10 Things a Flight Attendant Would Never Do on a Plane
It’s their second home, but they avoid getting too cozy.
When you’re a flight attendant, the airplane cabin starts to feel like your second home. These professionals have seen it all, from passengers overusing the call button to walking barefoot to the lavatory. And because they are the ultimate aviation insiders, they navigate air travel with a set of unspoken rules for safety, hygiene, and, let’s face it, sanity.
These rules are more like survival strategies developed over thousands of flight miles, and a flight attendant’s "never-do" list is a blueprint for a hassle-free journey. To get the inside scoop, we spoke to flight attendant Honorine Nsengiyumva about what she avoids after a decade on the job. If you want to fly like a pro, these are the things a flight attendant would never do on an airplane.
Remove their shoes during takeoff
If you’re the kind of person who likes to take your shoes off to get comfortable, Nsengiyumva says you should wait until the plane has reached its cruising altitude as a safety precaution. “Emergencies usually occur during takeoff and landing,” she says. “Best to be prepared in case we have an emergency landing.”
Use the lavatory without shoes
To practice good hygiene, Nsengiyumva says to always keep your shoes on when using the lavatory on a plane. “The liquid on the floor is not water, and your socks or bare feet will soak it up,” she says. Even if the cabin feels like a cozy living room, treat the restroom floor like a high-traffic public sidewalk and keep a sturdy barrier between your feet and those mystery puddles.
Move around when the seatbelt sign is on
Flight attendants are there to keep passengers safe, and Nsengiyumva stresses the importance of adhering to the rules. “It’s important to follow instructions and stay seated and not open bins or use the lavatories when the seatbelt sign is on," she says. “For your safety and those around you, it's best to remain seated until the seatbelt sign is off.”
Overpack their luggage
You may be tempted to stuff as much as you can into your carry-on luggage to avoid paying for checked bags, but Nsengiyumva says you should never pack more than you can lift. “I would never overpack my luggage and then ask the flight attendants for help to put it into the overhead bins,” she says. “If it’s too heavy for you, it’s best to check it.”
Use a personal device without headphones
Many of us have experienced that wave of frustration when someone in a confined space blasts audio from their phone or tablet. It can be even more frustrating on a plane, where the cabin leaves you with absolutely nowhere to go. “It’s common courtesy to others to have headphones on,” says Nsengiyumva.
Skip out on water
Staying hydrated during a flight is important, and the best way to do that is by drinking water. “It’s important to avoid consuming loads of sodium or sugary drinks in-flight,” Nsengiyumva says. “This can lead to dehydration.” Bring a water bottle on your flight, or ask for water with your snacks.
Not wear compression socks
Compression socks are not just for older travelers; they’re a great tool to avoid swelling so you can feel refreshed when you land. “I highly recommend them, especially for long-haul flights,” Nsengiyumva says. “Not wearing compression socks can lead to swollen ankles.” Today’s compression socks come in all kinds of trendy prints that will blend right into your travel wardrobe.
Stand as soon as the plane lands
We’ve all felt the urge to stand and grab our bags the second the plane touches down, but remaining seated until the captain deactivates the fasten seatbelt sign helps prevent injury in case of a sudden stop on the tarmac. “The best practice is to wait until your row because everyone will get off eventually.”
Use the call button too frequently
Though the call button is right at your fingertips, reaching for it over trivial matters can distract the staff from more pressing cabin duties. Nsengiyumva says to only use the call button if necessary. “I usually save that for emergencies, or I’ll walk over to the back to ask for something.”
Eat smelly foods
Eating on a plane is often necessary, especially on long flights, but Nsengiyumva opts against foods with strong odors. “Do remember that it’s a very tight and closed-off space,” she says. “Smells linger, and may be uncomfortable for others.” Consider ditching the boiled eggs and fish in favor of alternatives like a protein bar or a simple turkey wrap.
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