Flight Attendants Ask Passengers to Avoid Touching for Attention

Flight attendants are addressing a common frustration: passengers physically touching them to get their attention. This issue was highlighted on the “Jumpseat Chronicles” podcast by several experienced flight attendants, who recommended alternative ways for passengers to seek help. They suggested using the call button or speaking up instead of touching.

“We get poked and touched as flight attendants,” co-host Joshua Boyd remarked, noting it as a frequent issue. He humorously added that if they earned a dollar for every time they were touched, they would be quite wealthy.

Passengers should use call buttons or wave instead of physically contacting crew members, some flight attendants advised. Diane Gottsman, an etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Texas, emphasized that touching a flight attendant breaches personal and professional boundaries. She argued that, similar to not touching fellow passengers, flight attendants should also be respected.

Gottsman advised using polite gestures like making eye contact or waving, or simply saying “excuse me” louder than usual to get a flight attendant’s attention. Passengers need to remember that an attendant’s main duty is the safety of all on board, and respecting their space is crucial.

This topic has sparked discussions on platforms like Reddit, where users shared their opinions. Many agreed with avoiding physical contact, suggesting verbal requests or using call buttons instead. Some travelers, however, pointed out the challenge of being heard over airplane noise, expressing concern that their requests might go unnoticed without physical prompts.

Flight attendants appreciate when passengers respect their personal boundaries, and this ongoing conversation on social media has highlighted a push for greater respect. As the discussion continues, spotting polite ways to communicate is increasingly encouraged in the interest of maintaining courtesy and safety onboard.