Flight attendants won’t always say it, but some passenger habits are really hard to ignore. These are the things flight attendants hate the most—not because they’re mean or impatient, but because these habits make their already busy jobs harder.
TL;DR:
- Flight attendants deal with a lot of annoying passenger habits every day.
- This article lists 30 things flight attendants secretly hate the most.
- It includes behaviour like blocking aisles, smelly feet, and overusing the call button.
- These habits make flights harder for the crew and other passengers.
- If you avoid these, your next flight will probably go smoother—for everyone.
Things Flight Attendants Hate the Most (From Real Flights)
1. Pressing the call button every five minutes
The call button is meant for when you really need something. If you’re pressing it to ask for water, then napkins, then to hand over trash—it’s too much.
2. Taking over the overhead bin
Stuffing your coat, backpack, shopping bag, and suitcase into the overhead space doesn’t leave much for anyone else. Flight attendants hate dealing with bin fights before takeoff.
3. Walking past without saying hello
A simple “hi” goes a long way. It’s not mandatory, but it sets the tone. Crew notice who acknowledges them—and who doesn’t.
4. Handing over trash during meal service
There’s a time for giving trash, and it’s not when the crew is handing out trays. Holding your empty cup over the food trolley just slows everything down.
5. Putting feet on walls, seats, or bulkheads
It’s not your living room. Feet on the walls or someone’s seat? Flight attendants see it all the time—and they hate it.
6. Asking for coffee with no details
“I’ll have a coffee” is fine. But saying “I wanted it with cream and sugar, actually two sugars—not brown sugar—do you have almond milk?” after they’ve already served you? Not helpful.
7. Hiding in the lav during landing
The seatbelt sign is on for a reason. Hanging out in the toilet while the plane descends delays everything—and crew can’t sit until you do.
8. Sneaking into a better seat
Trying to switch to business class without paying doesn’t make you clever. It makes you someone the crew has to stop and redirect. Again.
9. Taking off your shoes… with smelly feet
Everyone’s trapped in the same air. Bad foot smell spreads fast. No one enjoys that—especially not the people working for hours in that cabin.
10. Snapping fingers to get attention
Crew aren’t waiters at a steakhouse. Snapping or waving like you’re hailing a taxi is disrespectful. Just speak like a normal person.
11. Doing yoga in the galley
That little space at the back of the plane? It’s not a gym. It’s where the crew works. Blocking it makes their job harder.
12. Standing in the aisle during boarding
Stopping to sort your bag, check your seat number, or have a chat right in the aisle slows everyone down. It stresses the crew—and delays the flight.
13. Talking loudly during early morning flights
If the lights are dim and everyone’s quiet, there’s a reason. Crew aren’t fans of passengers who treat it like a party at 6 a.m.
14. Letting your kids run wild
It’s not about being strict—it’s about safety. Crew hate having to chase or dodge kids who are running through the aisles.
15. Complaining about every little thing
Bad food, small seats, bumpy air—some passengers complain non-stop. Crew can’t fix the weather or design a new cabin just for you.
16. Drinking too much, too fast
A few drinks? Fine. But passengers who get loud, flirty, or aggressive after one too many are a serious problem. And yes, it happens more than you think.
17. Constant bathroom trips during service
Going to the toilet is fine. But choosing to go every 10 minutes, especially during meals or turbulence, is frustrating for the crew trying to get through their duties.
18. Using the tray table like a footrest
It’s for food. Not your shoes. And definitely not for changing your baby’s diaper.
19. Ignoring window shade instructions
If the crew asks for shades up or down, it’s for safety. Not following these instructions means they have to stop and remind you—again.
20. Spilling over into someone else’s space
Taking both armrests, reclining without warning, or leaning into someone else’s seat is a quick way to annoy both your seatmate and the crew.
21. Talking non-stop to people who want silence
Friendly conversation is nice. But some passengers clearly want peace. Crew hate seeing someone trapped in a chat they can’t escape.
22. Refusing to turn off devices
When the plane is about to take off or land, phones and electronics need to be in airplane mode or off. Crew shouldn’t have to argue with you about it.
23. Standing before the seatbelt sign goes off
Every flight has someone who stands the moment the wheels touch down. It’s not just annoying—it’s a safety risk, and crew will call you out on it.
24. Wearing heavy perfume
A strong scent in a closed space is too much. Crew have to walk up and down the aisle nonstop. Overpowering perfume isn’t pleasant for them—or anyone.
25. Expecting crew to lift your bag
If you can’t lift it, don’t bring it. Cabin crew are not there to do your heavy lifting, and some have injured themselves trying.
26. Acting rowdy in a group
Bachelor party? Girls’ trip? Fun is fine, but yelling, swearing, or flashing the crew? It happens, and it’s not fun for anyone onboard.
27. Making out the entire flight
Holding hands? Sweet. Kissing for five hours? Awkward for everyone else. Yes, crew notice it.
28. Nose picking in public
Not just gross—dangerous. Planes are full of germs, and crew hate having to wipe down more surfaces than necessary.
29. Spitting into cups or tissues
Sadly, this happens. Crew hate it more than you can imagine.
30. Families tossing things across rows
If you’re sitting apart from your partner or child, passing food or bags over other passengers is disruptive. Crew usually end up stepping in.
Final thoughts on things flight attendants hate
Flight attendants don’t expect perfection. They know flying isn’t always comfortable. But these are the things flight attendants hate because they affect everyone on the plane.