Stop doing this on planes: Flight attendants are secretly fed up
Apparently, post covid, airlines have noticed an incremental lift in airline passengers using the call button.
Reports from flight attendants suggest there has been an increase in passengers using the call button, in some cases up to 40% more frequently as passengers increase their demands for immediacy.
People have been accustomed to instant responses from technology and on-demand services in their daily lives, which can translate into an expectation for immediate service on an airplane.
Regional differences
There is a significant difference in how the call button is viewed across airlines and regions. On some international and high-end carriers, it’s generally accepted as a way to request non-emergency items like drinks or snacks outside of meal service.
However, on many U.S. carriers, some flight attendants prefer passengers to use it only for emergencies or to walk to the galley for simple requests, leading to conflicting passenger behavior.
New to the @Boeing 737-MAX 9, life vests are located above the seat adjacent to oxygen masks and call buttons. Here, our @AlaskaAir flight crew explains how they work on board the airline's first commercial flight from @flySEA to @SanDiegoAirport. #avgeek pic.twitter.com/dBudZqPWy8
— Brian M. Westbrook (@BrianWestbrook) March 1, 2021
Post-Pandemic Factors
The period following the pandemic has seen a surge in travel demand and, controversially, an increase in passenger-related disruptions and aggressive behavior, which might be linked to general tension or emotional fatigue in the travel environment.
Airlines may also be operating with fewer crew members potentially making it harder for flight attendants to proactively monitor the cabin and meet needs before a button is pressed.
It’s important to note that the appropriate uses for the call button remain for medical emergencies, safety concerns, or to request assistance for special needs. For simple requests like a drink refill when a crew member is visible nearby, it’s generally considered more polite to wait or try to get their attention directly.
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