AS a flight attendant, I’m regularly asked who my favourite passengers are and why.
People treat their cabin crew differently throughout the world, with attitudes to service staff varying from place to place.
Having done the job for a decade, I know who I look forward to serving the most – and which routes will be difficult.
In my latest blog for Sun Online Travel, I’ll reveal which passengers I like having on my flights, as well as the ones that I know are going to make my day at work very difficult.
As a top three, I would say Americans, Germans and East Asian passengers are usually the best.
This is obviously a huge sweeping generalisation, but more often than not, these passengers will be polite and have the most respect for their flight attendants.
They often appreciate what we’re doing, are more than happy to listen to us, and understand that we’re there to look after them and keep them safe.
Americans are the most generous too, regularly providing us with gifts and sometimes even tips if we’re extra attentive.
Germans, meanwhile are extremely friendly from my experience and are among the least interested in partying on board the plane.
They typically just want to get to their destination and are willing to listen to us and follow what we’re telling them, without kicking up much of a fuss at all.
East Asian passengers meanwhile are often the sleepiest passengers, I tend to find.
They’re happy to just switch their lights off, put their blankets on and snooze for the entire flight.
I very rarely have any trouble on flights to or from places in the far east, it’s usually a calm and quiet route, even if the plane is full.
Brits also tend to stand out, but for different reasons.
They’re the ones loading up on pre-flight drinks in the Wetherspoons, or whatever bars they have in the other airports.
That’s not to say that’s a bad thing – often if someones had a few drinks, they’ll end up snoozing for the trip and be fine.
However, you can often tell if things are likely to progress onto your flight, usually with stag and hen parties the worst culprits.
It’s not just Brits who do this, but they’re definitely among the worst offenders.
On the whole though, they’re a respectful and kind bunch, I tend to find, as long as they manage to remain sober enough to maintain their social awareness.
If you want to make yourself a great passenger to deal with, my main advice would be to pay attention to the safety briefings, don’t continually ask us for things and understand our limitations.
Some of the worst people on board the plane are those who expect us to be able to magic things out of thin air, like a specific meal or an obscure cocktail.
We’re there primarily for safety, not to mix drinks or cook dinner, which some people seem to forget, unbelievably.
So think about what it is you’re asking and whether or not it’s reasonable before pressing your call bell.
And please limit your drinks because far away from any cultural or social factors, booze is the thing that turns people into idiots, not nationality.
Meanwhile, this flight attendant explained why she thinks Brits are the worst passengers.
And cabin crew hate dealing with passengers on these specific routes.
