Ever wonder why flight attendants greet you as you board the plane?
It’s polite to say hello back, of course, but there’s more to those greetings than just being friendly.
Flight attendants are doing more than making small talk.
Imagine this: you’ve just enjoyed a drink or two at the airport bar. Some passengers might take it a bit too far, ending up visibly drunk before even stepping onto the plane.
Nobody wants to be the person stumbling down the aisle or, worse, getting kicked off the flight.
This is where the greetings come in.
Flight attendants are paying close attention to how you respond. A quick hello or a smile might seem simple, but they’re checking for signs that you might be too intoxicated or unwell to fly.
This small interaction helps the crew stay informed about everyone on board. After all, being at 30,000 feet means they need to anticipate and manage situations efficiently.
Flight attendants use these moments for other reasons too.
Iona Iachim, a Wizz Air flight attendant, explained that these greetings also help crew members identify passengers who might be helpful in case of an emergency.
By noting where these individuals are seated, they can plan who to approach if they need assistance.
So, if you thought they were just being polite or found you particularly interesting, think again.
Sometimes, you might hear them using codes like “bob,” which could mean “best on board.”
Other times, they might quietly chat about unrelated topics, which can sound like subtle codes but often aren’t about you at all.
And if you’re tempted to flirt mid-flight? Most crew members would rather you didn’t. If you really want to, leaving your number after landing is a much better approach.
Next time you board a flight, remember: that friendly greeting serves a purpose beyond being polite.
