Add Category
Flight attendants keep a constant eye on passengers. Picture: iStock
THEY say that first impressions are crucial, but according to flight attendants they are especially important when you walk onto a flight.
Cabin crew have been sharing what they notice about passengers as they board the plane, as it always reveals a lot about how someone will behave on a flight, reports The Sun.
On the discussion in the knowledge-sharing forum Quora, two flight attendants say they can often clock what nationality you are and whether you’re likely to heavily indulge in the drinks trolley in a matter of seconds.
So what exactly do you reveal when you board a plane and how?
Flight attendants take note of every passenger as they board.Source:istock
WHAT NATIONALITY ARE YOU
Sjaak Schulteis, a flight attendant for 30 years as a cabin attendant for Lufthansa said: “We pay attention to their language and check if they hold a magazine or newspaper.
“If I know their language I try to welcome the guests and hope I guessed right.”
ARE YOU A DANGER
Sjaak said: “Do I smell something? Alcohol? Drugs (you can smell marijuana)?
“If a guest coming aboard is drunk or intoxicated by any drug, they might not be allowed to enter the plane.”
“The first impression is often the right one and we do refuse passengers who might be a danger for the safety of that flight.
“So far I have refused four passengers and was luckily backed up by the purser and captain.”
ARE YOU PHYSICALLY FIT
Janice Bridger, who has worked as a flight attendant at several airlines, said: “I watch for disabilities that may disqualify someone from sitting in the exit row.
“They need to be able to physically lift a heavy hatch (up to 30kg) or open a heavy door.”
They need to know if you’re a risk, or whether you can be helpful.Source:istock
CAN YOU SPEAK ENGLISH
Janice said: “If a person cannot understand English, they cannot understand shouted commands. Nor can they read the instructions on how to open the exits.
“That may disqualify someone from sitting in the exit row.”
COULD YOU PROVIDE MUSCLE IN A TOUGH SITUATION
Janice said: “If I see someone who is muscular, powerful, strong and physically fit, I memorise their face and make a mental note of where they are sitting.
“If a situation looks like it could develop, I’ll privately and discreetly ask one of these people if they would be willing to help us if necessary.
“Help might involve subduing or restraining an unruly passenger. We hope it never happens, but we will prepare just in case it does.”
This article originally appeared on The Sun and was republished with permission.