A flight attendant has sent a message out to couples ahead of any flights they may want to take together as she has called out the most ‘uncomfortable’ examples of behaviour she’s witnessed onboard.
Travelling overseas can be a gruelling process, everyone’s just trying to get where they want to as quickly as possible, but there are some things that can happen on a flight that are uncalled for, when passengers take it as an opportunity to ‘explore’, let’s say.
Suzanne Bucknam has been candid with her experiences as an air hostess, revealing some of the bizarre things she has seen, and what has really done her head in while she was in the air.
The flight attendant revealed the worst things she’s seen onboard flights (Getty Stock Photo)
One of the annoyances for Suzanne was how couples don’t book their seats together, then try to switch when they get onboard.
Speaking to SkyParkSecure, she explained: “It may sound obvious but if you’re bothered about sitting together, book your seats together. A simple boarding process can become a nightmare if couples don’t book seats together but demand another passenger to move,” she explained.
“Not only does it slow the process down significantly, but it often causes an altercation between passengers when someone won’t move. Someone picked and paid for that seat, so they are well within their right to turn down a request to switch.”
The air hostess even admitted that a couple needed to be moved to another flight because they demanded to sit with each other despite not paying for it, and hoped for a complimentary upgrade as it was their honeymoon, though they were denied.
“The situation intensified when the husband raised his voice, prompting their removal from the plane. The decision was made as we didn’t want them harassing or sitting next to this woman for the entire 4-hour flight, and the hostility wouldn’t be tolerated,” Suzanne added.
But what is the single worst thing she’s witnessed?
You never know what you can find, walking down the aisle (Getty Stock Photo)
She revealed that it’s all to do with public displays of affection (PDA), which may not come as a shock.
Believe it or not, when you’re all stuck in a metal tube in the air and people start getting handsy with each other, passengers start to feel uncomfortable.
Suzanne revealed: “A kiss on the lips or handholding doesn’t warrant ick status but making out and putting a blanket over each other’s laps gets very uncomfortable for everyone in the vicinity.”
Yes, this does include couples trying to join the mile high club in the bathroom, or also as she reveals, ‘at their seats with said blanket over them’ – just wait to do the deed at home, people.
Suzanne shockingly admitted: “In fact, I’ve caught a couple with their pants down in the back of our plane once. We did an emergency landing and had them escorted off the plane, then got back in the air without them.
“It should be known that you can be arrested for public indecency, and flight attendants won’t be afraid to call the authorities if they see you trying to get too cosy with your partner,” the experienced air hostess admitted.
Dealing with entitled passengers is not ideal for flight attendants, regardless of their situation (Getty Stock Photo)
However, the most exhausting thing for Suzanne is when a couple on their honeymoon think that they deserve anything and everything.
She wished that newlyweds didn’t expect the world when they’re onboard, as other passengers may not be celebrating or contributing tho their occasion.
“If you do get a free upgrade or a free drink, fantastic! But please don’t demand one from an unsuspecting flight attendant,” she advised.
Suzanne further explained: “As an employee who has been in that situation, it’s just plain awkward if there are no upgrades available, and it’s against the airline’s policy to give freebies.”
All it takes, according to Suzanne, is a nice, polite inquiry about possible upgrades or accommodations, and nothing more.
“I used to love polite and kind people and would do anything to improve their trip. Maybe a passenger noticed a seat at the front of the plane was open, and if they were friendly and asked me if they could please move, I would let them. No need to butter anyone up or try to bribe; just a simple conversation and a kind ask can get your freebies and upgrades,” Suzanne highlighted.
So basically, be polite, keep your hands to yourself and if you’ve recently married, don’t expect anything!