What is a favorite topic for cabin crew?
The call button.
Partly because the way it is used varies so widely. And depending on geography, it goes from super-strict in the West to super-liberal in the East.
For example, in the North American market they call this the ‘Emergency Flight Attendant Call Button’, which implies that you should only press it if there is an emergency. I’ve seen flight attendants answer the call by asking what the emergency is.
So in North America, my advice is don’t push it unless absolutely necessary or if you want to buy something, because then the crew won’t mind because they get a commission on what you buy.
Former Emirates flight attendant Jay Robert reveals the do’s and don’ts of using the call button
On the other hand, in countries like India and Pakistan, they keep insisting on it. At my former airline, we had pages of phone calls before the plane took off. We would just clean them up because there would be so many of them.
For most of the world, that button is just called the bell bell, and cabin crew don’t mind using it for service requests, as long as you don’t abuse it.
That said, there are some tips to keep in mind to stay on your flight attendants’ good side.
If you have a real emergency and want to get the crew’s attention, ring the bell and hold until someone comes.
It is common for the crew to ignore them or for them to take some time to respond, depending on how big the aircraft is and how many crew members are in the cabin. If the bell keeps ringing, we know something is wrong and we’ll come by as soon as possible.
Jay (above) runs the popular Fly Guy’s Cabin Crew Lounge network
For service-related requests, you cannot press it during busy times, for example while boarding.
If you’re thirsty and just coming from the airport, you could have gotten something from the terminal.
The crew is busy during this time to get the cabin in a seated and secured area so that you can meet the departure time slot and arrive at your destination on time.
If you really need a drink, walk to the galley and ask for it.
If the crew in the cabin is busy with meal service and you want something, pressing the call button at this point is very annoying, because they’re trying to feed up to 600 people at once, and they’ll be with you soon, so be patient.
Once the little traveler knows he’s making noise, they love to press, and press, and press. This distracts the crew from performing important tasks.
When you ring the bell, ask everything at once!
Nothing irritates the crew more than ping pong requests: ask for one thing, and we’ll bring it, and then you ask for something else.
Those cabins are long, and there are others that need something. Respect the crew’s time and energy.
And don’t ring the bell for stupid requests like a handkerchief to blow your nose. I’ve seen passengers ring the doorbell to ask for a tissue literally steps away from the restrooms.
Parents, meanwhile, should note that it is not a toy and should be careful that their children do not find the button. Once the little traveler knows he’s making noise, they love to press, and press, and press. This distracts the crew from performing important tasks.
Finally, remember that prolonged sitting is bad for your circulation and health. If you need anything, it’s best to get up with your crew, stretch your legs, and walk to the galley to ask for what you need.
Jay has worked as a senior cabin crew for Emirates. For more from him, visit www.instagram.com/aflyguytravels And www.facebook.com/aflyguyslounge.