Flight attendants are calling on passengers to refrain from touching them to gain their attention, highlighting that it’s one of the most frequent irritations they face during flights. During a discussion on the Jump Seat Chronicles podcast, several experienced flight attendants encouraged travelers to utilize the call button or simply ask for assistance when needed.
Co-host Joshua Boyd described how often this behavior occurs, stating, “If we got a dollar every time it happened, we’d be millionaires.” He emphasized that poking or grabbing flight attendants is a recurring challenge in their roles.
To promote a more respectful environment, flight attendants suggested that passengers should use the call button or try to make eye contact, or perhaps just wave, instead of resorting to physical contact.
Diane Gottesman, a Texas-based etiquette expert, commented that touching a flight attendant crosses both personal and professional boundaries. “You wouldn’t reach out and touch someone next to you, right? The same principle applies here,” she explained.
Gottesman advised that instead of tapping flight attendants, using a polite “excuse me” at an audible level is much more acceptable. She noted that passengers often don’t consider how their actions impact flight attendants, whose primary focus is on ensuring safety. “Respecting their space is a fundamental part of basic etiquette,” she added.
This topic ignited conversations on Reddit, where some travelers agreed that avoiding physical touch is crucial, preferring the use of verbal communication and call buttons. One commenter suggested that such instructions be included in pre-flight announcements.
Interestingly, some individuals defended the idea of a light tap, arguing it’s a common way to get someone’s attention in a noisy environment, especially on an airplane. Others expressed concerns about whether their voices would be heard over the noise or in crowded settings, sharing personal experiences that highlighted the challenges of being noticed without physical contact.
