iStockphoto
Being a flight attendant means long hours on one’s feet, irregular schedules, challenging passengers, and jet lag. Needless to say, the job can be both physically and mentally draining. Improper passenger etiquette can make a stressful job all the more stressful. And sometimes, passengers aren’t even aware they are engaging in behaviors that irritate their flight attendant. That’s why a New Jersey-based flight attendant curated a list of passenger behaviors flight attendants “hate.” However, not everyone was on board.
The video has since been taken down, presumably due to the backlash its creator endured. It featured Charity Moore (@charitynelms), a flight attendant, popular TikToker, and Survivor contestant. While Moore, who boasts 24,000 followers, claimed to have worked as a flight attendant for 11 years, she never named which airline she works for.
“I’m gonna tell you some things that make your flight attendant hate you,” she started the clip.
Pressing The Call Bell For Trash
If you brought snacks and drinks onboard or accepted them from a flight attendant during beverage service, garbage in your confined area can quickly accumulate. Because there are no trash cans readily available on flights, passengers have to rely on flight attendants to come and collect the garbage from them. But calling them over just to collect your trash is Moore’s first big no-no.
She noted that some customers will press the flight attendant call button that’s above their head in an effort to hand off their trash. But the issue is that flight attendants aren’t always prepared to take it.
“When we come over, we don’t come with a trash bag and gloves,” she said. “We do come through the aisle every 10 minutes with a bag and typically have gloves on. So, please don’t press that call bell for your random piece of trash. Just hold onto it. We’ll pick it up.”
Some frequent flyers took issue with Moore’s “10-minute” claim, arguing that they don’t see flight attendants that often. “Delta Diamond here and I’ve never been on a flight where anyone comes through every 10 minutes. Lucky if it’s twice per flight. You sound like a joy to be around,” one said.
“I am top status on 2 airlines…no one comes by every 10 minutes,” another said.
Ignoring Greeting
While those early morning flights can be tiring, Moore believes there is no excuse to disregard a flight attendant’s greeting.
“When it’s 4am, you come on board, and I say, ‘Good morning. Welcome aboard,’ and you just ignore me like I didn’t even speak,” Moore said. “That is so rude, and it hurts our feelings. Be nice. Match our energy.”
Stretching
It’s easy to feel uncomfortable or stiff after long hours of travel, especially in cramped seating. Dignity Health suggests stretching to alleviate the aches, reduce blood clots, and prevent “economy class syndrome” (a deep vein thrombosis that happens on long-hour flights). Even so, Moore said the galley is not the place to do it.
“When you come to our front or back galley and just start stretching,” she said. “We have very limited space. Please, don’t do that.”
However, simply asking can make all the difference. “If you do wanna do that, just ask us first,” the content creator says. “But don’t just go back there and start doing your yoga moves.”
This is where Moore’s video struck a nerve for many viewers.
“I’m sorry, but ‘we have very limited space’ also applies to passengers who are crammed into tiny seats! At least you have space to get up and walk around in the galley. I don’t understand why you would bash passengers who need to get up and stretch????” one questioned.
Another claimed they have to stretch every so often for medical reasons. “I don’t do it because my wittle wegs are sore. I also don’t do it in the aisle so I don’t hit other passengers. I’m also aware of your space and don’t do it while you’re there. There are reasons people do that, so if you want our grace, we’d like yours,” they wrote.
Asking If You Will Make Your Connecting Flight
Connecting flights can make traveling all the more stressful. Being on time for your next flight might mean a race through the airport.
If you don’t know if you’ll make it to your next flight, Moore says your flight attendant likely doesn’t know either.
“Asking us if you’re gonna make your connection. Honestly, I have no idea, but I wish you good luck and all of the best,” Moore said. “I have no clue. Sometimes, I’ve never even been to this airport.”
It’s Out Of Their Hands
Because flight attendants are customer-facing, they unfortunately get the brunt of customers’ ire when things go wrong.
“Prices on board. You think I set those? The delay, I promise you, wasn’t my fault. I’m here on time,” she said. “I guess I will just be your punching bag. You just need someone to talk at, and I will pretend to listen.”
Before wrapping up, Moore ended the clip on a positive note. “But you guys do things that we absolutely love you for. We think you’re awesome,” she concluded.
What Do Viewers Think Of The List?
While many viewers were upset with Moore’s list, with one even accusing her of “rage-baiting,” a few agreed with her.
“I was preparing to get *so* offended but honestly every one of these is a perfectly reasonable thing to get annoyed by,” one stated.
Others are clamoring for a list of customer behaviors that flight attendants love.
“As someone who flies ALL THE TIME as a passenger, please do the list of what we can do that you will LOVE! (Also, I do not do any of those items you mentioned – whew!)” one said.
“I’m so glad I don’t do any of these crazy things. But now, I’m intrigued. What do attendants love us for??” another wrote.
And considering how popular Moore’s first video was—which sat at 157,000 views at the time of its removal—the creator may just oblige their requests.
BroBible reached out to Moore via Instagram direct message and TikTok comment.