Flight attendants get asked the same annoying questions on every flight. Some are clueless, some are demanding, and some make you wonder how people function in daily life. If you don’t want to be that passenger, here are 15 things you should never ask your crew.
1. Can flight attendants serve water before takeoff? (What passengers should know)
Sure! Let me just drop everything to get you a cup of water you could have bought at the airport.
During boarding, flight attendants are:
- Checking seatbelts.
- Storing bags safely.
- Trying to leave on time.
Emergency? We’ll help. Mild thirst? Wait until we’re in the air.
2. How to find your seat on a plane (without annoying the crew)
Your boarding pass has a seat number. The row numbers are above the seats.
Match them. Sit down.
If you genuinely need help, we’ll assist. But if you’re standing in row 20 while holding a ticket that says 20B, you’re on your own.
3. Do flight attendants have to help with luggage? (Rules and policies)
We’d love to! Right after we risk throwing out our backs.
Here’s the rule:
- If you can’t lift it, don’t bring it.
- Crew aren’t luggage handlers.
- Ask another passenger if you need help.
We’re here for safety, not weightlifting.
4. Can flight attendants give medicine? (What you need to know before flying)
Nope. Airlines don’t let us give out medicine.
Why?
- We can’t be responsible if you have a reaction.
- The only meds onboard are for emergencies.
- If you need painkillers, bring your own.
Your headache isn’t a medical emergency.
5. Can flight attendants change your seat? (Why you shouldn’t ask)
Of course! Let me just rearrange 200 people so you two can chat.
Want to sit together?
- Book your seats together.
- Pay for seat selection.
- Ask another passenger politely.
But if you expect us to fix it for free, nope.
6. Can you get a free upgrade to first class? (The truth about seat upgrades)
No, and asking won’t change that.
Even if first class looks empty, those seats are:
- For passengers who paid.
- For frequent flyers (which you’re not).
- Not up for grabs just because you asked nicely.
Airlines only give free upgrades for specific reasons (loyalty status, operational needs). If you want first class, pay for it like everyone else.
7. Can flight attendants tell you when a flight will take off? (Who to ask instead)
If we knew, we’d already be gone.
Flight attendants don’t control delays. We want to leave just as badly as you do.
Ask the gate agent.
8. Do flight attendants have to tell you the menu? (Why it’s already in front of you)
The same four things that are listed in the seat pocket.
We make announcements. We hand out menus. Yet some people still ask, “What do you have?”
Read the menu. Order. Move on.
9. Can you hand trash to a flight attendant? (When it’s okay and when it’s not)
Yes – when we come around with the trash bag.
What we won’t take mid-service:
- Used tissues (gross)
- Half-eaten food
- Sick bags (absolutely not)
If you hand me a vomit bag while I’m serving drinks, we will have problems.
10. Can flight attendants turn off the seatbelt sign? (What you should know)
That depends. Are we:
- Flying through turbulence?
- Waiting for common sense to evolve?
If the sign is on, sit down. If you ignore it and fall, that’s on you.
11. Can flight attendants watch your child? (What parents need to know on a flight)
We have enough to do. Your kid is your problem.
Need a break?
- Bring snacks.
- Bring an iPad.
- Try parenting.
We aren’t babysitters.
12. Can flight attendants help you catch a connection? (What you should do instead)
Maybe. If we land on time and you run like crazy, you might make it.
Otherwise, check the flight board and hope for the best.
13. Do flight attendants lend pens? (Why you should bring your own)
Flight attendants have one pen. If we lend it out 30 times a flight, we’ll have zero pens.
Bring your own.
14. Do flight attendants stay in hotels after flights? (What passengers shouldn’t ask)
Why do you need to know? This question makes crew uncomfortable.
If we answer vaguely, take the hint.
15. Can flight attendants tell you what city you’re flying over? (Why it’s not that simple)
Unless I have Google Maps in my brain, I have no idea.
If you’re curious, check the in-flight map. That’s what it’s there for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most annoying things passengers do on a plane?
Ignoring safety instructions, blocking the aisle, and asking for free upgrades.
What do flight attendants secretly wish passengers knew?
That we’re not waiters, babysitters, or luggage handlers.
Can I ask for an upgrade if there are empty seats?
You can, but you won’t get it. Airlines only upgrade people who paid or have status.
What happens if a passenger annoys a flight attendant?
We won’t spit in your drink, but don’t expect VIP treatment afterward.
Final thoughts
Flight attendants don’t hate passengers – we just hate nonsense. But if you’ve ever asked (or heard) a truly awful question, let’s hear it.
Got a better one-liner or an even dumber question you’ve been asked? Drop it in the comments or join the discussion in the cabin crew forum.