teen girls allowed to dress so skimpily by their parents that I can tell where all the pedophiles on the plane are seated. (I see this all the time on international flights. When was the last time you heard anyone say, "You're representing your country"? You ARE.) Skimpily dressed girl wants blanket. I don't have one. Girl's mom gets mad. Guy sits down next to girl with T-shirt sporting this month's most popular vulgar saying. Let's say it's "The H**d Foundation. Give Generously." Mom gets even more mad.

I see body parts exposed that I don't want to see, even on ATTRACTIVE people. Body hair exposed. I've seen all this on an international flight to Europe. If you don't wear clothes, WHAT'S IN ALL THOSE CARRYONS?

And yes, passengers needs to have shoes on -- REAL shoes, not flip-flops -- during taxi, takeoff and landing. That's a very real safety issue.

Posted By toni vitanza on October 25, 2008, 1:46 AM

I can appreciate this Flight attendents point of view. However, dressing in flip flops, tank tops etc...I made that mistake of flip flops once and only once. not because of safety issues or concerns for safety, but merely because it was extremely disturbing that i walked through security check point barefoot. Gross! as far as tank tops, sweatpants and other comfortable clothes. on my last trip I traveled to Asia from the west coast of the U.S. A 20+ hour flight, along with layovers and I refuse to apologize for dressing comfortably. So Mr./Ms. flight attendent...yes i am representing my country but i have news for you. I am not and official embassador. Im very clean, respectful and above all patient when traveling. I have been on flights with people "representing" their countries, who do not bathe daily, nor wear clean clothing and most of all, do not believe in deodorant! So while your passing judgement on us American's who are embarrassing you. Think of those from other countries, who are a thousand times worse than us.

Your job can be very trying & difficult. Get over it! It's the job you chose. Make the most of it and stop passing judgement.

Posted By Steve on October 26, 2008, 10:22 PM

I can't get too worked up over how people dress either. Personally I find most airports and planes to be freezing cold. So it baffles me that anyone would wear flip flops or tank tops in such a place. I get cold with long pants and a long sleeved shirt.

Posted By Glenn on October 27, 2008, 12:34 PM

I partially agree on the comment about tank tops and exposed body parts. I surely do not want to sit next to a hairy, sweaty bare-armed person in a tank top. Nor do I want to sit next to someone partially clad with exposed body parts, especially with seats so tight that you cannot avoid making contact with the person sitting next to you.

One of my pet peeves includes excessive use of cologne/after shave and people with bad body odor.

Posted By Wendell Akita on October 27, 2008, 12:39 PM

Well, Steve...I happen to agree with Toni's assessment of the pax dressing so sloppy on a plane...and all her horror stories of pax on board...I've seen it all & can't believe what I've seen! I work as a gate, counter & ramp agent for an airline and have heard it all from you whiners who think the world revolves around them...you would get an earful from me, & I don't have a problem with giving it back to you if you are so rude to me...you get what you give! If you come up with a chip on your shoulder and give me attitude, you'll get it right back...I've heard it all and I have no sympathy for anyone who can't be respectful to others...My Grandma always told me you get more bees with honey than with vinegar...So you get over yourself!

One other thing, Steve...it sounds like you fly alot & must rack up frequent flyer miles...if you insist on dressing so sloppy, you'll always be denied an upgrade to first class...even if you are eligible for it...because most airlines want their first class pax representing the best face forward for the airline and want you dressed in business attire to sit in first class...so you might rethink your wardrobe for a much cushier seat next time on that 20 hour flight!

Posted By Kelly on October 27, 2008, 12:43 PM

It is becoming slob City on today's planes. I guess these slobs think they are still at walmart and can behave like trash. Airlines need to start getting tough together so these slobs find the same rules apply everywhere and throw them off the plane, and FINE THEM if they do comply.

Posted By Nick on October 27, 2008, 12:46 PM

Passengers can be pretty inconsiderate on long flights... but, there are lots and lots of rude flight attendants out there too...

Posted By PAUL on October 27, 2008, 12:48 PM

I think it all boils down to having respect and a modicum of consideration for others, because when traveling it is already stressful. No one likes to be cramped in close quarters with people who are over exposed. I don't think everyone realizes that flip flops, tank shirts and the like expose too much skin. That is not prudish, just common sense. Don't have to be an ambassador, but be polite at the very least. I wonder what is to be done about those who are too wide for the seat, however; that is a tough one! How can you enforce that they reserve and buy two seats? At any rate, hats off to flight crews - ultimately they are responsible for our safety so God Bless You!

Posted By Tom on October 27, 2008, 12:50 PM

I am deathly allergic to animals and when I asked the flight attendant about at least putting the dog in the carrier, she preceded to tell me that pax get away with it stating it's for emotional well being that they have to hold their pets. She also told me I have no rights and could get off the plane if the dog bothered me!

Posted By Jean on October 27, 2008, 12:50 PM

I agree with Toni about not only travelers not respecting themselves but the public in general. You can be comfortable but still look respectable. It always amazes me how they want you to respect them when they don't show respect for others. I also appreciate the information about the strap around the feet. I have done this and not thought about it not be safe. Thank you, Toni, for that bit of information

Posted By jo on October 27, 2008, 12:56 PM

sorry about "pax" bad behaviour, but when treated as cattle, sneered at by huffy crew and manhandled by so called security persons, i'm surprised that more mayhem hasn't be wrought upon said cattle prodders.

Posted By m.j. chariton on October 27, 2008, 12:56 PM

The flight attendant makes some good points as well as some in which she seems to think she is the "decider" for all of us.

I pay for first and business class (cash or miles - my employer does NOT pay) and it just frosts me when people from other sections insist on putting their luggage in the overhead bins that I am paying rent on. The airline/attendants are right to stop this.

Animals shouldn't run around loose on the plane, and neither should children. Both might get stepped on...hard (he said, grinning evilly). And if loud or crying, they should both be transferred to the cargo hold along with the owners/parents. I pay enough where I feel within my rights to demand the perks of relaxation, service and quietude.

I am not an ambassador of my country (jeez with the state we're in who would want to be?), but my dollars are. That's where the rubber meets the road, not how the person dresses.

Persons with poor hygiene should be helped off the plane by as many other passengers who can get hold of them. Out the emergency exit if necessary.

Don't knock larger persons who like the exit rows. I am one such person and am quite physically fit. I most certainly wouldn't hold up your evac. That is painting with too broad a brush.

Remember that your profession is to provide service and not to abuse the limited authority the government has granted you. Abuse it and you could be held legally liable as well as your employer.

Posted By Albert on October 27, 2008, 1:00 PM

I work for an airline so I feel this flight attendants pain, I do fly a few times a year for work and I feel she left out a few things, the people who have a had more than enough to drink come to mind. I sat next to a woman one time that apparently went to the airport bar and drank everything they had before getting on the plane and ordering more to drink then spilling it all over myself and her before she was done. These people shouldn't even be allowed on the aircraft. Also the people who have no respect for the armrests, tray tables, seats and luggage bins. Do you people have any clue how much these things cost? If you did I don't think you would break them or draw all over them so easily, if the luggage doesn't fit slamming it 10 times isn't going to make it fit. You can't use the tray table to steady yourself as you get up or as a changing table it is not meant for that much weight. Try treating the airplane with as much respect as your own personal items and maybe you won't have as many delays.

Posted By Heather on October 27, 2008, 1:06 PM

I offer no excuses for rude passengers. And being a flight attendant must be an exhausting job.
I think that one of the reasons for how icky plane travel can be is that it is usually very uncomfortable and stressful for ALL concerned.
I remember when I DRESSED UP to fly on a plane because it was such a special event. Wow, that was a long time ago! Somewhere along the line, a lot of people started treating each other badly... and on it goes. I am grateful for many GOOD experiences because of gracious attendants.

Posted By Roz on October 27, 2008, 1:10 PM

I was on a fairly short flight last week. One of the passengers told the stewardess, "You and the airlines have lots of money" - have no idea why he would say that because I didn't hear the prior talk. She shot back at him, and rightly so, that, "Sure, that's why I work triple shifts".
Sometimes I cannot believe how stupid some people are! Before speaking, engage brain.

Posted By salina5 on October 27, 2008, 1:14 PM

I'm one of those that will on occasion put my feet up on the bulkhead.
But without my moccasins on, and with socks on.
Bulkheads are carpeted, and give a chance to change blood flow for awhile.

Posted By msimons on October 27, 2008, 1:19 PM

As a former flight attendant, I so agree with EVERYTHING and more the F/A listed. Sadly airlines are losing money, but gratefully that might make pax have to pay more for tix. Maybe this might eliminate some of the beyond rude behavior and dressing like you are sleeping instead of flying in public!! You don't have to be uncomfortable to dress nicely, just purchase the correct size. If you don't have manners, learn them; if you don't know FAA rules, learn them; if you don't know how to dress, learn; if you can't fit into the seat, either lose weight or buy two; and lastly pets and children can be dirty, keep yours to yourself; if your kid has a dirty diaper, ask for a trash bag--when the flight attendant is not serving food/beverages. If you don't want the food on board, bring your own. This is not a flying restaurant. We could go on and on; but if you are not taught how to behave in public, or have manners, the airlines might need that on their menu, instead of food or drinks. My highest respect goes out of all airline personnel, none of your jobs are easy.

Posted By Gail on October 27, 2008, 1:22 PM

It is aggravating that so many individuals who fly with animals take advantage and ruin it for the other people who like to bring there animals with them. Eventually it will be banned because of these people! I have a little 3lb Pomeranian that I would never want to fly below but if I was told not to let him wonder about, I would not. There are just a lot of ignorant people who should not have animals.

Posted By Shelly on October 27, 2008, 1:23 PM

I hope that some of the travelers who read this will realize that not only do the flight attendants have to deal with their rude obnoxious behaviors, their fellow passengers have to deal with them as well. It's unfortunate that nowadays quite a few people who travel on airplanes are just selfish, low class jerks.

I have had people try to move my bag from above my seat to another place while they put their bags above my seat and they are sitting somewhere in the back of the airplane!! People who travel with their children should not allow their kids to run around in the aisles either. I have been on a 15 hours flight to Asia where a kid kept saying "mommy, mommy, mommy" for 2 hours straight in the middle of the night when people are trying to sleep. Shut the kid up!!

I think the airlines should not only show a video on safety, they should have a video on simple etiquette for all the passengers to watch. Apparently some of these people never learned about acceptable social behavior.

Posted By Teresa on October 27, 2008, 1:36 PM

The rudest people I have encountered in the last 10 years are the flight attendants

Posted By kah on October 27, 2008, 1:41 PM

If these underdressed PAX ever have to exit a plane either in flight, I was an USA Special Forces member, or on the ground in all kinds of weather they certainly would think about how they are dressed for their next flight.

Posted By Thomas J Duncan on October 27, 2008, 1:45 PM

We have friends who regularly fly to and from Florida with their small dog. They have a carrier which they put under the seat in front, and often the person who sits in their row comments on arrival, "Gee, I didn't know you had a dog.". It is possible to travel with animals without annoying anyone.

Posted By Sis on October 27, 2008, 1:52 PM

The flight attendant is right. We all share the flight. Just because we purchase a ticket to fly, that does not give us the right to think that we can order the attendant around or do whatever we want.

Bathe, dress modestly, be respectable, courteous and keep our animals at home where they belong. If we are obese then we should buy two seats and make ourselves and those around us more comfortable.

We on an airplane not flying in a hotel room. We know the flight will be expensive, cramped and long, so prepare well and deal with it or find another way to travel.

There is nothing worse than sharing your flight with an imposing Jerk!

Posted By vfi on October 27, 2008, 1:55 PM

Dressing comfortably has nothing to do with decency! Please DO dress in comfort but with consideration to others (and yourself!). The problem with most of this skimpy dressing is that pax's forget that there's a difference in climate from ground level to 37,000 ft, and from Miami to Chicago. So if you choose to wear very short shorts, camisoles & flip flops- as most teen girls do on planes now- at least remember to bring your own throw blanket and sweater!!

We always prepare for the SAFETY of an evacuation on EVERY takeoff and landing! That's our PRIMARY job on an aircraft. We've had numerous aborted t/offs & landings lately (for various reasons) so don't ever forget these are the most critical phases of your flights. We do these "annoying" precautions for a reason, not the least as part of FAA mandates but also for the safety of those around YOU.

Think of all those Volvo dummy videos... if y'all would see all the videos we've seen of what happens on minor emergencies to your UNSECURED items including yourselves, pets and children , you'd comply more easily w/out gripe.

I do agree with most of you that us F/A's can convey these safety requests in a nice friendly manner without being harsh or rude- as I myself has seen other F/A's do when I'm traveling as a pax- there's NO excuse for that!

My theory on that is that after 9/11, a lot of flight crews took the attitude of: "see, we're onboard for safety reasons, NOT to kiss your ass and be friendly". This attitude is WRONG, unnecessary and extreme too!

Last but not least, I bet most of you don't realize that during these boarding, deplaning and waiting around for delays, we flight crews are NOT GETTING PAID. WE ONLY GET PAID FOR FLYING TIME FROM PLANE DOOR CLOSING TO DOOR OPENING!! So next time you're sitting in the terminal and on a plane pay more close attention to all the things we do for y'all during that time when we're "working for free". And then imagine your employer expecting you to do half of your daily tasks without getting paid!

Bet you're all a bit surprised.... be more AWARE and considerate next time you travel. But please do keep flying!

Posted By Tita on October 27, 2008, 1:56 PM

I think that FA do not get enough cudos for the work they do. Maybe I have been lucky but most that I have met really to try to go out of their way for the "pax". I for one do appreciate them.
As for dress, I do dress comfortable also--knit pants, occasionally a tank but only with an overshirt and yes definetly shoes and socks, even in spite of have to remove shoes for security check. I do wear clean underwear and deodorant but no perfume. Maybe because as I nurse I know how offensive perfume can get at times.

So here's a THANK YOU to FLIGHT ATTENDANTs EVERYWHERE

Posted By Linda Bennett on October 27, 2008, 2:15 PM

Having flown well over 1,000,000 miles I can appreciate the difficult job the flight attendants have. However, seat space has become more crowded (especially on the much used regional jets), meals, drinks,snacks have virtually disappeared, flights are delayed, etc. etc. etc. No wonder Pax are snarky. My biggest gripe has always been sitting next to an overweight passenger. There is just no way out of that and it makes the flight very uncomfortable. I don't know what limit to give but the 400 pound woman surely was over it. On a 757 perhaps--a regional jet impossible.

Posted By William Sharp on October 27, 2008, 2:38 PM

I think it's time people started re-learning consideration for other people. Airline employees work very stressful jobs, and are expected to be polite and pleasant at all times. They don't always make it, but it would be much more likely to happen if pax would try to practice the same policies. I KNOW how miserable flying is these days, as I do quite a bit of it, but we can all try to make the best of it, and not inflict our bad habits and bad tempers on all the other poor travelers.
I really do think it's time the airlines reverted to their policy of 'no pets in cabin area'! a lot of people are absolutely STUPID about their pets, and I'm frankly very tired of it! And I'm not an animal hater - we have 3 pets of our own - but an airplane cabin is not the place for them!

Posted By oldsewandsew on October 27, 2008, 2:42 PM

First of all, my best friend is a flight attendant (not on American) so I hear all about it but I respect Flight Attendants immensely for the job they do and a lot of what they have to put up with. I'm pretty much a no fuss flier, I don't even recline my seat because I'm afraid of offending the person behind me! With that being said, I have to comment that Flight attendants and gate agents employed by American Airlines, which is the only airline I ever fly, have become more and more rude, impatient, unhelpful and generally clueless. I recently had a gate agent (who was taking our boarding passes) rudely tell me, in a louder than normal voice in front of a crowd of passengers, that next time I would have to wait until they called group 1 for boarding (I'm Gold and now have the new Priority Access listed on my ticket) even though the agent standing right next to her called for Priority Access boarding one second prior!! When I pointed this out to her, she just glared at me as if I had broken the cardinal passenger rule by correcting her! I'll give her the benefit of the doubt that a mistake was made as this is a new boarding plan that American has instituted and not all of their employees may be up to speed on it yet, but just say you're sorry or something don't act like it's my fault! I agree with one of the comments above that some of the rudest people I have ever encountered have been airline employees at the gate and on the plane! How sad, we all have bad days but you get into that business and KNOW you are dealing with the public - the good the bad and the ugly! Deal with it don't take it out on the ones who don't try to make your lives miserable!

Posted By Melissa on October 27, 2008, 2:47 PM

We were on a flight from Nashville, TN to Phoenix, and had quite a delay due to weather. One young lady spent her time in the bar and when it was time to board the flight, she could not find her shoes and was very drunk. She was denied boarding the plane by airline personnel. I'm sure every one was as happy as I was, as she was very loud and could not walk without weaving all over the place. We let the airline know how much we appreciated this.

Posted By Donna Johnson on October 27, 2008, 3:07 PM

Why is almost everyone picking on the flight attendant. Her job is to keep us all safe in the event of an emergency, not serve us coffee with a smile. I haven't flown anywhere since the eighties, and then it was to an aircraft carrier that I can't to this day tell you where it was located. I don't like flying because of airline PASSENGERS. The flight crews are some of the nicest people I ever met, probably because I'm a fellow member of the proletariat trying to eke out a living.

I remember in particular one passenger who got out of his seat to threaten a stewardess. That stopped when yours truly, in his Marine Corps Class A uniform told him that if he didn't get back to his seat and sit down, I'd kick his a@@ so hard he wouldn't be able to.

I don't want to sound like some religious whack job, but I think a passage from the third chapter of Malachi would be appropirate here:

3:5 And I will come near to you for judging; I will quickly be a witness against the wonder-workers, against those who have been untrue in married life, against those who take false oaths; against those who keep back from the servant his payment, and who are hard on the widow and the child without a father, who do not give his rights to the man from a strange country, and have no fear of me, says the Lord of armies.
3:6 For I am the Lord, I am unchanged; and so you, O sons of Jacob, have not been cut off.
3:7 From the days of your fathers you have been turned away from my rules and have not kept them. Come back to me, and I will come back to you, says the Lord of armies. But you say, How are we to come back?

Payment, in my opinion, doesn't mean only financial payment, but the respect people deserve for the work they do. Never mind that I sound like a socialist, a proud Marine veteran, and an evangelical all in one post. Pay attention to what I'm SAYING.

Posted By James Michalek on October 27, 2008, 3:17 PM

My biggest complaint is that on long overseas flights, where they still serve meals, the flight attendants do their beverage/meal service and then gather in the back and forget about the passengers. As a minumum, a flight attendant should walk down the aisles to see if any of the passengers have requests. Usually I have to go to the back periodically to get even a glass of water. If the flight attendants were more concerned about us passengers, they would be more accessible.

Posted By allen menke on October 27, 2008, 3:20 PM

I can't believe anyone is immature enough to think they are not and should not be judged by the way they dress. It's called a first impression and is entirely legitimate! The way a person presents her or himself tells a lot about that person. Bad behavior, inappropriate clothing, etc. indicates that person doesn't give a rat's ass about anyone; that he or she is self-centered and no one else has the right to a different point of view. Everyone is being judged every day because of their clothing, language, behavior, attitude, appearance and a myriad of other things. One may have the right to dress and behave in any manner they choose; however, the rest of us have the right to judge them.

Posted By Maureen O'Malley on October 27, 2008, 3:48 PM

Mr. Michalek
Respectfully, sir, if you haven't flown since the 80s, then you haven't a clue what we the passengers put up with today. I fly frequently and so I speak with recent experience. Not all F/As are rude, but there are enough of them to taint the reputation of all. Frankly, I've seen at least as many rude F/As as passengers. So...until you've walked (or flown) a mile in our shoes....

Posted By Flyer on October 27, 2008, 3:48 PM

I hate to say it but I have to agree with a few of the people above. The worst behavior I have ever seen on flights or in airports is the behavior of the flight attendants. There can be smelly people or large people or screaming kids but it is not their JOB to be anything else while flying with you. However, while I understand the flight attendants main job is our safety it is also their job to get us food, blankets, drinks etc. I was on a flight recently and a F/A completely ignored an entire row when doing beverage service. We asked for drinks and she walked away. We asked and got them from the first class flight attendant (no apology, she looked at us like we were garbage) Then the first F/A came back at then end of the flight and GRABBED the drinks out of our hands. I said something to her about ignoring us before and she didn't even look at me. If I hadn't been on a plane (restaurant or bar etc.) I would've started a fight with her right then and there. THIS IS YOUR JOB. at my job I have to deal with the BS and do it with a smile on my face and I'm not even in a service related job. Flight Attendants have been lowered to the same level as the rest of the flying experience. Pathetic.

Posted By Laurie Gerner on October 27, 2008, 4:11 PM

I am a senior citizen and fly several times a year and have flown overseas and to Canada and Mexico.
I have had very good experiences on almost all flights. I wonder what people are expecting that they are so unhappy. My most unpleasant experiences
have been seated next to an overweight person who took up part of my seat and sat on my seatbelt. I couldn't move and couldn't even put my tray table down. An apology or some consideration would have helped, but they were very arrogant.I am old enough to have seen how our society has changed. It is not just on the airplane, it is everyday life that has deteriorated.As a child we took the train and dressed as if we were going to church, gloves and all and then we dressed that way when we flew. That era is gone, but good manners and consideration of others never gets out of date. The personnel for the airlines need many congratulations and thank you's!

Posted By Carolyn on October 27, 2008, 4:17 PM

I must agree with the F/As,Not all,but all to many passengers are rude,demanding,often poorly dressed and sometimes need a bath.They often blame the Carrier no matter what the problem.If they realized how little the F/As were paid perhaps they might better understand why the F/As get tired of putting up with their rude conduct.We live in a totally different world than 25 or more years ago. But as far as Airline Travel goes,'THE GOOD OLD DAYS' were much,much better.(I am a traveler not a F/A.)

Posted By Vernon Lowd on October 27, 2008, 4:25 PM

This is Toni here--To Jo, glad you realized the safety risk of wrapping that strap around your foot! To Albert--I am far more likely to get my airline and myself in serious trouble (with the feds, not with your lawyer) by allowing an obese person to sit in an exit row. I can't let someone who needs a seatbelt extender, for example, sit in an exit row. If you are too large to fit through the exit row door, you emphatically cannot and should not sit there. If you can't sit in an exit row with the armrests down, you cannot and should not sit there. If you request special ground assistance to get to your next gate, you cannot and should not sit there. But I'm more interested in your comment: "I am not an ambassador of my country (jeez with the state we're in who would want to be?), but my dollars are. That's where the rubber meets the road, not how the person dresses." I'm afraid it's just this attitude that makes citizens of the rest of world wary of Americans. Do you truly think that the fact that you have American dollars to spend makes your behavior/dress/manner unquestionable? To another poster who mentioned a drunken passenger: Allowing anyone who even "seems" to be intoxicated on board an aircraft is a violation of federal law. To the lady who owns a three-pound dog: You said "If I was told not to let him wander about, I would not." I hope this doesn't mean, as I suspect it might, that you DO allow your dog to "wander about," and that you simply haven't been told to put him away. It is on my airline's website and on others that pets must remain inside their carrier at all times.I even question passengers who travel with "emotional support" animals (judging from what I read on the web, many if not the majority of these animals are just plain old bogus). What I question is that, if the animal really does mean the difference between a normal and not-so-normal life for you, why would you risk its safety by holding it in your arms in an airplane, especially on takeoff and landing?

In the end, most of the behavior I find objectionable, and which I confront at work, is not behavior that affects me as a flight attendant; it's behavior that affects OTHER passengers.

Posted By toni vitanza on October 27, 2008, 4:28 PM

Having flown well over 1,000,000 miles I can appreciate the difficult job the flight attendants have. However, seat space has become more crowded (especially on the much used regional jets), meals, drinks,snacks have virtually disappeared, flights are delayed, etc. etc. etc. No wonder Pax are snarky. My biggest gripe has always been sitting next to an overweight passenger. There is just no way out of that and it makes the flight very uncomfortable. I don't know what limit to give but the 400 pound woman surely was over it. On a 757 perhaps--a regional jet impossible.

Posted By William Sharp on October 27, 2008, 4:40 PM

I don't know how the flight attendants do it day after day. My hat is off to you ladies and gents. I don't fly often but I have seen some real winners when I have flown. Some of these people flying think they are the only people in the world and everything should revolve around them. I don't think planes should be held up for people who can't make it to the airport on time. If you can't make it on time too bad you missed your flight. There are good reasons to be at the airport 1 1/2 to 2 hours early! And the security is there to protect you, not inconvenience you! I for one appreciate the attendants.

Posted By Cathy Barnhart on October 27, 2008, 5:08 PM

I won't try to settle the "style" arguments for clothing, but I may be able to shed some light on the coverage aspect for those of you who believe in traveling in your beach attire. I'm an Air Force pilot who wears a full nomex flight suit every time I fly, regardless of the climate, and believe me Iraq in August is HOT. If I had to get out of my plane on the ground during a fire, that suit could make the difference between next to no injury and a lifetime of disabilities or even death. When I fly commercial, I never wear shorts, always wear socks, and often wear long sleeves, regardless of the weather. Even a thin layer of fabric (other than polyester) will give tremendous protection when exiting through a fire. Don't think that could happen? Just look at the most recent airline accident (Madrid), where some people survived the fire. There are many other examples of firey crashes with survivors. Just think about it, your luggage is in the plane's belly, so where is the fuel? That's right, it's in the wings which you will exit over or past. If you don't want to dress for respect, at least do it for safety.

Posted By Neil on October 27, 2008, 5:37 PM

Why cant they outfit the bulkhead in leather or plastic that can be washed? I have a leg problem too, and that is why I book in bulkhead to occasionally put my feet up higher and and flex my feet, blood clots can kill .

Posted By Terry L ReevesHanger on October 27, 2008, 5:39 PM

We are retired seniors who fly NWA/Sky Team partners at least 25,000 mi. a year intentionally, to maintain Elite status for the perks of boarding first, upgrades, etc. I can honestly say that the FAs are rarely the problem, it's the rude passengers (who likely aren't reading these comments, or if they are, don't believe they pertain to THEM). Being hit by a passenger's backpack when they turn and then having them look at us like it's OUR fault, having them carelessly move OUR things to another overhead to fit in THEIR things (we never put more than one thing each in an overhead) or talking LOUDLY throughout a long international flight while most people are trying to sleep, are but a few of the annoyances (and how about the people whose clothes REEK of cigarette smoke?). We always try to treat the FAs with respect and THANK THEM AT THE END OF THE FLIGHT for their good service - which we generally get because WE HAVEN'T DEMEANED THEM! Our two biggest complaints are the increase of people carrying on WAY over the limit, especially since airlines now charge for checked bags (why aren't the gate agents "policing" this better?) and (maybe to answer this question) the fact that many airlines have gone from gate agents being their own airline's employees to them being minimum wage, here today/gone tomorrow (hence no loyalty) employees.

Posted By b martin on October 27, 2008, 6:14 PM

Kudos to you Toni for having the nerve to say it like it is! We travel frequently and find that flight attendants are very helpful and friendly if you treat them like people instead of furniture.
However, I do have to say that if we go on a longer flight (overseas) we always book a foreign airline. The service and everything is so much better than on US airlines.

As for the "slobs" who dress that way, they must have no respect for themselves. You can dress comfortably and still look decent. Also, keep the animals in their carriers. I love animals but I don't want them crawling over me on an airplane.

Keep up your good work, Toni!

Posted By JS on October 27, 2008, 6:33 PM

I agree with most of what Ms. Vitanza wrote, and hope that in the longer version of her article, she addressed those pax who douse themselves in cologne/perfume, committing what I call "olfactory assault." As a migraine sufferer, I can be left in extreme pain for MULTIPLE DAYS after encountering one of these inconsiderate people, and I resent it greatly. Cologne/perfume should not be substituted for good personal hygiene, nor should it be used liberally when one is going to be in a confined space with others. It's common sense and common courtesy- things which often seem to be in short supply when it comes to today's flying public.

Posted By Tracie on October 27, 2008, 6:51 PM

My primary complaint is excessive perfume or cologne that permeates the entire cabin. Many do not realize how sickening it can be. These same people do this in theaters and restaurants and other public places where we can't get away.

Posted By Brian on October 27, 2008, 7:01 PM

I will find it necessary to travel with my pets next year as I relocate to my new home. I am not looking forward to the prospect, and have already spoken to the vet about tranquilizing my cats before hand. I will do everything in my power to have the cats on board with me, because I do not trust that they will be handled with care when being placed in cargo. If I was permitted to place them in cargo myself, and then go get them when the plane landed, I might feel more comfortable with the idea. But I have seen how baggage gets thrown around, and had multitudes of luggage damaged by baggage handlers. I am not about to subject my pets to that sort of treatment. They are not my children, but they are very precious to me. I promise to cooperate 100% with the FAs and will try to accommodate the passengers around me (and their allergies)- and hopefully this flight (which is the first one I have ever dreaded) will go smoothly.

Posted By Jackie B on October 27, 2008, 7:20 PM

This has been fascinating to read... interesting how quick people are to stereotype others - those with pets clearly have a complete disregard of rules (not to mention they are out of touch with reality since they all think their pets are human! Really?), that people who dress comfortably lack all self respect (how about they don't want to be shoehorned in a tiny space for hours and hours in restrictive clothing?), that all people who board first toss their luggage above row 6.... How would you like it if I turned around and told your annoying child who you can't control to (a) stop whining (b) stop kicking the back of my seat/slamming their tray table open and closed and (c) stop sticking their hands/face/feet thru the arm rests into my seat?

Not everyone who flies these days - even those with pets, carry on luggage, flip flops, children - are a bad as many have portrayed here. Here is the deal: if you don't like being in a confined space with any of the above, flying is not for you.

I do agree with many people here that service in the airline industry is at an all time low. I pay a lot to fly and considering that, is it too much to get a smile with the bag of peanuts (which I am probably paying for anyhow?) And to the F/As out there - if your job is so bad and you have to deal with all these terrible people & situations, why don't you get a desk job where you can have a bad attitude all day and no one cares?

Posted By irritated traveler on October 27, 2008, 7:37 PM

I love flying!
Try Jet Blue, where the FA are usually great (99%, the 1% may have been having a bad day). (And no, I don’t work for Jet Blue)

Some passengers are inconsiderate pigs who feel that FA are there to ‘serve’ them.
They must be humming “Waitress in the Sky” when they board.
Treat the FA with respect and you will receive it.

As for peeves, mine are:
The tremendously obese person who literally pours over the armrest into your seat.
The person who either does not bathe or uses far too much cologne or perfume (gag-o-rama!)
The person who thinks that their screaming child or yapping dog is “just precious”.

News flash! Everyone on the plane is entitled to their space, free of olfactory and auditory assault.
Be considerate of others – this seems to be a lost art. You are NOT the only person on the plane!

I think FA have a difficult enough job without cretins giving them attitude.
I thank all flight attendants for doing a tough job!

p.s. I love wearing flip flops as they are so easy to take on and off for security. But after reading some of these comments, I think shoes would be more appropriate, for safety reasons.

Posted By gretchen on October 27, 2008, 8:27 PM

I agree with many of the complaints listed here by fellow travelers and flight attendants. My #1 pet peeve is when passengers put their bags in bins at the front of the plane when they have seats further back. Also people who carry on more items than allowed. All these issues and the issues listed by others here can be traced back to self-centeredness and a not following the "golden rule". And yes, obesity is not only a severe health risk for the individual, it's not right that others' seat "space" they paid for is affected. If you weigh over 300 lbs. you should have to pay for two seats. The rest of us get restricted on carry on and baggage weight, yet my baggage plus "me" weighs less than 175 lbs.

Posted By Christine on October 27, 2008, 9:21 PM

Wow, I agree that this is fascinating.
First of all, Almost everyone has a good point. There is rudeness and kindness on both sides. I have had great experiences with FA's with the exception of a FA on a United flight coming back from the U.K. He was incredibly rude to me, and I no longer consider using United now as a result. I always say Hello when I board, and Thank you when I disembark. I always say please and thank you and look at them when I speak to them. This is called basic manners and they no longer exist for many Americans. I work with the public on the ground as a bartender and have seen all of the above problems including roaming pets.(on an outside patio) I am also aware that it is difficult to 'educate' some people on how to behave in public, because the first response has a fifty percent chance of being really ugly. It's tough, but all in all I love my job, as do most FA's I'm sure. I think that everyone has b*tched about their job at some point without even having the benefit of educating people about safty, i.e. luggage straps (Thanks, Toni!)so this FA probably does care about her job. Give her a break.

On the other side though, if something is carpeted it invites people to put their feet up. If the airlines don't want pax putting their feet up, Maybe they should put a pretty poster up instead, or even just a sign that says 'no feet please'. Also, I haven't had to change my daughter on a plane yet, but are there changing tables avail on a plane? If there isn't where are the babies supposed to be changed or are they supposed to stay in a rash inducing diaper for hours? I agree that there are better places for disposal of a soiled diaper than handing it to a FA or leaving it in a seat netting. When a parent boards on a long flight are the told where to take care of thier childrens need? If they are, shame on the parents, if not shame on the airlines. And last but not least, I love my child, but do not find it offensive that someone compares their dog/cat to a human child. I am fortunate enough to have it all, and receive love from my "extended family" Many have only their companion animal. This is where they receive love and that is what family is about. Show some compassion. As for the roaming pets, As a pet owner, I apologize for the few bad pet owners who risk their pets lives and the privilege we have to being our pets with us.

Posted By K.Hahn on October 27, 2008, 9:47 PM

Why is it that airlines can no longer issue peanuts because of allergies to passengers, but NO ONE has considered that there are many more people who fly that are allergic to animals. Allowing dogs and cats (and other exotic animals)to be in the passenger area of the plane should not be allowed. I know of a woman who lies that her dog, a large Akita, is a service dog (it is not) when she flies to dog shows so it can fly with her. Just one more person who thinks they are more important than anyone else.

Posted By Jeff on October 27, 2008, 10:00 PM

I want to add -- this is Toni again -- that it's not about how passengers treat ME. It's how they treat EACH OTHER and THEMSELVES!!

Please don't think I'm a complainer; I'm really not. I try to be an observer. If I've come off as unhappy with my job, FAR FROM IT.

Posted By toni vitanza on October 27, 2008, 10:23 PM

OK, I agree people are very rude everywhere! I think manners need to be taught in schools again AND reinforced at home...parents are too lazy these days to do this! And, I realize that the airlines have to make money, but give me a break! How many people can you comfortably fit on a plane??? The seating arrangements in coach are RIDICULOUS...this is exactly why I stopped flying! I think the difference in price between first class and coach is outrageous and I refuse to give up my comfort for the rude air travelers.

I have flown domestically a LOT and I can say that MOST of the flight attendants I have had the pleasure of flying with were extremely professional and happy to help me in any way they possibly could. Most of my issues are with the rude travelers...like the woman flying from NYC to Palm Beach that insisted on poking her child in the sides and making him scream on the 10 pm flight for all but the last 30 minutes of the flight! I really hope that he kept her up the rest of the night to compensate for the time she disturbed my flight!

It is sad how people have forgotten to respect others' rights and be polite...in general the golden rule: TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WANT TO BE TREATED! If you don't want me to disturb your trip, don't disturb mine!

Posted By Karen on October 27, 2008, 10:59 PM

I didn't even note so-called "seatback grabbers"...who grab the back of your chair to hoist themselves out of their own, or grab every seatback as they walk up the aisle to the lav.....or inappropriate seatback reclining...or the women using nail polish remover or hairspray or polishing their nails or spraying perfume or applying a full face of makeup onboard.

Or people who take sedatives to calm themselves enough to fly because they're scared an emergency might happen. But IF an emergency happened, they'd be so dopey they couldn't help themselves out of it!

Or passengers seated in middle or window seats who don't ask the other passengers to stand so that they can exit to go to the lav. They just CLIMB OVER!

Or this: Passengers pack hairspray and nail polish remover in bags. Mix themselves a drink to calm their flying nerves. Get in convertible and drive 70 mph, on a major interstate, with kids unbelted. Jaywalk toward the terminal. Smoke a cigarette before going in. Let kids sail up and down terminal, nearly knocking over elderly people and littler kids, on tennis shoes with wheels.
Enter my plane and ask, "Is this thing SAFE?"

And the ones who tell me, "I don't do seatbelts."

Posted By toni vitanza on October 27, 2008, 11:01 PM

Well, so many readers will think I'm an animal hater, and nothing could be further from the truth. So, in fairness to the pet-packing passengers, here are my "observations" about kids and parents on planes:

Parent argues that they don't want to move from an exit row when their kid is mistakenly (?) ticketed next to them in the exit row. Insist that their kid can move but that THEY will stay put. Don't care that their kid will sit next to a stranger and do not understand that they are responsible for their child on board the plane, and therefore do not fit exit row criteria. Parent gets huffy.

Bring a lap baby into first class.

Call their 5-yr-old a "lap baby" and let him sprawl all over not only their own lap, but their two seatmates' as well.

Allow their kids to roll on suitcases the size of shoeboxes, packed with Lego blocks and Cheerios and toys that make noise and DVD players without headphones.

Want to argue about where the infant safety seat is located. It must be next to a window and not in an exit nor forward nor aft of an exit so as not to hinder an evacuation.

You sell the parent a seat for half price, OR you give them a seat for free if seats are available, so that they can use an child safety seat. You rearrange frequent flyers so you can do this. Then they fill the car seat with their purses and hold the baby on their lap because "he doesn't like the car seat." Or they say, "I'll just hold him for takeoff and landing." If they buy a seat for a child of any age they must have the child strapped into it -- either in a seat belt or in a car seat -- by law. They don't WANNA, for some reason. Don't understand that they HAFTA. And don't understand that I don't understand why they wouldn't.

Allow their kids to run up and down aisle, hang from open overhead bins, sit unbelted in seats or carseats. Say, "They're just KIDS!"

Posted By toni vitanza on October 27, 2008, 11:10 PM

Lots of very good comments and a mirror of the frustration of our escalating population. I recognize that the airline travel is not what it used to be, and quite often the FA are dealing with extra stress. However, courtesty to the passenger should always be a priority, leave the complaints at home....or after hours...since the public is paying for the service and often just as frustrated after flight delays, changes, and all the other items. Hats off to the folks at Frontier Airlines, their FA are the best! The other gate attendants and crew are super, too. Professional, friendly, and treat the passengers as people, not cattle. They realize that we are also frustrated, but my favorite recent flight featured several delightful FA (both male and female) that treated their passengers the best that they could, service the minor snacks and saying "Now for the steaks!" with a smile. Also remember the FA that told where the aisle lights would come on in case of emergency, and then proceeded to thumpty thump back to the exit with her hands beating out a rhythm on the aisle floor. No one will ever forget that exit! A major complaint that I have is listening to the business types one up themselves over miles and miles...Alas the empty seats and space in the overhead compartments are things of the past. We will all just have to try and cope, and say some (at least one) nice thing to the folks that are serving us...it does make a difference since the friendly skies sometimes turn frigid.

Posted By Donna on October 27, 2008, 11:13 PM

I am always amazed at how people can be so judgemental. I am a plus-size frequent flyer, and I do wish that losing weight was as easy as gaining it... I also am a very frequent flyer. I try hard to stay in my own space, but even "average" size people find that difficult in the seating configurations today.

I am considerate of those seated next to me and make an effort to be as apologetic as I can. I know I may be a little closer to you than both of us would like. However, I have seen "average" size people be as annoying in terms of space. Several well-built men and women are broad shouldered, and I have seen them spill over into adjoining seats. No one seems to mind this, as their weight is more acceptable. Or the very tall person whose legs and feet spill into the areas of other... again a size issue which is acceptable.

As a very frequent flyer with the same airline, I sympathize with airline personnel. it is a thankless yet very neccesary job... as are many other jobs. I truely believe it all comes down to how we as a society interact with one another. We need to be tolerant, polite, and respectful. All of those things which used to be called "manners", and are quickly headed to extinction.

So as a plus size flyer... I am sorry if I make you a bit uncomfortable. I will try to stay out of your space. And I will ignore when you snap your gum, move your knees into my area, ask me to let you out of your seat for the fourth time on a three hour flight, talk loudly on your cell phone before take off... well, you know what I am trying to say... And maybe we can all stay safe, and be civil to one another.

Posted By Air-Bound on October 28, 2008, 12:54 AM

To Toni:

First off, Toni, I am not obese where I cannot fit through the exit door. A person would have to be morbidly obese for that, and probably shouldn't even be flying. I am also a military retiree and possibly quite a bit more agile than you.

Secondly, please don't lecture me on Ugly American syndrome. If you are so concerned with appearances and behavior, I'm sure that you can find it within yourself to correct the general deficiencies in the F/A clique as far as behavior goes. I've been flying as a pax for over 25 years as a civilian, and I have seen the overall behavior of flight staff circle the drain, especially since 9/11.

Further, dress codes and appearances are not within your purview to enforce, so I would suggest that you concentrate on areas of your position that you can actually affect. If your airline chooses to enforce a dress code, then so be it (I think SouthWest tried this with embarassing results).

I agree with your comments about general politeness. It is a very important matter, and I always do my best to write complimentary emails to airline customer service executives when I have a good flight, and, believe me, they have received some from me that are probably still smoldering in their inboxes for bad experiences I have had.

I am sorry if you expected that your "tell all" posting was going to elicit nothing but "right on!" comments, but I think you pressed a lot of hot buttons, mine included.

You were on the money on most of your complaints, but I hope all of us have provided some insight for you that may change your opinion a little.

To Marine Michalek:

Marine, as a former Army Senior NCO, I appreciate what you did for the F/A who was threatened. You exemplified what honor and service is all about.

I must say, however, that I completely disagree with your evangelical discourse in the blog. Religion is something you keep to yourself and treasure and rely on in times of need. Don't beat other people over the head with it.

Thank you for your service, Marine!

Albert

Posted By Albert on October 28, 2008, 1:03 AM

I forgot to mention that F/A Toni Vitanza is one of the best in the business! Her passengers send numerous letters of praise and "Applause Certificates" every month in recognition of her great service onboard the flights she works on. Thanks for your dedication and being such great role model for us to follow at AE DFW!

Posted By Tita on October 28, 2008, 2:39 AM

Sounds a lot like the stories I have to tell from being a teacher. I was surprised to read that so many people don’t have a clue as to etiquette on a plane. So sad.

Posted By Kelly on October 28, 2008, 5:23 AM

I am another airline employee and want the public to understand that many of us in the airlines do enjoy our jobs. The stress level and demands have increased dramatically in the last 8 years as our pay and benefits have decreased. Until this year when fuel prices skyrocketed, the airlines were making record profits and the executives were reaping huge bonuses all the while the actual frontline employees have seen little if any appreciation.
We often work under staffed, but we do the best we can. I too miss the days when we could deliver a better product and in return the PAX are more appreciative. It makes for a better experience for everyone.
I'm not complaining. Just pointing out some facts. I still enjoy my job, it's benefits and trying to make it enjoyable/bearable for the public too.

Posted By Neal on October 28, 2008, 9:04 AM

Airline pet peeve:
Airlines make rules about baggage size, weight and number - what can and cannot be taken on board, etc., and then their employees allow oversized baggage on board which is stuffed into the overhead bins. Many of those bags are too heavy for one person to lift into the bin, and heaven help the pax who sits below that bin should things go amiss.

Airlines have many rules that their employees fail to enforce. Passengers should remain in their seats - bathroom breaks excepted - enforce that. Animals should be in containers - enforce that. For safety, impaired passengers should not be allowed on board - enforce that.

BUT, enforce these rules uniformly - on First Class as well. Enforce your rules and maybe lose the passengers who cause the bad experiences to other airlines, but gain a larger proportion of passengers who just want a flight experience that at least wasn't bad!

Posted By Gloria on October 28, 2008, 9:57 AM

I travel frequently with my family mostly on Southwest and American. There is a big difference in the attitudes of the FA's on each airline. On the Southwest flights I've taken, they great you with a big "Hello" when boarding the plane and are helpful and nice the whole flight. On the American flights, I have encountered unfriendly FA's. My daughter(13 yrs old) and I were sitting next to the galley area on our last flight. The whole flight, the FA's were gathered there complaining about all the passengers. They got really huffy when they wanted to start the beverage service, but a passenger had just taken his child to the bathroom. They had to wait for the passenger to get back to his seat before they could move the beverage cart into the aisle. They glared at the passenger as he passed them on his way to his seat. Later on, when the FA's came through the cabin to pick up garbage, they basically ran down the aisle holding the garbage bag. You had to be really fast if you wanted a chance to throw anything away. This caused the passengers to have to hit the call button to get the FA back or get out of their seats to find the garbage bag which aggrevated the FA's more. After we got off the plane my daughter made the comment that she didn't want to fly American again because the FA's weren't nice.

Posted By Jennifer on October 28, 2008, 10:44 AM

Interesting article and interesting comments... I agree with Ms. Vitanza on every point, however... I would make the following observation: It is my experience that a majority of attendants portray an "attitude" to passengers that suggests "I am special because I am aircrew and you are not." If you doubt this impression, try addressing an attendant as "Stewardess" or "Steward" next time you fly... I would suggest that the reason attendants are assigned to an aircrew is to provide help and service to passengers (customers) who pay for airfares. For an attendant to exhibit negative verbal and non-verbal feedback to the most innocuous request (May I have a pillow? Blanket? Will you let me pass the beverage cart so I can reach the lavatory?, etc.) is unacceptable from a customer viewpoint. To say "I am busy doing something else" is an inadequate response. Courtesy is a two-way street...

Posted By Navigator 1 on October 28, 2008, 12:57 PM

Keep in mind that some passengers who seem untidy or in need of a bath are only that way because they have been flying in overheated planes and waiting in crowded airports due to cancelled flights for many hours. I am usually not too happy with my appearance after a long day of flying when everything has gone well. Throw in a few extra hours during a layover and a lot of rushing around the airport trying to rearrange travel plans and I guarantee that I will not be looking my best.

Posted By vker on October 28, 2008, 4:10 PM

I'm sorry that I am one of those passengers who touch each back rest on my trip down the aisle. However I am of an age, where I need the stability. So unless you want to find me in your lap, you shouldn't complain about this.

PJ

Posted By VAJaybird on October 28, 2008, 4:59 PM

This from the enciclopedia:
The primary and overriding responsibility of flight attendants is passenger safety.[3] They are often tasked with the secondary function of seeing to the care and comfort of the passengers, insofar as this does not interfere with their safety responsibilities. They are often perceived by the flying public as waiting staff or servants because there is not a full understanding of the career, the majority of their regular and rare duties are safety related and are the priority above customer service. The majority of a flight attendant's duties are safety related....

Please read the rest at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flight_Attendant

I'm sorry to say (as it may come as a surprise to most of you) that the only reason why airlines are NOT cutting F/A's from their payroll in this bad economic times is strictly because FAA mandates that there has to be 1 flt att per every 50 pax's on all commercial flights. So that we can evacuate an aircraft during an emergency... and to do other safety, CPR, and first aid related procedures.

Sadly, anything else is just for "marketing" reasons and up to each airline as an added bonus. Unfortunately, the fact is that nowadays what you're all really paying for in your ticket is ONLY transportation fares from point A to point B.

Posted By Tita on October 28, 2008, 10:32 PM

I just want to clarify what I said before about the FA's getting huffy because they couldn't begin beverage service until a passenger and his child returned from a bathroom break. The passenger was unaware that the beverage service was going to start that moment because the FA's were just standing around in the galley area talking about a passenger in one of the front rows. As soon as the man and his child passed by the galley on the way to the bathroom, the FA's started huffing and puffing commenting on how they now had to wait for the passengers to finish in the bathroom before they could start serving. A small child needed to use the bathroom, they could have had and ounce of understanding. It was a smaller plane (2 seats on each side of the aisle, so every passenger sitting near the galley(I was practically sitting in the galley) could hear the FA's talking. I think they were very unprofessional.

Posted By Jennifer on October 28, 2008, 11:15 PM

Toni, As a frequent flyer (Exec Plat) I agree with everything you are saying & more. I've seen a million miles worth of it. I think the infrequent flyers sometimes don't realize how their behavior affects others or what the FA's have to put up with. I also think Christine hit the nail on the head. There isn't much attention paid these days to the golden rule (and not just in flight-My last vacation, a day at the pool was marred by a rude couple who decided to send their kids to the adult pool because they were too lazy to accompany them down to the family pool and then went back inside and expected everyone at the pool to watch their kids.)

I really think some infrequent flyers don't know the rules of the road. An earlier poster honestly didn't know where to change the baby and this is a travel website! (In the lav, the changing table folds down over the toilet, KH)

I'm also tired of seeing people get on an airplane dressed for bed and or the beach. I travel internationally so I get it on being comfortable but it is possible to dress comfortably and still not be offensive. But karma also hands out athlete's foot to the flip flop wearers.

On the other hand, I hope you and fellow FA's can stand a little critique. Most FA's are professional but there are a few that take their job frustrations out on us. I don't want to hear anymore about how FA's hate their co. execs with their bonuses and the other union stuff. I get it and I agree with most of your issues-you don't get paid enough or get enough respect but most of us have had bad bosses and we don't really need to hear more about yours.

PJ, the seat grabbers I take issue with are the clearly able bodied who claw their way up and down the aisle. I've had two hip replacements so I sometimes need a little help balancing. And if anyone else thinks they are cranky after security try it twice a week with metal implants.

Smiles, please and thank you seem to help me have more pleasant travel experiences (and good ipod headphones). If everybody, FA's and paying travelers alike would remember the golden rule it would help. Travel these days is a social contract between all of us, whether we like it or not. Unfortunately, 9/11 did that.

Posted By PK on October 29, 2008, 12:18 AM

"Tank tops, flip-flops, "doo-rags," biker bandanas, basketball uniforms"

This type of Jerry springer trash do not belong on any airlines. You wear nice clothes and smell clean, just like your going to Sunday mass. And no i'm not religious.

Dogs or pets do not belong in a airplane. Too many with allergies and not enough people bath their dogs before taking flight.

Sadly there is too many Jerry Springer trash people flying these days.

The price of plane tickets of their earlier 80's and 70's didn't allow the trashy people to fly. It was the rich or those flying for business and mannered as a business person.

I feel for todays flight attendants

Posted By Malcolm on October 29, 2008, 1:58 AM

Perhaps the FA's comments would be taken more seriously if she stated her displeasure in a slightly less condescending manner.

I am as offended as she is with people who do not dress respectfully (although some dress shoes look like flip-flops and I'm wondering if those are equally offensive). I also do not want someone's dog running about the cabin and possibly relieving itself next to my seat. I despise people with oversized carry-on luggage but... since some airlines are starting to charge a fee for even the first checked bag I am beginning to understand. Even as someone whose luggage has been lost for the duration of a 10 day trip... I understand.

I get it that you see these behaviors day in and day out and the bad stands out more than the good. Is there anything positive about the people you serve on a daily basis? Because when I fly I see a lot of bitter flight attendants that maybe should consider a career change. I try to focus on the good things I have experienced...the ticket agent that upgraded us to first class when we flew to or wedding destination (we did not ask for that) or the flight attendant on Air France that returned my husbands passport... that fell out of his pocket. I remember the bad too but I also remember that it is a tough job herding thousands of people through the skies. That thought makes me even more grateful to those people that can do it graciously and with a genuine smile. Unfortunately... those instances are few and far between.

Posted By Sarah on October 29, 2008, 9:22 AM

PK, thank you for your comments. I wanted to respond to a few of them -- not for your edification but for others'. I LOVE my job, and I THINK my passengers love me. We laugh and have tons of fun on my flights, for the most part. Twelve years nearly, and not one bad letter, and TONS of nice ones (do you think passing around stamped, self-addressed envelopes helps? Ha Ha!) and getting awards from my company and hugs from passengers. I wrote this post -- originally quite a bit longer -- on another travel blog when a poster there asked about examples of bad passenger behavior. My original tone was, I hope, more HUMOROUS than griping. I'm one of those goofy flight attendants that still wears heels and sheer nylons and makeup (they called me "Miss Mary Kay" in training) and TRIES hard to keep her weight down so I can stay fit enough to do the REAL job (evacuating the plane) should I ever have to. And I never wear the uniform slacks (did you know that the rate of assault against female flight attendants rises when they are in uniform pants as opposed to a dress or skirt?). I wear makeup and skirts, and I'm 47 and MARRIED and not looking for a date! Can you believe it? I'm one of those that will bid OFF a schedule where I have to work with one of the kinds of flight attendants that people on this blog mention. I get embarrassed when I see them dressed badly, groomed badly or gossiping or lazing on the plane or displaying annoyance. I'd just as soon do all the work on the plane myself than work with them and have to apologize in their wake. I get even more mad when I see them IGNORE safety and other kinds of rules with the standard eye-roll. I get mad at passengers when they say stuff like, "God, I hate your airline" or "God, I love screwing your airline!" and at colleagues who bad-mouth my company. I was taught by parents (who owned their own business) that as long as you're employed by somebody, you don't go around bad-mouthing them or not defending them to those that do. Quit, and bad-mouth them all you want to. I also don't hold any truck with colleagues who want to complain about what they're paid. You know what you're going to get paid going in; if your union agreed to pay cuts or whatever, take it up with your union or with the Economy Gods. Vote, cut your living expenses or pick up some open time and shut up or take it home to your friends and family, or quit.

I feel travel is the highest form of education and promoting it part of my mission in life. For the ugly people who tell me "get an education so you don't have to push a soda cart" -- and there have been several -- I have two BAs and an MA and I was a journalist and teacher overseas before I ever even THOUGHT about being a flight attendant. I don't think air travel needs to be limited to the rich -- I hope it's not -- but I wouldn't mind it being limited to the well-behaved.

Yes, flight attendants have changed since deregulation....they needed to. Can you imagine a job where you can't be hired or where you'll be fired if you're non-white/male/gay/married/a mom/five pounds overweight/over 30? All you folks who rave about the "service" from the thin, young, attractive, subservient single Asian girls on the Asian carriers -- I'm sorry, that's not the country I'm living in, and I don't want to live there and I don't want our daughters to live there either! Shame on you for judging an airline or any other business (except maybe a "gentlemen's club") that way! I don't know whether to WISH you daughters, or HOPE you don't have any!

But let's admit it.....since deregulation and the internet both worked to drive fares ever, ever downward, passengers are not what they used to be, either! Once upon a time, to fly was for the wealthiest families (my family NEVER did it), and you donned your best clothes AND your best manners. But this degradation is part of what I see in all walks of American life -- shameless and sloppiness and selfishness. Judge a person on manners and behavior (and this includes what they choose to wear)? That's DISCRIMINATION! Yes, it is -- the kind people are SUPPOSED to engage in. My husband is a college professor, and I am AMAZED at what the students wear to class, even. I will not be surprised to see Americans in the local food court AND on airplanes soon, wearing diapers and adult-sized Onesies and throwing tantrums when they don't get everything they want exactly when and how they want it, and pointing to the "huge" ($199 across country in four hours? I can't get across my state in six hours for that in my Honda) fare they paid as justification for their demands. We all need to grow up a little (or a lot) and rear our children better, too, but that's a whole other lifetime of issues.

Posted By toni vitanza on October 29, 2008, 9:43 AM

Here's some more....let's see how many people get even MORE mad at me!

People who don't understand that they need to have their shoes on for takeoff and landing, as that is when we will evac if necessary. (I skipped training on the mid-air evacuation.)

People who argue with me about the fact that their bad back or bum knee means they NEED an exit row seat.

People who tell me "The flight attendant last time let me do it." Maybe she did; too bad she surrendered.

People with huge pieces of luggage who tell me, "It fit on the other plane." Or, "It fit the last time" or "It'll fit in the bin." They're right; problem is, NO ONE ELSE'S STUFF WILL.

People who hold their hand over the seatbelt buckle as if there is a free upgrade on their next flight for the person who snaps their belt off first. They take it off before the signal is given ANYWAY. Never mind that on the taxiway is the PRIME time to be hit by another on-ground vehicle...plane, luggage tug, etc. As if they're getting up to go somewhere the second the wheels hit the ground. People who use the taxi-in to make a cell call. Even though this is allowed on some planes, I hope it won't be anymore after the first evac where flight attendants are trying to shout commands over the voices of all the pax screaming, "Honey, hold on! Honey, there's been an emergency. We're evacuating the plane!"

The man who gets on board, finds the wide-open empty bin above his seat, carefully sets his little briefcase flat in it, carefully folds up his suit jacket, places it on top, then slams the bin shut and takes his seat. Proceeds to act shocked every time a flight attendant or fellow passenger opens it to put something else in it.

People -- you see it on the news whenever there's an evac -- who GRAB THEIR BAGS BEFORE LEAVING THE PLANE.

Posted By toni vitanza on October 29, 2008, 10:36 AM

Cell used at the gate -- every single button on this phone had a different tone, and the guy kept it on speakerphone and kept it LOUD.

Another man at 30,000 feet whips out phone, dials, begins talking loudly on it in an Asian language. When approached by flight attendant he pretends he doesn't speak English. We all heard him talking on the phone in English at the gate. He tries it three times before he quits.

Pax show up late to the gate, realize their seats are or were about to be given away, yell at the agent that they were held up in security. Do this with a steaming-hot, smelly bag of McDonald's in their hand. Accused the airline of lying to THEM. Get irate.

Show up at security with pocket knives and big bottles of booze and shampoo and BOXCUTTERS and are surprised that the rules apply to THEM. Feign ignorance and expect to get a pass THIS time. Show up with lace-up go-go boots, pockets full of change, tons of jewelry in the security line. (Security lines should be divided: Experienced Travelers. Everyday Idiots.)

Never, ever, use the bag sizer. It's INVISIBLE.

Tell agents/flight attendants "I'm claustrophobic" or "I NEED my space" as if they're somehow special and it's going to get them an exit row or free upgrade. (Never on my plane; being "claustrophobic" is, by definition, an irrational fear. If you're irrational, you're not exit-row qualified.) Sulk whole flight.

Performing an act on a plane in broad daylight during boarding that is, in several states, illegal even between married people who are alone together in their own bedrooms.

Get stranded due to weather and proclaim, "I don't have money for a hotel room for the night! I don't have a credit card!" The really bad thing is, they're telling the truth.

Insist that, despite the fact that they are 80/don't speak English/walk with a cane, their gazillion miles on the airline MAKES them exit-row qualified.

Don't understand when I insist that a person who has difficulty walking be seated by the window so that the person on the aisle can escape and/or help them escape in an emergency.

Put so much weight in an OHB that the bin pops open or can't close, then wonder why and get made when their bag must be gate-checked.

Posted By toni vitanza on October 29, 2008, 10:46 AM

I agree that "thoughtlessness of some people is amazing and sadly it is the trend is to think that the world revolves around oneself and the "I have paid for the ticket I can do what I like" attitude is getting more common."

It's sad but in Europe or Asia you can always spot the American. Badly dressed or looking like they just rolled out of bed most of the time. Just because your overweight does not mean you can't dress decent. No looking like a gang member will not impress people no matter how cool you think your over sized pants are and no people don't want to see your undergarments. Really people just think you have a mental disorder and that your mother did not teach you how to dress as a child.

Far too many times I have seen the ugly American demanding their non existent rights as they seem to think that they are extra special and that they can do what they want when then want. Well I always smile as they find out the truth of the matter.

Tips for travel:
1) Be kind and respectful to everyone you meet.
2) Your not any more special then the person next to you when you travel no matter what your mother may have told you.
3) Just because you have money does not mean you can treat others poorly.
4) You don't have to be rich to be dressed nice. You really are an ambassador for your country or state when you travel.
5) Soap is a good thing use it!
6) No matter how cool you think your stinky perfume is remember there are other people who do not want to suffer it's smell.
7) Just because your from America does not mean you have extra rights or that your better then everyone else in the country your visiting. This tip alone may save you from some jail time or a visit to the emergency room!

Posted By Greg on October 29, 2008, 12:51 PM

I used to be top tier in 3 different airlines. (AA Exec Plat, UA 1K, US Chairmans). I don't fly as much since I got married.

I have seen alot of different things. A drunk pax at Christmas time sitting next to me being very loud & obnoxious in First. I was very glad that the F/A asked her to leave. Most of the other pax were glad she left. We thanked the FA for the difficult job.

I sat next to a smelly passenger going DFW-LAX. He had not showered in 24 hrs because he was flying from Africa. He wanted to take a shower but no US airports had shower facilities that I am aware of for non lounge eligible pax. (I have been able to take showers in Sydney, London, & in other countries). No facilities exist in the USA (that I am aware of) unless one is able to access airline lounges or hotels. When I was top tier, I was able to access the lounges that have shower facilities. Most occasional travelers don't have such access, especially in the USA. Sometimes, there are reasons why some travelers smell--they have been traveling for >24 hrs.

Most F/A's are decent. On occasions, there are a rude one but it has been rare in my experience. In such events, I usually just keep to myself.

I hardly fly now. I just burn miles if we want to fly somewhere. For overseas, I will burn miles to get business class seats. Best value for me. :)

Posted By FranklinD on October 29, 2008, 3:10 PM

to PK
It may amaze you to realize that for most of my life I have not had a child and gave no thought to changing tables or other baby needs. I was, I admit, blind to these things as I did not need them. I traveled extensivly prior to having my baby and have flown twice since her birth. The flights were short and I did not need to use the facilities. I'm sorry that I don't fit your notion of someone who should make comments at a travel website/blog, but thank you for the edification on where to change my daughter. I'm sure I'll be using it on our next flight.
Toni, you are terrific. Thanks for hanging in there with us!

Posted By K.Hahn on October 29, 2008, 3:49 PM

As an over 60yr. old traveler, I can say that manners are not practiced by many. My husband and I agree that we were taught manners and respect in school when growing up. Airline travel has changed so much since the 1990's, that is not much fun anymore but a hassle. I'm so sorry the flight attendants have to put up with so much garbage from passengers.

Posted By Joan, RN on October 29, 2008, 4:41 PM

Geez! And I thought I wanted to be a stewardess (that's what they were called when I was young)! Good thing I was half an inch too tall.

I too have traveled extensively. And yes, there is a difference between American and non-American travelers. Seems we Americans are a bit too arrogant, have gotten used to the easy life. Our manners seem to have disappeared. HOWEVER, I have never found fault with the FAs.

The best ones I had were on Korean Air when I was travelling with my grandchild. They treated her very well in spite of her pouty attitude. And as for me....as an older person, I was treated with the utmost respect and concern. Gosh it was nice!

My worst experience was on United when, with a group of disabled veterans traveling from OK to DC via LAX, the plane leaving LAX held up for us so we could make our connection. Yet, the gate clerk let only half of us on...no real excuse except to exert her "authority," Those of us left behind had to wait 3 hours for another flight, and the ones who left on time had to wait for us at DC for three hours before proceeding to our final destination.

In all cases, the FAs were kind and thoughtful to us. They apologized for what we had to go through. They tried to make the rest of our travels as easy as possible. When this was reported to the UA management, we never heard another word about it.

FAs have it hard. They try to make the best of bad situations, but they can do only so much. Do try to put yourselves in their shoes. If you stop to think of it, you wouldn't really want to be there!

Posted By Manay Aya on October 29, 2008, 7:02 PM

Animal experiments have definitively shown that the more crowded the animals the weirder the animals behave. Airlines maximize their profits by ignoring the discomfort of their passengers. Don't like it? Regulate the airlines. It is very difficult to be considerate when your neighbor's elbow is in your ear.

Posted By Dan on October 29, 2008, 7:49 PM

OK, this is all well-deserved criticism...except the part about feet on the bulkhead.
I guess this is just one of Toni's pet peeves. But really, what is the big deal? It doesn't bother anyone, and it's not like people putting feet on the seat (where someone has to sit) or a tray table. It's not like anyone sits, touches, or for heaven sakes EATS off the bulkhead wall. Which is, buy the way, carpeted JUST LIKE THE FLOOR. It is AN EXTENSION OF THE FLOOR. And no, Toni, it's not like putting feet on a wall in someone's home. The aircraft is not your home, and I don't know of anyone who forces people to sit for 5 or 6 hours in a ridiculously uncomfortable seat that seems designed to create back pain.

Airline seats have gotten way too crowded and ridiculously uncomfortable. The seats can't accomodate either taller or shorter folks very well-- if you are short, you get no back support at all with feet dangling, AND the shape of the seat forces head and neck in a painful position too). So I do use the bulkhead as a footrest (after removing my shoes) to take pressure off my lower back. I would have MAJOR back problems if I didn't do this. And yes, I use my frequent flyer status (over 3 million miles on my favorite airline) to request bulkhead seats for just this reason. If the airlines made seats a more comfortable height and shape, with lumbar support and somewhere to rest feet) we wouldn't have to do this. So on this one...tough luck Toni. I appreciate your great service, and commiserate with your problems dealing with really rude passengers, but on this one, you're being petty. If it is a choice between being labeled rude or relieving back pain...honestly, I really don't care what you think.

Posted By daphnespark on October 30, 2008, 1:49 AM

Not a problem, I don't guess, if you don't mind the yuck factor...who knows who slipped off their flip-flops and put their bare feet up there before you...or didn't take their shoes off at all. Hope you're not ever sitting in emergency exit rows, with the back problem.....

Posted By toni vitanza on October 30, 2008, 11:59 AM

Toni I thought the comment you posted on Oct. 29 at 9:43 a.m. was very well written.

Posted By Lala on October 30, 2008, 2:20 PM

To KHahn, I didn't mean to offend. I was just trying to make the point that not everyone knows everything about flying these days even on this site so part of the traveling deal these days is for us all to help everyone else out.
Toni, thank you for all your service to the traveling public. You probably make your flights much more enjoyable with your professionalism. I'll watch for you to hand out one of those "thank you" slips AA sends out to elites.
PK

Posted By PK on October 30, 2008, 2:42 PM

I love animals and I wouldn't want them to be uncomfortable unnecessarily but my stepmother is very allergic to cats and dogs. I surprised that they let pets in the passenger cabin at all considering how many people have allergies. It's always a roll of the dice for my stepmom when she flies to visit her kids & gramndkids as to whether there will be a pet onboard. I wish the people who let their pets out would think about that.

Posted By TropicBird on October 30, 2008, 2:46 PM

I feel for the attendants who have to deal w/ rude demanding customers and people should have more class. However, I've encountered some pretty unpleasant flight attendants as well. I consider myself an ideal passenger. Not demanding, follow the rules, polite, and courteous. And when I get a FA that exhales loudly when asked for something like a blanket, it's a little irritating. Or when I don't have the exact change for a beverage that needs to purchased, they give an attitude. Why don't they have change for their customers? Hasn't the airline figured out yet that they need a few extra bills to cover change on flights? There's a lot of detail when preparing for a flight and remembering to bring small bills to purchase a beverage on the flight is something that's usually overlooked. This has always surprised me. I think common courtesy needs to apply on both ends.

Posted By Alison on October 30, 2008, 3:06 PM

1. This all boils down to one irrefutable factor:

PARENTS ARE NOT TEACHING COMMON COURTESY MANNERS ANYMORE.

Consequently, there are a whole lot of people (and a lot more still coming of age) who don't know how to behave in the most basic, respectful way and who think the world should revolve around their own needs/wants.

DO UNTO OTHERS, folks, DO UNTO OTHERS. . .

2. As for those who need to hold onto seatbacks to get out or move through the cabin, it is understandable and logical: (1) the economy seats are so close together these days you can't exit the row without holding onto something so as not to end up in someone's lap! and (2) sometimes we just need to steady ourselves walking down a MOVING aisle.

Get over it: no one is purposely trying to piss you off by touching your seatback!!

3. If an F/A (such as the one who purposely ignored a row of passengers) is so blatantly rude w/o cause, get the name and WRITE A LETTER to Corporate identifying the F/A. Unless things have changed radically, I believe these things still go in their personnel files and if enough complaints accumulate, there are consequences for such unwarranted rudeness and unprofessional behavior.

Posted By MariCL on October 30, 2008, 3:50 PM

I don't get the fuss over clothing. I often take flights of 8 to 18 hours, and there's no way I'm going to dress nice just to sweat, wrinkle, spill, etc.

* Flying blows my belly up like a balloon, and sitting for that amount of time actually gives me doubled-over stomach pain when I get off the flight. So I'm going to wear something elastic-wasted, and that usually means yoga pants. I'm also going to get up once every two hours and stretch at the back of the plane.

* Like most people, my feet swell when flying. Sometimes I wear sneakers I can slip off, sometimes I wear sandals (and pack socks - because airplanes are predictably chilly).

* I have fine hair that gets greasy and gross from the forced air vent within 2 hours of take-off. I don't wear do-rags, but I doubt I look much better.

* I usually wear a t-shirt I don't care about, because things are easily spilled on airplanes - either by turbulence or an errant elbow from my neighbor.

* Under the blanket - HORRORS - I slip my bra off for naptime. I don't care how gross you think that is, but you try having wires and hooks dig into exactly the same place for 10 hours, until you're so raw that it burns in the shower. It's both ugly, painful, and unhealthy for your lymph nodes.

In the 100+ flights I've taken in the past decade, I've never found myself on the wrong side of a flight attendant's wrath. So despite my borderline-sloppy appearance, I must be doing something right.

My best flight attendant experience:
Helen on a British Airways flight from London to NYC in June 2000. I even filled out a customer service card to pass on the praise. The plane was full of demanding passengers, who had the FAs running back and forth fetching the stupidest things you can imagine. It was so bad, that my seat neighbor (a stranger) and I both expressed our sympathies towards her plight, and tried to cheer her up a little. She thanked us with a non-stop flow of beverages and a velvet bag full of the complimentary goodies from First Class (Neutrogena skin care, bottle of champagne, etc). It may have been one of the most annoying flights of her career, but she made it my best ever.

Posted By KatieMc on October 30, 2008, 4:51 PM

oh these articles so true, was in the airlines for 35 years, ground agent, ticket counter. the lower the fare the more trash comes to the airport, we use to call them the greyhound crowd. i was on a plane turning it around and one of the cleaners pulled back the seat pocket, and some trashy passenger put a hypodermic needle in it with needle up. lucky the cleaner saw before he put his hand in in. airline passengers are trash

Posted By rick on October 30, 2008, 6:12 PM

It is sad that our society has become so "me" oriented. Whether you like to admit or not, we ARE ambassadors of our country/state when we fly.Thanks, James, for your comments and service. If we ALL followed the Golden Rule we would have no problems. One of the worst examples of pax disregard for others...a friend flying from Munich to Atlanta had the passenger sitting next to her prop her barefeet right by my friends food tray (for the entire flight). ICK!

Posted By Anne B on October 30, 2008, 8:31 PM

I, too, travel fairly frequently for general and on military orders, so I will not revisit the many previous complaints with which I concur. I do have one complaint not previously mentioned - and this drives me crazy on any type of public transport: "overflow" noise from people's iPod- type music players. I can't imagine how loud it must be in their ears, since others can hear it a distance away. If this is you, Turn It Down!!! for my sake, if not for your own hearing preservation and ability to hear safety announcements.
Thoughts for the overhead bin use: 1) at boarding time keep them all closed and move forward opening them for bags only as those announced rows are filling. 2) give them numbers to go with the seat: if I'm not using my spot I'd have to be asked if someone else wanted to use it.

Posted By joanne on October 30, 2008, 10:36 PM

I too fly frequently on late night flights-11:00 PM departure (all that is available) from HI to NM. I consider myself to be a good pax, never reclining my seat, trying to stay in my 'window' seat, even if I feel I have to go to the bathroom, until one of the 2 passengers next to me makes a move to the bathroom, keep to myself, converse in a low normal tone if spoken to, specially when others are trying to sleep, keeping shade down for in-flight movies or for early morn landing and keeping overhead light off. One complaint I did not see mentioned was those people who can't sleep on airplanes so they won't let others sleep that 6-8 hr flight to destination. I usually sit at the back of the plane. In back of me was a woman who talked blaringly non-stop to a companion, in spite of the piercing/glaring glances I shot back at her. She spoke so loudly of her travels and her DFW experiences the whole entire trip. I was going to report her to the FA, but noticed that the FA was kneeling next to her in the aisle also participating heavily in this rude, shouting match. By the time we arrived at my destination, I was ready to shoot someone, I HESITATED at the front of the plane to report this behavior to the pilot and the two FAs standing there.... but instead mumbled a grateful THANK YOU because I thought that maybe I was being OVERLY SENSITIVE. But after thinking it over in the peace and quiet of my home, NOooooo, I realized that this inconsiderate bag of trash (actually the 3 of them) should have been slapped and thrown off that plane!

Posted By S on October 31, 2008, 2:07 AM

irritated traveler wrote:
"Not everyone who flies these days - even those with pets, carry on luggage, flip flops, children - are a bad as many have portrayed here. Here is the deal: if you don't like being in a confined space with any of the above, flying is not for you. I do agree with many people here that service in the airline industry is at an all time low. I pay a lot to fly and considering that, is it too much to get a smile with the bag of peanuts (which I am probably paying for anyhow?) And to the F/As out there - if your job is so bad and you have to deal with all these terrible people & situations, why don't you get a desk job where you can have a bad attitude all day and no one cares?"

Well, "irritated traveler," I don't have anything like a "bad attitude."
I question your statement: "I pay a lot to fly." If you're flying for leisure purposes, in coach, you aren't paying for the gas, period. Haven't been for a long time. Your travel (and the execs' bonuses, to be fair) is subsidized by the business travelers, shareholders, and employee pay/benefit cuts. You say that not everyone flying these days is as bad as all that. No, in many cases, they're WORSE. Your statement PERSONIFIES the problem. You say that if people don't like being in a confined space with people exhibiting all of this bad behavior, that flying just "isn't for you." I, and others, say: If you can't behave any better than this, flying isn't for YOU.

Yes, I've been called an elitist. I don't have a problem with that. I don't think flying should be restricted to the rich; far from it. I think, sometimes, it ought to be limited to the well-behaved.

Posted By toni vitanza on October 31, 2008, 8:34 AM

It does come down to manners and treating others as you want to be treated.
I'm astounded at how nasty people are to each other, and I always try to be nice to someone, even if at first they are being ugly to me. Can't tell you how many times I've watched that person's attitude (towards me, anyway) change after I just simply smile, say please and thanks, and treat them with respect.
I just flew to London a few weeks ago, and both of the flight attendants I dealt with most of the flight told me to thank my parents for bringing me up with such nice manners. So, thanks Mom and Dad.
And I'm sure Toni can't say it enough...safety is huge, folks. I'm amazed at the people who take off their shoes immediately upon sitting down. I don't want to run through glass and bits of burning plane in bare feet or heels. You can put on your slipper socks later, but wait until the plane has taken off!
Of course, maybe Darwin is trying to help us out, so for some people, just go ahead and do what you want, I'll be the one escaping alive because I PAID ATTENTION to the safety demo, no matter how many times I saw it.

Posted By Michele on October 31, 2008, 11:35 AM

I have always said that passengers should have to take an etiquette class on air travel before boarding. I believe that there should be separate flights for families and travel for business and leisure by experienced fliers on separate flights. There should be pet only flights. This is my dream...I am under no illusion that any of it will ever become true.

Posted By Jan on November 1, 2008, 2:41 PM

It IS unfortunate that some flight attendants (and MANY passengers) are rude, but the bottom line is that nice or not, certain rules need be to enforced on airplanes. All of the things that Toni mentioned regarding carry-on bags needing to be placed under seats, animals remaining in kennels and exit rows remaining clear are for YOUR safety, not just to annoy and nag you. These are all covered under FAA regulations and both the flight attendants and airlines can be fined for not enforcing them. And to the person who thinks flip flops are the best thing to travel in, just one emergency evacuation from an airplane may change your mind...

Posted By GV on November 1, 2008, 5:50 PM

Wow! I just spend almost 2 hours reading all of these comments...fascinating. No more putting my foot through my purse strap (never wrapped it), I guess. I only did it on l-o-n-g flight because I was worried about someone taking my purse and theft.

I do have a question though...selfish as it may be. Is there any way a coach pax can make a nice enough impression to be moved to 1st class if space is available? I'm guessing it does no good to ask.

Posted By KS on November 2, 2008, 4:56 AM

"Sadly airlines are losing money, but gratefully that might make pax have to pay more for tix. Maybe this might eliminate some of the beyond rude behavior and dressing like you are sleeping instead of flying in public!! You don't have to be uncomfortable to dress nicely, just purchase the correct size." from Gail, Oct. 27th

I must admit I do wear sweatpants and flip-flops on red-eyes. Something about sleeping in dress clothes or nice jeans that just doesn't hit a comfort level on a 6 hour flight from Seattle to JFK. I completely understand the no tank tops and dressing appropriately on an international or day domestic flight (day starting at 6am) - but please cut a little slack for the late nighters trying to catch some zzz's. I am covered from head to toe - but will definitely consider clogs or velcro for the future. Especially knowing it's ticking off my flight attendants. And just FYI - even the rude, sloppy people of the world have money...please don't wish to ruin it for the rest of us b/c of the way we dress. I'm polite, work hard, and fly back east as much as I possibly can afford to see my family...and I fly at the last possible flight so I can try to avoid jet-lag.

Now, as for the over-packers of the travel world - the ones who bring 3 carry-ons and shove them all in to the overhead bin with your jackets, laptops, and shopping bags from the gift store with not much thought to the others in your row - may I suggest a class in packing. I've learned to pack so that if I do have 2 carry-ons, they're both soft shell and squish nicely together on top of each other to maximize the space given. Or, dare I say it, I'll put the darn back pack under my seat! You can check your luggage, you know. You may not get it back right away - but eventually the airline comes and drops it off.

I have much respect and appreciation for the flight attendants of the world. I have seen some awful things and with what they put up with, they should be nominated for sainthood.

Posted By KMS82 on November 3, 2008, 7:03 PM

You rock Toni! I've been a travel consultant for 27 years and am amazed at the parents of babies and young children that haven't done their homework. Babies are much more comfortable when nursing or being bottle fed on ascents and descents. Toddlers. Can you imagine strapping your kid in a high chair for 3 plus hours with nothing to do and nothing to eat. I recently flew with two young boys (thankfully) a few rows behind me. Those kids whined and whacked at each other the entire flight. Halfway through the young mother said "I didn't know there wouldn't be any food!"
I love kids, have 2 of my own who have been traveling since their beginning. I've had people say to me after a flight "I didn't know there was a baby/children on the flight." Take some quiet, new, toys. Take a few books to read to them. Snacks. No bran muffins! And above all teach them that it is NOT ok to kick the chair in front of them!

Posted By Vicky on November 4, 2008, 7:43 PM

Oh, and...BRING YOUR CAR SAFETY SEAT. It is fine to let them suck on a pacifier or bottle on takeoff and landing...IN A SAFETY SEAT. That is the MOST important time for them to be SECURED...and I don't mean in your arms or on your lap!!!

Posted By toni vitanza on November 5, 2008, 11:41 AM

I believe that the flight attendant had cause for sounding off.

But, what about the attitude of flight attendants.

"Many are a pleasure to deal with" But, at times there are some who are just out-right rude and take advantage of the fact that as a passenger you can not open your mouth. (Or they’ll call the air marshals even when you are more than polite)

On a number of flights. Especially during holiday periods. (Case and point flight to Vegas last Xmas and the return on New Years Eve.) A good portion of the cabin flight crew was not happy about working. And made their attitude very evident both by how they treated passengers and the level of service provided.

Maybe, there are times they should look in the mirror!

Posted By Norman Wroblewski on November 6, 2008, 1:00 PM

It seems to me that a lot of the 'dress' issue isn't dress at all, but cleanliness. I've seen statements that a pax will 'assume' another passenger is 'unclean' because of appearance. I've been traveling now for over 35 years. In fact, I'm writing this from Russia now with a return flight next week. I'm a business man. Shower and shave every day and wear deoderant, but you can bet your tail that I'm going to dress just as comfortably as I possibly can for my 23 hours of flight time. Why? Because I can. Because it's exhausting. I have a horrible back problem and I want to be comfortable. Does this mean a tanktop? Sometimes if it's hot. I do agree that socks and decent shoes should always be worn because flipflops are not only dangerous, but stupid on a plane. But don't assume someone is dirty just because they're wearing something comfortable. Ambassadors for your country? Please. I'm a passenger trying to get home. Nothing more. Nothing less. Someone doesn't like that, I don't care. I pay $4K for a first class or business seat, I'm going to be comfortable. Does NOT give me the right to be rude, but I've encountered more rude airline employees than passengers logging over 4 Million Miles. And it's gotten a lot worse. Especially with certain companies. One in particular starts with DE...and I'll never, ever fly that airline again as a result. Something to consider...

Posted By James on November 6, 2008, 2:09 PM

If weight is such a consideration, then perhaps Northwest Airlines should put their flight attendants on a diet. The crew on their Seattle/Minneapolis route are huge!

Re Manners: I missed a connecting flight and there were no connecting flights with first class availability for two days. So I had to fly economy. What an eye opener! I felt like I was in a cattle car. What's the motivation to dress nice or behave well when one is treated like a peasant? Complain all you want about those flip-flops and smelly feet, but the airline contributes by creating low-class conditions.

I fly first class. Not everyone wears a suit. I dress well. The problem I have is during boarding. Many times gate agents have assumed that I am not a first class passenger - no matter that I am well groomed, carry a fine leather laptop bag as well as one my favorite red Valentino handbags. I wonder if this flight attendant is as critical of the attitudes of her industry, co-workers and peers.

Posted By Jade on November 6, 2008, 2:26 PM

Regarding the "large" sized flyers: I have heard of several cases where plus size passengers purchased 2 tickets, but the airline chose to seat stand-by passengers there.
Just last month I flew with my son across the US as he was starting college. It was cheaper to purchase 2 round trip tix than 1 round and 1 one-way. Shouldn't I have had 2 seats to spread out in on the way home??? I purchase both seats, and the "credit" for an unused ticket is next to nothing. I would have been happy to turn in the ticket and had 2 seats. OR the airline could have reimbursed me when they sold that seat to the next guy in line. I asked if I was eligible for any incentive and was told "NO", but yet, I didn't have the option of keeping that 2nd seat vacant.

Posted By Karen Moore on November 6, 2008, 3:51 PM

I am from India and am in the US for 4 months.I have made a few flights within the US and I think i agree with some of the comments of the F/A.Especially someone putting their ooversize baggage over your seat and the dresss.I fly regularly in India in full service airlines and I think the F/As there are more attentive than here.On the other hand most of the fellow passenger here in the US were more friendly despie the provocative dress of some of them

Posted By P.B.Krishnamurthy on November 7, 2008, 2:36 PM

The last several times I've flown, I've been unable to find a place for my one regulation carry-on case above my seat or anywhere near my seat. At times this has happened when the plane was only half loaded. I'm assuming that the reason for this is that passengers aren't following the airline guidelines for carry-on luggage. If this is the case, why is it that the attendant doesn't monitor compliance of airline regulations with regard to size and number of bags? Typically, the attendant stands there and watches me (along with everybody else) struggle to find room somewhere on the plane while the line of passengers trying to get on the plane backs up behind me. My experiences has been so humiliating. Airlines....please do something to resolve this problem!

Posted By Maryanne on November 10, 2008, 2:26 PM

How about this for an annoyance... I once spent 5.5 hours on a flight from the west to east coast with a baby kicking me the whole way, because the mother wouldn't hold her properly and she hung over my seat about 8 inches. Oh, and I especially enjoyed the part where she breast fed her, out in the open, without a bra, sweatshirt up and over, for more than half of the flight.

Posted By Taylor on November 10, 2008, 10:22 PM

I think Americans as a whole have become way too unaware that to dress decently in public /including air travel/rail travel and other occasions is a sign of being an adult--we live in a world where no one seems to want the status of full fledged adult--continue to dress like a kid and you can be one forever!. Dressing neatly/modestly is a respectful way of being in public where others all have to share common space and facilities. What is suitable attire to sit on the couch watching TV is not always sutiable for public wear. It has always seemed odd to me to see 40 yr olds dressed in full basketball regalia/NASCAr outfits etc--I've always wanted to be a ballerina ,but stopped playing dress up when I was 5-6 yrs old. Ladies in windsuits (why not just wear your pjs) and guys in sleeveless shirts-- your hairy underarms are best left covered.-- What ever happened to dressing decently? Not expensively, but neatly, cleanly and with a modicum of modesty. Please, leave the perfume at home. People with medical problems--asthma, allergies migraine, epilepsy,etc can be made sick by being in enforced enclosed space with a person who is wearing perfume. Dressing appropriately,behaving appropriately, buying a seat for an infant/small child sitting on a lap so they do not become a potential projectile in case of a flight/train emergency, plus these "2 for ones" take more than a coach seat in terms of real space and invariably encroach on another's small amt of space-- a 1-2 yr old in a lap is like a whirling dervish squirming and uncomfortable--they always seems to be flailing around into my small amt of coach space I paid for if I am forced to sit next to this type of flier (not to mention the child's safety--bring the car seat and check it, but hold the baby in your lap on the plane--where is the logic in that?--If you can't afford a 2nd seat, maybe it is not a good time for you to be traveling economically-speaking)--if you are too big for one seat - instead of spilling over into my space buy the extra space you take up--exit rows are not made for the obese or long of leg--they are there to get out quickly in case of emergency.

Being cognizant of others and doing right by others are outward signs that we are not alone in the world. and shows we that have respect not only for ourselves , but for others and are able to behave with civility and decency twd each other. If you look disheveled and act rude towards others, it is hard on everyone. Appearance and first impressions, and paying your way fully do count. There is really no "free lunch"--someone pays when you don't and our species is neurologically wired to consider first impressions as a mattter of personal safety and security. Ehtics aside and if you consider no one but yourself--for your own sake, being better dressed, treating others with respect etc will make your own life and journey easier.

Posted By kathryn hamilton on November 11, 2008, 12:48 AM

I just wonder whether this is totally genuine - I have never, for instance, ever seen an animal carried in a pet carrier on an aircraft. Where are they put? - In the luggage rack, or on their owners' laps? Flying in America is a pretty vile experience, not least because the aircraft are often very old and have broken fittings - but dogs crapping in the aisle is one thing I've missed so far. And in Europe, if you take a mutt, he goes in the hold - if the airline carries beasts at all, apart from its human ones. And as for all this nonsense about tank tops and putting your feel on the bulkhead wall - fooey!

Posted By ian chandler on November 11, 2008, 9:27 PM

Couldn't agree more with the disrespectful masses... I do have a big beef, though. As a frequent transatlantic flier, the UA 747 only has one changing station and almost 300 passengers. With a young baby, I have had to change her in my lap and or seat b/c the line was so long. I use a disposable changing pad and send my DH to dispose of the diaper. Lysol wipes are great for sanitizing, too. I would never and will never ask anyone else to clean that up.
BTW, you can dress comfortably without looking like a slob!

Posted By js on November 13, 2008, 2:05 PM

My experience in having flown to 6 of the 7 Continents over the past 30 years is that most Airport and Airline workers do a great job. But just like the rest of the world, there are all different sorts of people, in different moods, or maybe at the end of their 14 hour day. People who board an commercial aircraft need to read the fine print on their tickets. In addition, the FAA needs to PRINT and DISTRIBUTE the RULES. And the F/A's need to have this info to distribute and highlight in yellow when a passenger is violating and inform them that they can be charged with a crime. My 15 and 12 year old children fly back and forth between my ex-wife and I - 2 times a month. These children are polite, dress the part, and show respect to all people from the TSA to the F/A's. Be aware of what you say anywhere in the airport -- as I once witnessed a 65 year old woman arrested and charged with a $25K fine for jokingly saying she had a bomb in her bag.
Armed Forces are right. If you have ever seen what jet fuel can do to you, you will cover up and not wear synthetic fabrics (they attach to your skin when burning). Lastly, air travel is the fastest and safest way to travel. If you can not respect the people transporting you drive instead. Peace...Out

Posted By DC on November 14, 2008, 3:23 PM

First, I would like to say I've only had good experiences with flight attendants. And here are some thoughts I've had while reading the material above.

Whether the F/A is nice or nasty is in the eye of the beholder. On one trip, my companion thought the attendants treated us badly, but I couldn't find any fault. (But we did agree on the children behind us kicking the seats, and the well behaved children in the row ahead of us.)

Those of you who wear skimpy clothes (short shorts/skirts, tank tops) haven't considered the other people's skin or children's mouths that have already contacted the seats you rub. Do you want a skin infection?

Bloated while flying, work on what you eat/drink before and during your flight. Buy some Gaviscon.

Upset by mothers with crying children, speak up. My sister and I travel with numerous snack packs. These mothers are usually happy to try them for their hungry children.

And for the mothers who take children, remember that ascent and descent are painful for most people, let alone children who are congested. Children's or Baby Benedryl helps the problem and helps sedate the anxious child. (My sister and I take chewing gum to offer for those old enough to use it.)

Nursing mothers should be applauded, but they should learn to dress for discreet nursing. (I saw a mother nursing, but couldn't even tell until the baby was moved from under the dress fold.)

On removal of bra under blanket for trip. I hope nobody else started with or will end up with your blanket if it had to be against your skin. A properly fitted bra should not cut into you while you are sitting, not even for a long flight.

Those who worry about swollen feet and blood clots. Buy therapeutic elastic stockings and wear properly fitting shoes, and don't remove them during the trip. Drink extra water. Try to get the isle seat and walk every hour. Yes, fidgit in your seat. If you have to sit inside, explain your problem to the aisle-sitter. He/she may decide to switch places with you. (If not, he can endure your stepovers.) Using the bulkhead to raise the feet is not an alternative for frequent walking. (And, as someone else has noted, is a way to get more skin infections.) Further, good well secured slip-resistant shoes are a safety issue (no spikes or backless shoes for women, even the well-dressed.)

JS. How many of those 200 pax were babies? Changing your baby on the seatback tray is like using your kitchen table for this while you have guests sitting there. Or maybe like serving dinner on the toilet. Fecal microbes abound, even after you wipe your tray.

Posted By Will on November 16, 2008, 4:21 PM

Jane,

You would care if you were the one serving and picking up after these individuals. I'm sure she is concerned with the fact that the more the body is exposed, the closer she is to smelling that body's odor.

Posted By Joe on November 18, 2008, 11:07 PM

This was very entertaining at first, but it became a repeated gripe session finally. However, if you think airline travel is full of rudeness, imagine what riding a Greyhound bus is without any flight attendants? All of the above comments are multiplied by ten on buses where there are no rules or regulations at all regarding dress, behavior, rudeness, especially talking on cell phones loudly, and all kinds of other problems with baggage in overhead bins, on the floor, and bad body odor, foul language, etc.etc.etc.

Again, my experience in air travel has always been a good one so it just shows that times are changing. Airplanes are only buses flying through the air anyway...Thank you all for your patience in helping the seniors, the invalids, and the children who have to travel such long hauls.

Posted By janet fauble on November 20, 2008, 1:00 AM

Flight attendants do have a tough job...however
the flight attendants today are different than
they used to be (I suppose due to the lowered
pay scale).

I recently sat next to a flight attendant on the
train leaving the Minneapolis airport. IN UNIFORM
she called her mother to tell her HOW TERRIFIED
SHE WAS ON HER LAST FLIGHT AND SHE THOUGHT THE
PLANE WAS GOING DOWN! Swear to God. Everyone
turned and looked at her...what an idiot. What
kind of training do these kids get nowadays.
Not very comforting, huh?

Posted By pattyk on November 20, 2008, 12:12 PM

Wow, so much animosity here. I am not a frequent flier but fly about once or twice a year and also have noticed the decline in people skills in both the passengers and airline employees.
I recently, for the first time, flew to Italy and the differences in the attitudes of passengers and airport staff was glaringly apparent to me. Mostly because I was alone, had never been to SEATAC or thru customs anywhere, spoke no Italian at all, and was completely dependent on the help of others, IE: Airport staff. In the U.S. people were rude and treated me & my questions with disdain and a minimum, if any, help or tolerance. IE: where do I go to catch my connecting flight ect. In Europe the personnel were very respectful, thoughtful and eager to help me. In US they were mostly just rude.
I noticed also the majority of American passengers were dressed for yard work or sunbathing! I felt embarrassed for them and for my country. So many of them were also just so selfish, & inconsiderate to others on the flights.
Most especially at airports in Europe it was glaringly noticeable who the Americans were. They were usually the loud, abrasive, unkempt, rude, and offensive people. Dressed sloppily, pushy, both verbally and physically, disrespectful of themselves as well as others. Not all Americans mind you but the majority. Anyway it was a real eye opener for me.
The FA's on American flights I had were kind, pleasant and thoughtful to me on the whole.
I will say though the FAs on the European lines seemed to enjoy their jobs much more so than American ones. They actually just chatted with us & the like. Didn't seem like it was just a job to them..do what I have to kind of thing.
It seems to me we travelers, the coach folk, are paying more for so much less today. I don't mean less food or the like either. I mean common courtesy. Airline staff in the airports and even on the phone (if you can actually get a real person to talk to)do not treat us with any kind of respect or consideration. If we don't know how something is done or goes they treat us like we are so very stupid. That angers me. If we are unable to afford to fly monthly or even a few times a year, of course we don't know how it works! That's why we ask. You treat us like we are beneath you in intelligence for even asking.
Shame on you.
From my experience on this overseas trip I learned that if you don't know how, why, where or what you are to do, go or whatever, be ready to be treated poorly by American airport staff when you ask for help.
I am 64 years old by the way and have sadly watched the decline in my country of common courtesy and kindness over the years. It isn't completely gone but the lack of it is sure evident.
Patti

Posted By Patti W. on November 24, 2008, 2:49 PM

I'm planning on becoming a flight attendant (in spite of having read this blog!), and I have to agree with many people, including F/A's that society is rude. I also agree that there's a pretty good chance that you're going to run into an F/A who's rude, or unfriendly... but that individual has been putting up with rude, ignorant pax for X number of hours, days or years. If you spent your days dealing with people who are unmannerly, filthy and otherwise useless, you probably wouldn't be too friendly either.
I do agree with Patti, however, in that it can be very difficult to receive any type of assistance in Airports (ie. where to catch that connecting flight), but I try to let it roll off my back. After events like 9/11, I can hardly blame any airline employees for not jumping to immediately help you. They have many lives in their hands...

Posted By Ashlie on December 3, 2008, 9:26 AM

On a flight from Houston to Dallas a family yelled at the airline employees about the fact that they needed TWO window seats so their children could both sit by one.

Unless they had 2 special needs children who absolutely need to be cornered or feel like they have space (due to the window, I cannot see how they could have expected the airlines to shift other people around to accomodate their spoiled kids.

I have seen a child wet the seat only 10 minutes after going to the bathroom, and almost did it again later. If your child has a bladder problem then they need to wear pull ups for flights.

I may be getting a service animal so I can live independantly, but he will be groomed well before the flight, and may wear a shirt to help prevent his dander and hair from reaching allergic people. I may also ask someone sitting near a short child to switch seats with me so my dog can fit in front of me and the child, if that is okay with the parent (it usually will be since it will keep their children occupied).

I do not agree with taking pets out of their cages. It would be best if those animals were not in the passenger area. People have allergies. Most pet owners do not take the precautions necessary to help prevent allergies. A service animal is the exception, and is typically well groomed.

Posted By Cynthia on December 12, 2008, 4:37 PM

Kudos to Toni. Thanks for the great service you perform! The snootiest F/A's are on British Airways. They treat economy PAX like cattle. The worst airline for overweight luggage is Air France who charge a small fortune per kilo for overweight luggage. The scariest was F/A on Iberia A/L who kept crossing himself during turbulence. What a pleasure to fly in the US - drunken behavior is less and airline staff far more courteous and helpful than elsewhere. You are a professional and your comments are valid and appreciated.

Posted By Valerie H on January 9, 2009, 3:20 AM

"Regarding the "large" sized flyers: I have heard of several cases where plus size passengers purchased 2 tickets, but the airline chose to seat stand-by passengers there.
Just last month I flew with my son across the US as he was starting college. It was cheaper to purchase 2 round trip tix than 1 round and 1 one-way. Shouldn't I have had 2 seats to spread out in on the way home??? I purchase both seats, and the "credit" for an unused ticket is next to nothing. I would have been happy to turn in the ticket and had 2 seats. OR the airline could have reimbursed me when they sold that seat to the next guy in line. I asked if I was eligible for any incentive and was told "NO", but yet, I didn't have the option of keeping that 2nd seat vacant."

It is not fair to you for airlines to block out the extra seat that you paid for by putting another passenger in it. I do not understand how an airline can sell the same seat twice. To me, it is the same as larceny, i.e. stealing from you. If you paid for something, and someone else takes it, is it not a crime? Perhaps I'm misinformed.

Posted By Perry on January 29, 2009, 9:18 AM

I would be more than happy for airlines to charge a bit extra for seats if they actually respected the seating that was payed for. But like others have said in previous posts, too often they don't. I have actually purchased an extra seat on more than one occasion, only to find out that my extra seat was "given" to someone who was originally bumped from the flight or to an airline employee. Why should I pay twice what other's pay, for a second seat that isn't mine anymore than someone should pay for one seat that isn't there's. And when I've tried to get a refund, they refuse. These are not companies that I will ever do business with again.
It's sad when it's actually more economical and comfortable for a large size person to go Greyhound or take Amtrak than one of the major airlines in the United States but unfortunately it's what this greed obsessed country has come to. Next time I'm going to save the extra cost of a second seat and instead just go Greyhound.

Posted By Angela on May 16, 2009, 6:41 AM

As a flight attendant I must say that we do have very difficut jobs indeed and it can wear on the old patience. I have also encountered my share of rude flight attendants. I believe that the taveling public has created these dreadful creatures. As a traveler keep in mind that the flight attendant has to make sure that FARS are followed. When he/she requests that you stow your bag, take your seat, fasten your seat belt turn OFF (not in airplane mode) your elctronic device, your child age 2 or above must occupy their seat NOT your lap, if you do not meet the requirements of exit row seating (including requirment of seat belt extender) you will be reseated ; compliance is expected IMMEDIATELY not "in a minute" or "I am doing it" (when obviously you are not doing it or the FA would not be making the request.) Compliance is not when you get good and damn ready it is when the announcements are made. The FA should not have to personally tell you ANYTHING regarding these FARS even ONCE. Us hardworking cabin crew members have a tough job to do under tight time contraints. We DO NOT have the time to request that you folks comply with our instructions repeatedly. Time and time again when passengers are not following the rules and the FA has to enforce those rules on the passenger the flight attendent is accused of being rude. The PASSENGER not following crewmember instructions are the ones practicing rude behavior to the FA's and to all the other passengers on board the aircraft by unecessarily depleteing the FA's time and energy on his/her lack of compliance.

Posted By Lori on June 23, 2009, 5:59 PM

A lot of the problems listed above could be avoided if airfares reflected the actual cost of running a flight, and if passengers still paid with real money instead of frequent flier points racked up by charging up a credit card for gas and groceries.

Flipflops on a plane ARE a patently bad idea. If you need to evacuate in a hurry, you'll the cabin floor burning up in a fire. And, your feet DO stink. Enclose enough bare feet in a pressurized space for a few hours, and you you'll end up with a very strange smelling cabin.

Dressing comfortably but nicely goes a long way towards contributing to a more comfortable and maybe enjoyable flying experience. When we dress nicely for any public event we treat each other with greater civility, and we do this unconsciously without even realizing it. There's a reason why gang fights don't break out in high school proms. Dress nicely and appropriately for a flight and good manners and civility break out uncontrollably from the nose of the airplane to the tail.

Lastly, I don't know how families with young children do it. Since almost anyone with a valid ATM card and a pulse can fly, more families than ever are flying. Long gone are the days when airline personnel and flight attendants gave mothers with infants every attention. Limited resources and the downmarket nature of air travel don't make that possible anymore.

So the next time you fly, pay with real money, leave your pets at home, dress nicely and do the best you can with your children, and maybe, just maybe, the whole ordeal might be made that much more bearable.

Posted By avesragggiana on November 28, 2009, 9:27 AM

Gee ... aaaah... too bad.
Most airlines nowadays .... at least American and United are "owned" by their employees, so if you don't like people bringing on all the carry on luggage they can squeeze into the overheads and you don't like us bringing on food then revise your damn policies and start allowing two free checked bags again and start feeding us.
Quit being so greedy and penny pinching and stop complaining or get another job. You brought this on yourselves so stop whining

Posted By David on March 26, 2010, 2:13 PM

Airline employees are the problem....they have no respect for the customer...its disgusting how pax are treated...i am also a 15 year airline pilot....we owe our customers an apology and we must change our attitude!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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You know, everytime I fly I dress well (collared shirt and good slacks). I might wear white sox with black shoes, but I go through Security without hassles and that, coupled with smiles and pleases and thank-yous to the airline staff, makes for an enjoyable trip. I hate to fly; I hate sitting on an airplane for long periods of time. So if I don't like it, I can imagine that attendants can get tired of it, and especially all the butt-heads out there. I have "spoken with" passengers that argue with airline personnel - #17 brings to mind an identical situation where I told the guy to quit harassing the gate attendant. If someone wants to wear funky clothing that's fine, but if they aren't clean and they smell, I'll let them know.

It's enough of a pain to fly with all the Security stuff (which changes every 6 months or so) that the goal is to make it easier for me. Being polite and following the right social cues makes for lower stress traveling.

Posted By Georeg on March 31, 2011, 1:52 PM

I turned around and looked at 3 women thst where having a loud conversation ....they got the hint and piped down. that was a relief. I am surptisied no one just poltiely asks someone to stop kicking or doing whatever it is that is not acceptable
I got to the gate and walked to the sign with the gate number I was supposed to be at an emplyee told me I was in the wrong place I pointed out that they neeed to move the sign which did not happen. i had set down my coffee to get turned around and 3 FA swoop by knocking over my coffee saying 'oh was that yours I did not say a thing & did not pick it up either

Posted By Laurel on April 5, 2011, 12:20 AM

This is an overhead compartment/selfish Pax event which I found amusing:

While waiting to board a Minneapolis to Cincinnati regional flight, a middle aged man and woman approached the check-in counter in hopes of exchanging their rear-of-plane seats to be able to exit the plane faster. The man told his wife to agree with everything he was to tell the airline staff. When the check-in person arrived, the man mentioned that his wife had recent back surgery and requested bulkhead seats, which they were awarded.

My wife and I were in row six and could clearly see the same man and woman in row one across the aisle. The FA informed them that they needed to stow their carry-on bag into an overhead compartment. The man remain seated while his wife (the one with the bad back, mind you...) lifted the carry-on bag searching for an overhead compartment with enough space. She was able to put the bag into the compartment behind us in row seven.

As predicted, when the plane landed and everyone stood up in line to exit, the man and his supposedly afflicted wife could not get back to row seven to retrieve their carry-on bag! How ironic when the plan was to concoct a false back injury story to be able to exit the plane first, but instead have to wait until everyone else exited.

I found it humorous as we exited to see the man fuming and admonishing his wife for putting the carry-on bag seven rows back.

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Posted By lmt forex formula on April 12, 2011, 8:46 AM

I found the attitude of all the airline employees in this comments section disgusting. Being a US citizen that lives overseas, I travel often (not millions of miles). I find other people's dress unflattering, but it doesn't personally bother me. I dress nicely, but I have never been treated better or worse than others. I travel with my dog (in fact he traveled to 10 countries last year). He is always fine and most people don't know he is there. He is "hypoallergenic" and quiet. The reason he doesn't travel in the hold is that many airlines have killed pets while they sat in the tarmac in the sun, were lost for too long without food, or have subjected to extreme cold. I live in Italy where my dog goes with me everywhere: to the market, to restaurants, to hotels, into shops, and on the train. I find American attitudes uptight and rigid when it comes to others and they rarely look in the mirror. After living in Asia and Europe for years, I found that courtesy begins with you and not with finger-pointing. Also, to Toni, I was told years ago never to wear pantyhose on a flight in case of fire: the hose will melt to your legs.

Posted By Erika on April 15, 2011, 1:38 AM

I like the way this person is talking about passenger size and doo-rags. If her plane ever goes down, I hope a pile of these oversized passengers fall on top of her like human rubble. I like how doo-rags are offensive. Was the PERSON offensive or the doo-rag? How are doo-rags little to no clothing? Was the person wearing the doo-rag flying commando??? Maybe Toni should cover her big Texas hair (since we're in a stereotyping mood) with a doo-rag the next time she flies. By her listed examples, I would guess that Toni is the color of this background and is obviously a model. (Yeah, right...!) If I'm ever on her flight, her thighs better not be of the thunder variety--and she better not hit my arms with them every single time she passes by me. I've had a lot of beefy stewardesses since Toni brings up size.

I'm a child of the 70's. Back in the day, stewardesses (not "flight attendants," which is like secretaries calling themselves executive assistants or administrative assistants) were models. I remember the height requirement, which wasn't a height restriction referring to the ceiling of the cabin. Airlines wanted relatively tall girls. I remember one ad that stated girls had to be 5'7" with a model physique. NOT anymore...

Posted By VinDC on April 16, 2011, 5:43 AM

So its alright for passengers to spout off by dressing as they wish, but a stewardess must remain silent? It only makes sense that a pig would whine while decency is silenced.
The punk can wear his cutesy basketball outfit, but most of these kids at least have enough sense to shower.

Posted By Warren Pugh on September 12, 2011, 12:54 PM

So its alright for passengers to spout off by dressing as they wish, but a stewardess must remain silent? It only makes sense that a pig would whine while decency is silenced.
The punk can wear his cutesy basketball outfit, but most of these kids at least have enough sense to shower.

Posted By Warren Pugh on September 12, 2011, 12:55 PM

Has it occurred to anybody that airlines are PRIVATE companies and they can make whatever rules they wish. If they kick you off because you are wearing something indecent then so be it. Quit your whining!!!

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