Flight Attendants Secretly Hate When You Do These 7 Things

Ever wonder what really annoys flight attendants—even if they’re too polite to say it out loud?

You’re not alone. If you fly often (or even once a year), it helps to know the unspoken rules of airline etiquette. 

This list doesn’t come from a place of judgment. It’s here so your next flight goes smoother, for you and the crew who keep everything running.

Flight attendants are trained to smile, stay calm, and handle pressure. But behind that calm exterior? They’re human too. And certain passenger habits quietly make their long shifts harder.

I’ve chatted with former and current crew members over the years, and these are the seven things they wish more travelers knew.

1. Ignoring Basic Instructions During Boarding

Flight attendants don’t bark out rules for fun. When they ask you to step out of the aisle or place your bag under the seat, it’s to keep boarding on track.

Delays often start right here. When someone blocks the aisle to dig for headphones or argue about overhead space, it holds up everyone else—and makes the crew’s job ten times harder.

2. Handing Over Trash During Service

You’d think it helps, right? But when you try to pass your trash over while they’re in the middle of serving meals or drinks, it throws off their rhythm.

There’s a designated time for trash collection. Wait for the cart to come back around—or ask politely if they’re not mid-task.

3. Snapping Fingers or Waving Them Down Like Waitstaff

No one likes being treated like help. Flight attendants are safety professionals first, not waiters in the sky.

If you need something, use the call button or wait until they’re walking past. Don’t wave, snap, or shout “Hey!”—it’s disrespectful, plain and simple.

4. Taking Off Shoes (and Socks!) Mid-Flight

You may be comfortable. Everyone around you? Not so much. Flight attendants hate having to walk past bare feet, especially if you’re heading to the bathroom shoeless.

It’s not just gross—it’s a health hazard. Airplane floors aren’t as clean as you think, even in first class.

5. Arguing Over the Seatbelt Sign

If the light’s on, stay seated. It’s that simple. Trying to go to the bathroom or stretch your legs while the plane hits turbulence puts you—and others—at risk.

Flight attendants don’t enjoy stopping you, but when they do, it’s because ignoring the sign could lead to real injury.

6. Expecting Them to Lift Your Bag

Unless you’ve got a medical issue, lifting your own carry-on is your responsibility. They’re not there to haul your 40-pound roller into the bin.

In fact, many airlines have policies that say crew shouldn’t help unless absolutely necessary, to avoid injury and liability.

7. Touching Them to Get Attention

This happens more often than you’d think—and it’s always a no. Whether it’s a tap on the shoulder or a tug on the sleeve, flight attendants hate it.

It’s invasive, jarring, and frankly unnecessary when there’s a call button within reach. Respect their space the same way you’d want yours respected.

The Bottom Line

Flight attendants are trained to keep cool, even when passengers test their patience. 

But these small actions build up over a long flight, especially when repeated dozens of times per shift.

Be mindful. Be polite. Use common sense.

You don’t need to be perfect—just considerate.