I have been observing you guys for some time now and would like to give you some feedback. Due to all the prepping and preparing you are doing in order to get ready to catch your flight(s) in a timely manner, I understand that you may not have time to spare to research the Do's and Don'ts to flying the friendly skies; especially when you are not "new" to flying. But, do not fret anymore, I am here to catch you up-to-date! After, reading my article you will be a savvy flier of the Mile High Club.

Let's start with the very first thing one does before even loading the car with your luggage, booking your flights. There are two types of passengers in the world: the ones who search for the cheapest route and the ones who stick with what they know, a certain airline. Whatever you prefer is fine, however, when it comes to the day of traveling there are indeed some guidelines you should be aware of.

When buying a ticket for United, Donte who has been a Gate Agent throughout the course of ten years says, when buying a basic economy ticket, the site lets you know that if you are buying a ticket for your family, then that is not the correct ticket you would want to purchase. “You are not guaranteed seats together," Donte says. Although some gate agents, most flight attendants and just about all passengers will accommodate you and swap seats so that you and your family can sit together. However, you still should read the restrictions carefully and thoroughly. “Technically, with the basic economy ticket, we are not supposed to change their seats. That is the most restricted ticket, this is the one with no carry-ons," Donte added.

First thing you should know once you have boarded the plane because it is very important, listen while there are announcements being made. In the event of an emergency we —flight attendants— are the first persons whom you, the passenger looks at. Unconsciously, you are looking for cognitive clues. Reading our facial reactions and observing our body language to determine how you should start to react. If there is an actual emergency and we are not able to assist you, at the bare minimal you will know where the emergency exits are, how to open them and where to locate life vests. Not only by listening but also by simply taking the time out to read the Safety Information Card, you will find out important things that is needed to know.

It is very rude when we are sharing information regarding life or death are having a conversation with someone either near you or through text messaging; not over a phone call because at this point your call should have ended. Even though I am a flight attendant, whenever I board an aircraft I make sure to listen to the announcements and to definitely read the Safety Information Card. Like the old saying goes, “I'll rather be safe than sorry." Yes, flying is the safest way to travel, however, it is life; unexpected things happens.

Becca, who has been a Flight Attendant for three years says, “I wish passengers would be sensible with stowing things in the overhead bins. Place a jacket, a small purse or a small backpack under the seat in front of you just like the multiple announcements during boarding say to do." When we are making the numerous announcements throughout your whole travel experience, we are not saying these things just because we want to. There are, once again, important information that you will need and want to know. For example, where the restrooms are located. When you are having a conversation with someone, usually in a mature conversation, one person speaks at a time while the other is listening. Miscommunication happens when too many people are speaking at once.

When I asked a few Flight Attendants about what they wanted the passengers to know, more than once was the inattention to the announcements a concern for them mentioned. “I want the passengers to know. Despite what they think they know about which safety regulations are legitimate or not it is imperative that they listen and are compliant honestly for their own safety and for our comfort. It makes me extremely anxious when people get up through turbulence. Do not disregard the flight attendants," Brielle says who has been a Flight Attendant for a year now. Yes, we want passengers to be at ease and comfortable while flying, yes we are there “primarily for your safety" however, it is a disservice to yourself by not giving announcements your full and undivided attention; rather these are being made by someone from the crew or the automatic player.

Delays. Everybody hate delays. We as flight attendants, hate delays. One fun fact, we do not get paid whenever there are delays, therefore we are just as upset as you are; especially if it is “go home day" as we like to call it. Let me clear this up, whenever the crew is sitting around at the airport or on the plane, if the Main Cabin Door is open, we technically have not punched the clock yet. Our base pays start the minute that door is closed. Amy, Flight Attendant for one year says,

“Honestly I want passengers to know that 90 percent of Flight Attendants do/have this job because they love this job. We love the people. We want them to have a good experience. We are sorry when they have had poor experiences. We actively try to make amends but this job comes with frustrations. Passenger delays are our delays! Suddenly we worked a 16-hour day and the cabin is full of people who want to take their anger out on us. When a passenger flight is canceled, our entire day is rearranged. But we cooperate with weather and attitudes willingly because of how much we love the job. Passengers and flight crew suffer and excel together. Just as if we are in an emergency we survive or die together. I wish more passengers understood this."

Now that we are all finally seated and ready to take-off. Let's address Do's and Don'ts during flight. Not only is it unsanitary, but you should want to wear shoes whenever going to the restroom. Think of it this way, the restrooms on the planes are public. Which means there are lots of people in and out the restroom. While you may be mindful of others using the facilities, others may not. So in other words, be cautious of urine on the floor. You may think you have just stepped in some water from the drops of someone washing their hands, ten times out of ten, it is urine!

Becca also want passengers to know, “we do not read lips. Speak up when requesting something. It is always strange to ask 'Would you like a beverage?' and have a passenger whisper or mouth their answer. Also, I wish passengers would stop leaving their trash on the plane. If you miss one of the many, many, many trash runs we do, take your trash when you are getting off the plane and put it in a trash can." This is by far not to come off as harsh or rude, but it is the little things that count and that will make your experience smoother and our work day faster.

And finally, we have arrived at our destination safe and sound. The seatbelt sign is off and the jet bridge has made its way to the Main Cabin Door. Now, before you hurry and get out of your seat, without even thinking twice, grab your bag that is under the seat in front of you first and stand in the aisle. If this applies to you of course. You want to grab your bag before you stand to prevent from bending over in front of someone's face. To prevent from your buttocks plastered in someone's peripheral view; which is pretty close in proximity.

One thing many tend to forget is how close you are to one another. While standing in the aisle, rather you are patiently waiting to sit in your seat or anxiously waiting to exit the aircraft, if you have on a book bag it is not wise to wiggle. Be mindful that while you are not really thinking about the extra movement, someone is sitting right below you and you are two seconds away from smacking them in their face with your bag, because you are twisting and turning (this has happened to me before).

Congratulations, after reading and taking mental notes of the Do's and Don'ts, you are officially geared up to flying the friendly skies, spread the word to others. The more knowledge you have the better the experiences of jet setting you will endure.

Sincerely,

Zak Brown, Flight Attendant