It turns out that flight attendants’ boarding greetings have a hidden purpose.
The friendly smiles from flight attendants during boarding are more than just for courtesy; they are actually making quick assessments.
A flight attendant from Wizz Air named Rania revealed the true intention behind the greetings in a TikTok video that has garnered over 6.2 million views.
In her video caption, Rania shares that the greetings allow flight attendants to check the condition of passengers, ensuring they’re not too inebriated or ill to fly. It also lets them identify passengers who might be capable of assisting in an emergency situation.
Flight crew members are on the lookout for “able-bodied passengers (ABPs),” who might be asked to help with evacuation procedures in case of an emergency. Simultaneously, they are attentive to not seat individuals such as children, the elderly, or those with disabilities in the exit rows to avoid hindering evacuation.
As passengers board the plane, the cabin crew also performs an informal security check. They look for unusual luggage and, by engaging with each passenger, they assess for signs of excessive alcohol consumption.
Reactions to this revelation have been mixed among the public, with some passengers expressing discomfort about being assessed for inebriation.
Despite some complaints, ensuring passengers are sober is becoming more critical as incidents involving drunk passengers disrupt flights more frequently.
FAQs about Flight Attendants’ Boarding Greetings
Why do flight attendants greet passengers upon boarding?
Flight attendants greet passengers not only out of politeness but also to assess their fitness to fly, to identify potential helpers in emergencies (ABPs), and to conduct an informal security check.
What are flight attendants checking for when greeting passengers?
They’re checking if a passenger is too drunk or sick to fly, for any suspicious luggage, and identifying individuals who may be suitable as able-bodied passengers (ABPs) to assist in emergencies.
Can greeting flight attendants really tell if someone is drunk?
Flight attendants are trained to spot signs of inebriation during their interactions with passengers. In some cases, further assessment such as a breathalyzer test may be required.
How do flight attendants use boarding greetings as a security measure?
By observing the behavior of passengers and their carry-on items, flight attendants use the greeting process as a chance to spot anything out of the ordinary that may need further checking.
Are passengers comfortable with flight attendants assessing them during boarding?
While opinions vary, some passengers may not be aware of or comfortable with the assessment aspect of boarding greetings. Others understand it as a necessary procedure for flight safety.