Flight attendant reveals reason passengers are asked to put tray tables away (2024)

FAQs

Flight attendant reveals reason passengers are asked to put tray tables away? ›

"Because it actually only takes about 60 to 90 seconds for an entire plane to ignite in flames. "That being said, if you have your tray table down or seat reclined, you're not only putting yourself in danger but the people sitting next to you."

"When you're asked to put your tray table up by a flight attendant, leave it up," she told BI. "It's a safety regulation, and tray tables can be extremely dangerous and injure you if you're jolted into them."

But what's more, tray tables need to be stowed for unobstructed passenger movement. "In the unlikely event of an emergency, you need to be able to get out of your seat quickly and make your way to the exit without being impeded by a tray table," says Montreal-based flight attendant Steve Daniel.

"The aim is to keep the body in a rigid pose so that if there was any impact in an unplanned emergency, the body is damaged less," Lim explained. "This keeps body movement restricted so that there is less chance of injury if there was an impact."

Because their first concern is safety, what flight attendants notice about you has much to do with your ability to keep yourself and others safe. They'll make a mental note of passengers who are in good shape and who can help lift heavy items and lend a hand if necessary.

As for official airline policies, tipping falls into a bit of a gray area. We spoke to American Airlines, Delta, and United, and each airline generally discourages flight attendants from accepting tips. That's pretty much the rule across the board — except for Frontier Airlines.

Emergency Aid: In an emergency situation, a scarf can serve as a temporary bandage, tourniquet, or sling. It's a resourceful tool that flight attendants have at their disposal. Protection: During meal service, wearing a scarf can help protect their necks against potential spills or splashes.

Noun. tray-table (plural tray-tables) A small, tray-shaped table used to place small objects upon, and most commonly used to place meals on while watching television.

In the emergency exit row, the opening of the tray table is only possible in one direction, compared to all other seat rows. Like this in the unlikely event of an emergency, an unintended opening of the tray table (due to people rushing by) is avoided.

Most aircraft also feature trays for eating and reading, either in the seatback which folds down to form a small table in most economy class seats, or inside the armrest which folds out in most first class, business class, bulkhead, and exit row seats.

Why do flight attendants wear red lipstick? ›

Heather Poole is a former flight attendant and the New York Times bestselling author of Cruising Attitude. She revealed that the reason cabin crew members wear bright lipstick on flights is, “so passengers can read your lips during an emergency.”

As a safety precaution, cabin crew members sit rigidly with their hands beneath their legs to reduce damage in the event of an emergency.

This is because in case of an emergency, we may need to write down passenger info for medical personnel, or information from the flight deck. This is also why when passengers ask us to borrow a pen, we often say no. And also because some of y'all are not that hygienic.

'When you're standing there going 'buh-bye, thank you, take care' etc when you see someone you fancy, you say 'cheerio'. ' 'You need to do it with a buddy and the challenge is to keep a straight face.

Historically, unions representing American Airlines and other airline flight attendants have not pushed for boarding pay. They have preferred higher wages for time spent on trips to lower hourly rates that cover more of their working time. This has to do with seniority and scheduling.

Flight attendants have beauty secrets of their own. Such as having their favourite moisturiser close by to maintain good skin through long flights or using a specific setting spray to ensure their makeup stays put all day. But these secrets can only work to a certain extent.

Touchpoints include the tray tables, armrests, window shades, air vents, reading light switches, flight attendant call buttons, and the handles on overhead bins. Those are all wiped down and sanitized.

There is no etiquette for folding the tray table before leaving the aircraft. You have no choice. You have to fold the tray table. Before landing, the cabin crew announcement clearly states that you must fold your table, make your seat upright and fasten your seat belt in preparation for landing.

Serving food on trays is faster and more efficient. The commissary prepares the items and the basic tray setup. The individual meal items, such as main course and bread, are placed on the tray by flight crew. Trays allow flight crew to serve rapidly.