nicepix | Shutterstock, Simple Flying
Writer - Patricia joins Simple Flying with over 20 years of experience in aviation. She has served as cabin crew on flights from economy-class through to first-class and on private jets as well as being head of cabin crew and cabin safety focal point. Patricia has a master's level postgraduate diploma in Human Factors in Aviation and has written about aviation since 2010. Based in Dubai/Cyprus.
Flying for the first time can be nerve-wracking and overwhelming. There is so much to think about when you get to the airport, from the processes before you finally board the aircraft to figuring out what to do during boarding. From finding your seat and following the seatbelt sign to stowing your bags correctly, the process has many steps. But don't worry, there will always be a flight attendant on hand to help you out on the aircraft.
Boarding the aircraft is often a flight attendant's busiest time. Not only are they checking passengers' tickets and being polite, but they are also scanning everyone for any potential issues such as intoxicated passengers, people who act entitled or difficult, or someone who may need extra assistance during the flight. Flight attendants can spot first-time flyers during boarding because they may look out of place and seem unsure. Here are some ways flight attendants spot first-time flyers.
Looking Lost In The Aisle
Trying to find your seat the first time can cause confusion
First-time flyers often stand in the aisle staring at row numbers while holding a boarding pass that clearly says something like 27F. One flight attendant blogger recalls a passenger who thought seat C was the window at Your Mileage May Vary. It's always a good idea to check the airline's seat map online in advance if in doubt. Flight attendants are usually stationed throughout the cabin to help any confused passengers, since this slows boarding.
Seats are lettered left to right on most narrowbody aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and the Boeing 737, with A as the left window and usually F as the right, according to With Autopilot. On smaller regional jets like the Embraer 195 or the De Havilland Dash-8, they only have two seats on each side of the aisle and are again left to right and marked A to D. Business class seats or first class seats are numbered differently as the seats are larger but have fewer across each row.
On larger aircraft types, the system is the same but with slightly different lettering depending on the configuration. For example, on a Boeing 767, the economy configuration is 2-3-2, labeled A to G. On a Boeing 777-300ER, the configuration in economy is 3-4-3 and labeled A to K. Some aircraft do not have a row 13 because of superstition; it may be seen as bad luck, not something you want on an aircraft. Some airlines use row 13, and some don't, depending on what it means in their country. Aerolopa is a good reference for seat maps too.
The Correct Stowage Of Bags
One item under the seat, one in the locker
Flight attendants notice right away when a bag obviously won't fit in the overhead locker; they know immediately if it is the wrong size or shape to fit the locker. Oversized items slow down the boarding process and back up the aisle. Large items will be offloaded by the flight attendants, and they will be checked into the hold instead. Baggage should be stowed as quickly and efficiently as possible to avoid delaying the flight. Flight attendants are not allowed to lift bags for passengers, due to previous issues and getting injured.
Newer flyers also tend to pack what they'll need during the flight in the overhead bin, sometimes three rows away from their seat. This again can block the aisle during boarding or force them to retrieve items once the seatbelt sign is off, during the flight. It is better to keep what you need for the flight within reach and put it in the bag stowed under the seat or in the seat pocket. You should not block the aisle during boarding to take out the items you need for the flight.
There are two places for your personal items and a carry-on bag. A small bag can be placed underneath the seat in front of you, except when seated in emergency exit rows or bulkheads. You can place small items like phones and laptops in the seat pocket. Place a carry-on bag with the wheels facing the back of the locker and on its side to maximize space.
Misunderstanding The Seatbelt Sign
It's important to always follow the seatbelt sign
Frequent flyers buckle up right away only if they have the window seat; otherwise, they wait until the rest of the row has sat down. According to the Daily Passport, newcomers buckle in as soon as they sit, then have to unbuckle and stand up again when the window or middle passenger arrives. First-time flyers may not understand how important it is to wear their seatbelt and should also make sure they can open it in case of emergency.
Many people make the mistake of trying to use the lavatory while the aircraft is taxiing. This is a critical phase of flight, so everyone must remain seated and strapped in. The aircraft can suddenly brake during the taxi phase and cause a passenger injury. Also, passengers have a tendency to stand up in the aisle and collect their bags before the aircraft has come to a complete stop and the seatbelt sign is switched off. This is dangerous as the aircraft may stop suddenly and baggage can fall onto other passengers.
Of course, the most important thing is to keep the seatbelt on at all times when seated. This protects you from sudden severe turbulence. Not all turbulence is severe, but as soon as there is any sign, the flight crew will switch on the seatbelt sign. Clear-air turbulence cannot be predicted and happens suddenly, so it's always better to keep your seatbelt on, no matter what. Following the seatbelt sign is important because it helps keep passengers safe.
First-time Flyers Are Often Nervous
Nervous body language is always spotted by the flight attendants
Hesitating at the door, gripping a bag tightly, or looking anxious signals to the crew that someone may need reassurance, and flight attendants often start a short, calming conversation right there. Fear of flying is very common, and flight attendants will try their best to reassure nervous passengers. They may be able to move them to a seat with less turbulence, usually in the center of the aircraft over the wings.
A flight attendant might be able to move a passenger close to their jumpseat during takeoff or landing if space allows. They can then explain the different noises and reassure them that everything is normal. During turbulence, if motion sickness is an issue, it helps to focus on a single point, like an emergency exit sign at the top center of the cabin.
At the very least, flight attendants will keep an eye on nervous passengers and have a brief chat to explain that there is nothing to worry about. They will check on them numerous times during the flight. First-time flyers are often excited and nervous and may just need a few words of encouragement and distractions, such as candy or guidance on which movies are best on the inflight entertainment system.
Unfamiliar With The Onboard Service
Etiquette and planning in advance
First-time flyers may discover they need to set up a loyalty account just to access Wi-Fi and may be unfamiliar with the in-flight entertainment system. Inflight etiquette is important during a flight so that everyone has their own personal space. Shoes should always be worn in the cabin and in the lavatories. The person in the middle seat gets both armrests, and the person in the window seat has control of the window blind. Noise levels should be kept low at all times.
Infrequent flyers often start reading the menu only after the flight attendant asks what they'd like. Frequent travelers usually choose their drinks and meals in advance and, where possible, book online. Seats should not be reclined during the meal service. When a flight attendant speaks to you, it is polite to take your headphones off. Plan lavatory trips at suitable times, like after the seat belt sign goes off and 40 minutes before landing. Do not use the lavatories while carts are in the cabin, as this slows service.
Always follow the crew's instructions. They are not asking you to open a window blind or to put your seatback in the upright position to inconvenience you. It's all for safety reasons. Window blinds need to be open during takeoff and landing, so the crew can see outside conditions if anything unusual happens. Seats remain upright during critical phases of flight so the person behind you isn't blocked in an evacuation. First-time flyers may not 'know the drill' and may not know that crew instructions are important for safety.