We love respectful and thoughtful passengers! While some may be more difficult to deal with, we also acknowledge those who communicate, show politeness, and know how to act properly inflight. As flight attendants, we understand how eager you are to reach your destination, which is why we do everything we can to ensure your safety, make your flight comfortable, and keep everything under control. If there are any flight delays or unexpected cancelations, please don’t blame these unfortunate circumstances on us. Despite any delay, we do not tolerate disrespect or bad travel etiquette.

Let’s talk about passenger red flags you should not imitate and green flags to emulate and appreciate! Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts.

5 Passenger Red Flags that Drive Us Crazy

“I know my seat”

Okay? Just show us your boarding pass so we can make sure that you’re on the right flight. Honestly, cooperating with your flight attendants is the best thing you can do; it’s unthinkable that some passengers choose not to cooperate! Another experience we had is a passenger thinking that Seat F is an aisle seat. Ma’am, there is a pictogram above you that shows otherwise. Please double check the seats before booking your flight!

Ignoring the crew’s greetings

We don’t understand people who don’t come out of their moment to pay attention to what is happening around them. Pause what you’re doing, stop scrolling, and greet your gate agents and flight attendants as you board the plane. It won’t disrupt anything you’re doing at the moment.

Being loud and rowdy onboard

It’s okay to have fun! But, a loud and rowdy group of adults disrupting the peace in the plane by drinking and laughing out loud are a big red flag for us. Honestly, we love that your group is having fun, but please be mindful of your actions and act accordingly. At least, be good role models to the children onboard with you. We can’t be your mom inflight.

Handing us trash as soon as they board

Do we look like garbage bins? You can’t just hand us your empty coffee cups or food wrappers as soon as you board and expect us to get it. Use your words, say “Please” and “Thank you” before anything else. We’re saying it again, it costs nothing to be kind and polite to other people!

People who complain about anything

Starting off with a negative energy is a no no for us. We would love to assist in whatever ails you, but don’t project all your anger and frustrations on us!

Green Flags That Make Us Love You More (We Wish Passengers Would Do These More!)

Being gracious during delays

We don’t love any flight delays any more than you do, so we really appreciate passengers who understand this and don’t blame us for things out of our control (trust us, flight attendants don’t cause the delays!). We’re all in this together, and it’s our absolute pleasure to take care of you during these unfortunate situations.

Clearly communicating with us

Some passengers seem to forget their manners the second they step onboard! Every now and then, we have to gently remind people to vocalize their needs instead of just holding up a soda can and expecting us to know what they want. It is simple to be polite and clear with what you want.

Taking headphones off when taking meal orders

Taking your headphones off is literally a love language for us! When we walk up to a passenger and see them take off their headphones or look in our direction, we feel seen and respected. Taking a pause and being aware of your surroundings is a MASSIVE green flag for passengers, because it shows they care not only about their safety, but about the people around them.

Organizing your trash neatly

This is another gold star for our beloved green flag passengers. It’s always nice to see passengers making an effort to clean up their area and be mindful of their wrappers and cups. If your flight attendant is coming down the aisle with a trash bag, that’s the best time to hand over your trash.

Patient passengers

Deplaning can be chaotic when some passengers stand up, block the aisle and inconvenience others. This is why we love respectful passengers who sit tight and wait for further instructions. Ladies and gentlemen, we only exit through one door, so there is absolutely zero chance of you getting left behind.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—the red and green flags that can make us lose our minds or warm our hearts. To us, a green flag passenger is someone who is considerate and understands that everyone onboard (including the flight crew) has places to be next, events to attend, thoughts to process, and stress to deal with. By being that sweet and responsible green flag passenger, you don’t just make our job easier—you make flying a more fun and memorable experience for everyone around you.