Drescription

There is no shortage of obstacles when it comes to flying somewhere these days. Prices are high, baggage checking fees are more prevalent, and the whole process of getting there and getting through security can be pretty stressful. Even boarding has gotten a little hectic thanks to gate fleas (those people who line up at the gate way before their boarding group is called).

It's easy to get worked up, but once you're on the plane, you have a crew that's dedicated (it's literally their job!) to keeping you safe and happy, and those incredible people are the flight attendants. It's a hard job corralling masses of stressed people, and yet somehow they manage. So, the least we can do is treat them well. Most people aren't trying to be rude, but there are some things passengers tend to do that give flight attendants a headache. Read on to see if you're guilty of any of these.

Leaving Your Headphones in When Crew Members Are Taking Orders

It's hard to hear anything on a plane even without anything in your ears! You may not want to miss any of the movie playing on the seat back in front of you, but the polite (and efficient) thing to do is press pause when you see a flight attendant approaching to take your order. This saves them from having to ask you the same question three times, and you can imagine how annoying that would get with 35 rows of people.

Ringing the Call Button for Trash Pickup

They'll come to you! On any given flight, crew members will go up and down the aisles multiple times to collect your wrappers and cups, but they don't need to make an exclusive trip to your seat to do a one-off. Just be patient—they'll be back.

Getting Angry With Staff When There's No More Overhead Space

The flight attendants have no control over how big the overhead bins are or how many people decided to bring larger carry-on luggage on that particular flight. So when there's no room left, save your frustration for an email to the airline or just take a few breaths and get ready to pick up your baggage on the carousel when you land. Getting snippy with staff won't change the outcome, but it definitely makes their jobs more difficult.

Poking Them

Another trash-related complaint (there are a few of these, naturally). Passengers will often poke flight attendants to get their attention. Would you like that? Instead, use your words! If you have trash, kindly ask the attendant to come back to your row when they have a minute.

When People Don't Allow Those in Front of Them Space to Stow Luggage

The most stressful part of flying, for some, is the boarding process, when people are seemingly running to board first in their group. Once tickets are scanned, this rush doesn't slow down, though, and you'll often find people lined through the aisles breathing down the neck of the person in front of them to load their carry-on into the bins faster. Breath and take a step back to let them stow their stuff—you'll get to your seat, even if it is 10 seconds later.

Not Saying Hello

This may seem simple, and it is: When you're boarding the plane, say hello! And when you speak to an attendant during the flight, say it again. Unsurprisingly, it's rude to just walk up to someone and say "trash?".

Ignoring Requests to Store Laptops for Takeoff

This is another case where frustrated passengers tend to blame flight attendants for something far beyond their control. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates that all passengers, regardless of airline, stow laptops away for takeoff. It's the job of the crew to make sure that both they and their passengers are all complying with FAA regulations. So, do them a favor and listen the first time they say it.

Leaving Bags Sticking Out of the Overhead Bin

If you keep trying to fit your bag in the overhead bin and it's simply too large, crew members will likely have that same problem. Load your bags into the overhead compartment correctly, so that the attendants can simply shut the door before takeoff. If your bag isn't fitting, let someone know sooner rather than later so you can check it.

Using the Bathroom While the Plane Is Taxiing

We totally get that there are emergency situations, but next time you hear that boarding is starting and you wonder if you should use the bathroom at the gate first, tell yourself yes! The plane can't take off until everyone is seated with their seatbelts fastened, and it can be really tricky getting back to your seat after using the lavatory when people are still boarding.

Moving into an Exit Row Without Asking

It's always tempting to upgrade yourself when boarding looks like its concluded and you see some empty seats with extra leg room. Before you move yourself over, talk to the flight attendants. Before takeoff, they need to know exactly who is on the plane and who may be missing, so if you sit in someone else's seat, you're making their job trickier. Instead, just ask!