7 Things Flight Attendants Look For When You Board A Plane

Long haul flights are inherently high-risk journeys, and not just because you’re travelling in a giant metal flying machine over 30,000 feet in the air.

While flight attendants might evaluate how you’re dressed to see whether you may be a suitable candidate for an upgrade, or they might even eye your carryon luggage to check you’re not over the size and weight limits, their main objective is to ensure all passengers’ safety.

“We recommend that all our client's research and follow their chosen airline’s travel rules and regulations for their own safety, and so they can successfully reach their destinations on time,” advises UK immigration company, Move Up.

“Whether you’re moving to a new country, on a business trip, or touring the region, it’s important to cooperate with flight staff for a safe and pleasant trip,” they add.

A Quora thread that asks, “What do flight attendants notice about passengers as they board the plane?” gave us insight into exactly what they’re looking for.

1. They check to see if you’re drunk

One of the reasons flight attendants ask to see your boarding pass as you enter the plane is to check if you’ve had one too many: the way you interact with them gives flight attendants an opportunity to quickly evaluate your state of mind. According to a cabin attendant with 30 years’ experience working for Lufthansa, drunk passengers may be denied entry onboard the aircraft.

“If a guest coming aboard is drunk or intoxicated by any drug, it can happen that he or she is not allowed to enter the plane. [...] The first impression is often the right one, and we do refuse passengers who might be a danger for the safety of that flight. So far, I have refused four passengers and was luckily backed up by the purser and captain. All of these were drunken passengers,” says Sjaak Schulteis.