Cabin crew hear a lot of the same questions over and over again—some are fair, but others make us wonder how people made it through airport security. If you don’t want to annoy the crew, here are 15 questions flight attendants hate hearing during almost every flight.
TL;DR:
- Flight attendants get asked the same frustrating questions on every flight.
- Most of these questions could be answered by reading signs, screens, or your boarding pass.
- No, we can’t lift your bag, hand out medicine, or upgrade you to first class.
- Asking at the wrong time (like mid-service or during takeoff) makes things worse.
- A little awareness goes a long way—don’t be that passenger.
Questions Flight Attendants Hate the Most
These are the ones that make us sigh, bite our tongues, or wish the flight were over:
1. Can I get a glass of water before takeoff?
We’re not ignoring you. We’re just busy with safety checks and making sure bags are stored. If you’re thirsty, you’ll have to wait until we’re in the air. Or grab a bottle at the gate before boarding.
2. Where’s my seat?
It’s printed on your boarding pass and marked above the row. We’re happy to help if you’re confused, but please at least try to look first.
3. Can you help me lift my bag?
If it’s too heavy for you, it’s too heavy for us. Flight attendants aren’t trained to haul suitcases over our heads all day. Ask someone nearby, or pack lighter next time.
4. Do you have any medicine?
We can’t hand out pills, not even painkillers. Bring your own. The only medical supplies we have are for real emergencies.
5. Can you move me to a different seat?
If the flight is full, we can’t move anyone. If you want a better seat, book it ahead of time or ask the gate agent. We don’t do free upgrades mid-flight.
6. Can I sit in first class?
Not unless your boarding pass says you paid for it. Empty seats up there still belong to the airline. Asking won’t change that.
7. When are we taking off?
If we knew, we’d tell you. Flight attendants don’t control the delays. Ask the gate agent or check the app.
8. What’s on the menu?
It’s in the seat pocket or on the screen. We’ll also let you know during service. Asking won’t get you anything different.
9. Can you warm up my baby’s bottle in the oven?
There is an oven in the galley, but it’s not designed for heating milk in plastic bottles. It gets way too hot, and it’s not safe. Bring a thermos or ask for hot water instead.
10. Can I smoke in the bathroom if I cover the smoke detector?
Still illegal. Still reported. Still fined.
11. Do you have Wi-Fi?” (while holding the safety card that says ‘Wi-Fi Onboard’)
It’s literally printed in front of you.
12. Where do you live?
Creepy 90% of the time. Often comes with follow-up questions no one wants to answer.
13. Can I give you my trash now?
We collect trash at certain times. Handing us dirty tissues or snack wrappers during meal service isn’t great timing. Please wait for the trash run.
14. Can you turn off the seatbelt sign?
We don’t control it. The pilots do. If the light is on, it’s for a reason. Stay seated.
15. Can you watch my child for a bit?
We’re here to keep everyone safe—not babysit. We’ll help in emergencies, but your child is your responsibility.
16. Can you help me make my next flight?
If we land on time and you move fast, maybe. But we can’t hold the plane or escort you through the airport. That’s on ground staff.
17. Do you have a pen I can borrow?
Maybe, but we usually only carry one. Bring your own if you need to fill out forms.
18. Do you stay in this city after the flight?
That’s not something we like to answer. If we give you a vague response, it’s a hint to move on.
19. What city are we flying over?
Unless we’re looking at the map too, we probably don’t know. Use the screen in front of you. It’s more accurate than guessing out the window.
Final Thoughts
Asking questions isn’t a problem. But if the seatbelt sign is on, food is being served, or the crew looks rushed, it’s probably not the best time. A little patience goes a long way at 35,000 feet.