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Former Flight Attendant Reveals Secrets to Becoming a Passenger Crew Members Appreciate

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, December 29th 2025 at 8:11 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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Want to Be a Flight Attendant’s Favorite? A Former Crew Member Reveals the Simple Secrets

Flying can be stressful – not just for passengers but also for the flight attendants who are responsible for their safety and comfort. While turbulence, delayed baggage, and crying babies are unavoidable realities of air travel, there's a surprising amount you can do to make your journey smoother and, crucially, become a passenger that crew members genuinely appreciate. According to former Delta Air Lines flight attendant Cassandra Bankson, it’s not about lavish gifts or extravagant requests; it's about demonstrating basic respect, understanding, and a little bit of kindness. Bankson, who now shares travel tips on TikTok (@travelwithcassandra), recently detailed her insights in an interview with Travel & Leisure, offering practical advice for transforming from just another passenger to someone the crew is happy to assist.

The core message Bankson delivers isn't about earning special treatment; it’s about fostering a positive and collaborative environment onboard, which ultimately benefits everyone. She emphasizes that flight attendants are often dealing with high-pressure situations and managing numerous requests simultaneously. Simple gestures of consideration can significantly alleviate their stress and make their job more enjoyable – and increase the likelihood of them going the extra mile for you.

Beyond "Please" and "Thank You": The Foundation of Respect

While basic politeness is expected, Bankson highlights that it’s often how you express gratitude and requests that matters most. Instead of demanding assistance or barking orders, framing your needs as questions and expressing appreciation genuinely makes a difference. A simple “Excuse me, could I please have some water?” carries far more weight than "Water! Now!" The tone and language used are key indicators of respect.

Understanding the Crew's Perspective: It’s More Than Just Serving Drinks

Bankson stresses that flight attendants are highly trained professionals responsible for passenger safety above all else. Their primary duty isn't beverage service; it's ensuring a safe evacuation in an emergency, administering first aid, and enforcing regulations. Recognizing this fundamental responsibility fosters patience and understanding when requests can’t be immediately fulfilled.

She points out that flight attendants are often dealing with passengers who are anxious, stressed, or even exhibiting challenging behavior. A calm demeanor from you contributes to a more relaxed atmosphere for everyone onboard. This aligns with the broader industry emphasis on passenger wellbeing – as highlighted in articles discussing airline initiatives to reduce travel anxiety (like those found through resources mentioned by Travel & Leisure).

Practical Tips for Earning Flight Attendant Favor:

Here's a breakdown of Bankson’s key recommendations, categorized for clarity:

• Be Proactive and Prepared: Read the safety card. Know where your nearest exit is. Familiarize yourself with basic emergency procedures. This reduces the need to constantly ask questions and frees up flight attendants to attend to other passengers who may require more assistance.
• Respect Their Space & Boundaries: Flight attendants work in a very confined space. Avoid blocking aisles or encroaching on their workspace. Don't reach over them to grab something from an overhead bin; politely ask for help.
• Be Mindful of Requests: While flight attendants are there to assist, they have limited resources and time. Don’t make excessive requests, especially during meal service or periods of high demand. Prioritize your needs and be prepared to wait. Consider the impact your request might have on others.
• Acknowledge Their Hard Work: A simple “Thank you for everything” goes a long way. Recognizing their efforts, even with a small gesture, shows appreciation and reinforces positive behavior. This is particularly impactful given the demanding nature of the job – as discussed in various articles detailing flight attendant burnout rates.
• Be Kind to Your Fellow Passengers: Flight attendants are often tasked with mediating conflicts between passengers. Being considerate of those around you minimizes their workload and creates a more pleasant environment for everyone. This extends to respecting quiet zones and keeping noise levels down.
• Don't Expect Special Treatment Based on Status or Money: While premium cabin passengers may receive enhanced service, expecting preferential treatment simply because you paid more is not appreciated. Treating all crew members with respect regardless of your ticket class fosters a positive atmosphere.
• Avoid Complaining Excessively: Minor inconveniences are part of travel. While it's acceptable to address legitimate concerns respectfully, constant complaining creates unnecessary stress for the flight attendants.

The Ripple Effect: Creating a Better Flight Experience for All

Bankson’s advice isn't just about personal gain; it’s about contributing to a better overall flying experience. When passengers are respectful and understanding, it reduces stress on the crew, allowing them to provide more attentive service to everyone onboard. This creates a positive feedback loop – happy crew members lead to happier passengers.

Ultimately, becoming a “favorite” passenger isn't about manipulation or entitlement; it’s about recognizing the humanity of those who are working hard to ensure your safe and comfortable journey. By embracing simple acts of kindness and respect, you can not only improve your own flight experience but also contribute to a more positive atmosphere for everyone involved.

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