Avi8tir From United States, joined Feb 2004, 368 posts, RR: 0 Posted (3 years 8 months 1 week 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 1110 times:
I was on a DL flight yesterday coming back to ATL from europe. About 3 hours in the flight I woke up and needed a drink of water. The fasten seatbelt sign was on, but the air was pretty smooth so I got up and walked to the back galley and asked the f/a for some water. she responded to me like a total bi*ch and said "sir, you need to go back to your seat. the fasten seatbelt sign is on. Ill bring it to you when we get through the turbulence." I know it doesnt sound bad, but you should have heard the tone she took with me. so after about 45 minutes, she never brought me the water but they started to do their normal beverage service. the seatbelt sign was still on. very light chop. nothing even moderate. so when she got to me, I pulled out one of the red delta bracelets (the ones you can pick up at the crown room and give out for exceptional service) and told her that I am one of the people who actually gives these out and she didnt have to be so rude to me. she gave me a response that she couldnt get up when the sign was on, even though they were doing a drink service with it on. so all that being said, what is the regulation dealing with the seatbelt sign for passengers or f/a's? I was on a CO flight last month and I got up to use the restroom with it on and the f/a told me that she "had to tell me that the sign was on, but I could still use the restroom" I am sure its a liability issue. and Im also sure that the f/a just didnt want to get up and get me some damn water!
Flashmeister From United States, joined Apr 2000, 2572 posts, RR: 11 Reply 1, posted (3 years 8 months 1 week 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 1089 times:
While you are entitled to not die of dehydration aboard an aircraft, other passengers on the plane are entitled to not host your butt on their heads or laps in the event that you get thrown about by turbulence. Hence, the seat belt sign.
Federal law mandates that you respect the sign. 14 CFR 121.317(f) states, "Each passenger required by §121.311(b) to occupy a seat or berth shall fasten his or her safety belt about him or her and keep it fastened while the “Fasten Seat Belt” sign is lighted."
I don't blame the FA for doing this at all. The flight crew is responsible for your safety, and they couldn't guarantee that you'd be safe if up and walking around, so they sat you down. Kudos. If they forget about the sign, at some point they'll be gently reminded by the cabin crew.
Next time, be patient and remember why the crew is there. To keep you safe.
MidnightMike From United States, joined Mar 2003, 2892 posts, RR: 36 Reply 2, posted (3 years 8 months 1 week 1 day 17 hours ago) and read 1070 times:
Quoting Avi8tir (Thread starter): I was on a DL flight yesterday coming back to ATL from europe. About 3 hours in the flight I woke up and needed a drink of water. The fasten seatbelt sign was on, but the air was pretty smooth so I got up and walked to the back galley and asked the f/a for some water. she responded to me like a total bi*ch and said "sir, you need to go back to your seat. the fasten seatbelt sign is on. Ill bring it to you when we get through the turbulence."
There is no reason for a Flight Attendant to take that tone with you, no excuse for that.
As for turbulence, perhaps you hit a rough patch while you were sleeping? Anyway, when the Captain makes an announcement to expect turbulence, the Flight Attendants will follow that order.
Turbulence can strike at any time, that is why the airlines would like you to stay in your seat as much as possible. So, when you wokeup, & it seemed like smooth skies ahead, who knows when that turbulence could have snuck.
I have been on flights, when the Captain announced to expect Turbulence & nothing happened, still does not matter, gotta respect that seatbelt light.
Once again, no reason for a rude Flight Attendant....
Flashmeister From United States, joined Apr 2000, 2572 posts, RR: 11 Reply 3, posted (3 years 8 months 1 week 1 day 17 hours ago) and read 1056 times:
There is no reason for a Flight Attendant to take that tone with you, no excuse for that.
You know, I see where you're coming from on this, MidnightMike, but I disagree with you. Passengers are told during the safety briefings that they must comply with lighted signs, placards, and crewmember instructions. If the turbulence threat also ended up sitting the FAs down, there would have been some sort of announcement, at least in my experience travelling.
So, after explaining that you must obey the sign at the beginning of the flight, and then reiterating it during the flight and at the same time that the sign is illuminated, I see no reason for the flight crew to be friendly and smiling when a passenger doesn't comply.
Now, don't call them a @*%*@! (at least to their face), but at that point, issuing a direction for the passenger to sit is the FA's job. It's a safety issue, not friendly service.
not friendly service is exactly what it was. I am a very light sleeper. if there was anything near moderate, I wouldve woken up. The only time that I ever see flight attendants all sitting during turbulence is when the captain specifically announces that he/she wants them to be seated. besides all that, she gave me the attitude and then didnt bring me the water like she said she would. not a big deal, I know, but not what youd expect from an airline that needs to keep its customers!
Flashmeister From United States, joined Apr 2000, 2572 posts, RR: 11 Reply 5, posted (3 years 8 months 1 week 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 972 times:
not friendly service is exactly what it was.
I would be a bit annoyed with the fact that she forgot the water, true... but again, I'm sure that she was a bit annoyed that you were up and about with the sign on.
DFWMzuri From United States, joined Nov 2005, 248 posts, RR: 0 Reply 6, posted (3 years 8 months 1 week 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 958 times:
I think pilots purposefully leave the light on even when not necessary to keep people in their seats.
Is it just me or have others sensed a bit more attitude from flight attendants since 9/11 (US carriers)? It seems to me they enjoy that part in their speech about complying with instructions.
Luvfa From United States, joined May 2005, 371 posts, RR: 7 Reply 7, posted (3 years 8 months 1 week 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 934 times:
Proper protocol for us F/A's to say when a customer gets up, (when the Seat Belt Sign is on) is to verbally remind them that "The Seat Belt Sign is on Please Return to Your Seat!" Should they choose to proceed to the lav, well we warned them so they now travel at their own risk. If the customer wants a drink, they still must return to their seat. If conditions permit, I will follow them to their seat with a beverage. However, if the anticipated turbulence is worse than mild, (meaning the Captain has warned us of potential turbulence), the customer must wait for that drink until we hear otherwise from the cockpit. In this case its possible that the captain called this F/A and indicated potential moderate turbulence, and the flight appeared to be smooth. However her tone may have been more at issue than the content of her message.
Cadet57 From United States, joined Jul 2005, 7996 posts, RR: 38 Reply 8, posted (3 years 8 months 1 week 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 929 times:
Quoting Avi8tir (Thread starter): The fasten seatbelt sign was on, but the air was pretty smooth so I got up and walked to the back galley
so rules are for other passangers?
Quoting Avi8tir (Thread starter): she responded to me like a total bi*ch and said "sir, you need to go back to your seat. the fasten seatbelt sign is on. Ill bring it to you when we get through the turbulence."
Good for her. And shame on you for talking about an F/A like that as she was looking out for your safety and doing her job.
Doors open, right hand side, next stop is Springfield.
SonOfACaptain From United States, joined May 2004, 1747 posts, RR: 7 Reply 9, posted (3 years 8 months 1 week 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 909 times:
In all my years of flying, I have used the restroom many, many times when the seatbelt sign was on, and I have seen othes do it likewise, and I have never been questioned about it either. How often do F/A's say something about it?
TomFoolery From Austria, joined Jan 2004, 412 posts, RR: 3 Reply 10, posted (3 years 8 months 1 week 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 897 times:
There is a polite way to ask a passenger to return to his or her seat, and there is a stern way, and there is a whole variety of ways to be down right commanding. On this forum, some are very touchy about anyone who dare share their fustration about less than desirable in-flight service.
The air travel industry has historically had a very high standard of service to travelers, and as such, travelers have come to expect steller service- overall, it still isnt cheap, and anyone who does not have the flexability for discount fares will know this.
That being said, when someone gets a bit upset because he/she believes the crew has conveyed their point in a less than graceful way, so be it!
I have been politely asked to return to my seat, as others have as well, and in nearly every circumstance, we dutifully return to our seats. A polite request should be all that is necessary, so why is it necessary for a member of flight crew to standoff-ish when, in most cases, a normal request should suffice?
I have flown airlines across the ocean and the seatbelt sign is on from takeoff to landing. Same airline - domestic and international- seatbelt light stays on nearly every flight I have taken with them. Dont fly them any more. Simple.
Madairdrie From United Kingdom (Scotland), joined Jan 2006, 111 posts, RR: 0 Reply 11, posted (3 years 8 months 1 week 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 873 times:
If you are meant to be in your seat, then you are meant to be in your seat I am not so sure how you tell someone "No you are not getting your water and go back to your seat!" in a nice way, it is a negative response, negative comments don't come over all that nicely.
I am presuming too from what you say that the cabin crew were not allowed out of their seat at that time either as she said "she would bring you a glass of water when you were through the turbulence". If this was the case they were expecting some real turbulence so therefore there was no excuse to be out of your seat. I have flown the Atlantic many times and had some very bad turbulence and also been told to expect some and nothing happened, because it is not a completely accurate science.
By the sounds of things she did her job well, once the cabin crew were allowed to move around the cabin they brought round a round of drinks for everyone - why should you be served first, just because you did something you were not meant to do? What about the person who wanted a drink and remained in their seat because the seat belt sign was on. Maybe you did them a favour because maybe the f/a decided that they would offer everyone a drink and not just you!
Avi8tir From United States, joined Feb 2004, 368 posts, RR: 0 Reply 12, posted (3 years 8 months 1 week 1 day 12 hours ago) and read 841 times:
Quoting Madairdrie (Reply 11): I am presuming too from what you say that the cabin crew were not allowed out of their seat at that time either as she said "she would bring you a glass of water when you were through the turbulence".
2 flight attendants were in the back galley doing some clean-up work. one was sitting down, not buckled in, reading a magazine. the one sitting down is the one that I asked for the water, since the other 2 were busy doing other things. trust me, I fly enough to know what the difference between a polite request and a down right rude request is. I have been told to go back to my seat before, but never like she told me. In the first 2 months of this year I have flown almost 50k miles with delta. I go out of my way to fly them, even pay a bit more, just because theyve been my favorite since Ive was a kid, and dont want them to disappear. she was extremely rude, didnt have to be, but she was...and then she didnt follow through with service....end of story.
Jetboy319 From United States, joined Oct 2005, 251 posts, RR: 1 Reply 13, posted (3 years 8 months 1 week 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 757 times:
Quoting TomFoolery (Reply 10): A polite request should be all that is necessary, so why is it necessary for a member of flight crew to standoff-ish when, in most cases, a normal request should suffice?
I agree with you 100% However, I think the problem lies in the fact that the majority of passengers don't pay any attention to, or disregard inflight PAs given by crew members. I make the request in our safety pre-departure (FARs require PAX to comply with lighted signs... etc). Polite request #1. Again, as we pass FL100, I incorporate the request for PAX cooperation in compliance with the seatbelt sign (mainly because we are still climbing) during my PED/Inflight service PA. Polite request #2. And so it goes as the situation warrents..... My point is that usually, be it through a PA (or several PAs) or individually, most passengers have already been asked politely, so the stern FA reaction to complete disregard after such attempts shouldn't be met with surprise Just my 2 cents!
N702ML From United States, joined Jan 2005, 790 posts, RR: 10 Reply 14, posted (3 years 8 months 1 week 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 727 times:
Okay, I rarely feel the need to respond, but THIS is going to be one of those rare times.
I am a flight attendant for a major airline. I just had recurrent training. The topic of passengers getting up while the seat belt sign was on became a major issue of discussion.
According to my airline, our FAA cabin inspector has said that when a passenger gets up while the seatbelt sign is on, our response should be: "The fasten seat belt sign is on. You need to return to your seat."
We were read a complaint letter from a passenger who stated how rude a flight attendant was in telling them to return to their seat. Again, it was all in the "tone" that was used by the flight attendant. I have to say....every single flight attendant in my recurrent class all said the same thing: "No matter how you say it, if you are telling the passenger something they don't want to hear, they are going to say it was rude."
Let me try to think of the conversation in my recurrent class....it was something like this....
Instructor: "Our FAA Cabin Inspector has told us that the response we are to give a passenger when they get up while the seat belt sign is on should be: 'The fasten seat belt sign is on. You need to return to your seat.'"
FA #1: "If we use those exact words, they are going to say we are rude."
FA #2: "And you you say those words, they are going to respond with: 'So does that mean I can go to the bathroom?'"
Instructor: "Just repeat the statement that the fasten seatbelt sign is on and they need to return to their seat."
FA #3: "Oh, so we just ignore their question. Now we are really gonna be rude when they write that complaint letter."
FA #1: "There is no way to tell a passenger to sit down when the seatbelt sign is on without coming across as rude in their eyes."
Instructor: "Maybe just explain that because turbulence is unexpected at times, the seatbelt sign is on and they need to remain seated."
FA #2: "Then they are going to say: 'Well YOU are up,' or 'it hasn't been bumpy in twenty minutes,' or 'but its an emergency.'"
Instructor: "Again, just tell them the seatbelt sign is on and they need to remain seated."
FA #3: "Oh, so they tell us its an emergency and we tell them to sit down anyways and then we will really be rude."
FA #4: "I just tell them: 'The seatbelt sign is on. You're up at your own risk."
Instructor: "Well, per our FAA cabin inspector, that's not allowed. That is technically giving them permission. Telling them they are at their own risk is still giving them permission. Anything other than: 'the seatbelt sign is on, you need to return to your seat,' is not acceptable and an FAA inspector could fine you or the company."
Do you see where this is going? No matter what we say about the seatbelt sign, it opens it up to a discussion where our only response is supposed to be "The fasten seat belt sign is on. You need to return to your seat."
I have learned....whether it be, "You need to sit down because the fasten seatbelt sign is on," or "You need to check that bag in because the bins are full," or "Sir, I don't think I can serve you anymore alcohol," or "Ma'am you can't be up in the cabin while we are taxiing," or "Ma'am that bag can't be in your lap during takeoff," or any number of other things....no matter HOW you say it...if its not what a passenger wants to hear....its going to be perceived as rude.
The opinions expressed are my own and do not reflect those of Southwest Airlines.
Flashmeister From United States, joined Apr 2000, 2572 posts, RR: 11 Reply 15, posted (3 years 8 months 1 week 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 718 times:
no matter HOW you say it...if its not what a passenger wants to hear....its going to be perceived as rude.
Very well said... applies to a lot of situations in life where one doesn't hear what one wishes to. Interesting that your instructor doesn't get that, too.
Superhub From Hong Kong SAR, PRC, joined Jan 2006, 466 posts, RR: 0 Reply 16, posted (3 years 8 months 1 week 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 690 times:
Quoting N702ML (Reply 14): if its not what a passenger wants to hear....its going to be perceived as rude.
I don't necessarily agree with that. I was once talking on the phone before the doors were closed, but it was about 5 minutes before departure. An FA came around to me and said "please switch off your phone for takeoff." Despite the front door being open and the airline policy is that phone should be switched off when the door is closed, I did not argue with the cabin crew and I complied instantly.
It was not what I wanted to hear, simply because the FA was giving me an instruction not in line with airline policy, but I didn't perceive it as rude, nor was I upset about it.
Quoting N702ML (Reply 14): The fasten seat belt sign is on. You need to return to your seat.
Some people think this is rude because it sounds like an order...maybe adding "I'm sorry Sir/Madam, fasten seat belt sign is on, please return to your seat as there might be turbulence."
If the pax responds by saying "but it hasn't been bumpy for 20 mins...and you are up.",
You can then say, "I sympathise Sir, it hasn't been bumpy for a while, but the Captain has a clearer picture of the weather, why don't you go to your seat now and I will call the Captain and ask whether he can turn off the fasten seat belt sign, when he turns it off you can go to the bathroom."
If the pax says, "well what's the point? The Captain will turn it off, I don't want to go back to my seat and then come back again." Sympathise with him/her and explain that FAA requires the airline to ensure the passengers are safe...reiterate you will ask the Captain.
That way, the pax will not think you are rude...but might even think you are on his/her side and you get a better chance of compliance.
Quoting N702ML (Reply 14): "You need to sit down because the fasten seatbelt sign is on," or "You need to check that bag in because the bins are full," or "Sir, I don't think I can serve you anymore alcohol," or "Ma'am you can't be up in the cabin while we are taxiing," or "Ma'am that bag can't be in your lap during takeoff," or any number of other things....no matter HOW you say it...if its not what a passenger wants to hear....its going to be perceived as rude.
Actually, it makes a difference to a pax as to how you say it. "You need to check that bag..." "You need to do this..you need to do that." That's basically shoving something to them. They of course are not going to take something shoved to them. Again, something with "please" with an kind explanation would be better.
Alcohol though, is more difficult.
What you will find in US airlines is that FAs are trained with "you'll need to"..or they tend to use words which are perceived as shoved to you. I have found airlines like CX and VS tend to be a lot softer in tone. I have not heard any pax saying that they are rude because of an order.
But I realise that FAs jobs are difficult, and there is no simple solution for this.
Aa757first From United States, joined Aug 2003, 3038 posts, RR: 11 Reply 18, posted (3 years 8 months 1 week 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 668 times:
Quoting DFWMzuri (Reply 6): Is it just me or have others sensed a bit more attitude from flight attendants since 9/11 (US carriers)?
It seems with every additional element of training flight attendants get snobbier and snobbier, in general.
Quoting N702ML (Reply 14):
I have learned....whether it be, "You need to sit down because the fasten seatbelt sign is on," or "You need to check that bag in because the bins are full," or "Sir, I don't think I can serve you anymore alcohol," or "Ma'am you can't be up in the cabin while we are taxiing," or "Ma'am that bag can't be in your lap during takeoff," or any number of other things....no matter HOW you say it...if its not what a passenger wants to hear....its going to be perceived as rude.
Then hopefully your supervisor would back you up.
Quoting Superhub (Reply 16): Despite the front door being open and the airline policy is that phone should be switched off when the door is closed, I did not argue with the cabin crew and I complied instantly.
I would have to, but I could see that with about 80% of the population that would be a huge problem.
To the first post, I do think the flight attendant was right in telling you to sit down. She doesn't have a radar screen infront of her, the Captain does. The "Fasten Seatbelt" sign is the Captain's demand that she keeps everyone in their seats.
A huge problem with the sign is Captains leaving it on for the whole flight. If I'm sitting there, there is no turbulence, the Captain didn't say anything about possible turbulence and fifteen people have gotten up to use the bathroom, its natural to assume that its safe to move around. If the sign is only on when it needs to be, that eliminates this problem. A way to change the Captain's habits is for flight attendants to "harras" them. Call them everytime a passenger wants to get up, which is what, every two minutes? After about ten calls to the cockpit he'll remember to switch it on and off.
MidnightMike From United States, joined Mar 2003, 2892 posts, RR: 36 Reply 19, posted (3 years 8 months 1 week 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 660 times:
Quoting Flashmeister (Reply 3): here is no reason for a Flight Attendant to take that tone with you, no excuse for that.
You know, I see where you're coming from on this, MidnightMike, but I disagree with you. Passengers are told during the safety briefings that they must comply with lighted signs, placards, and crewmember instructions. If the turbulence threat also ended up sitting the FAs down, there would have been some sort of announcement, at least in my experience travelling.
So, after explaining that you must obey the sign at the beginning of the flight, and then reiterating it during the flight and at the same time that the sign is illuminated, I see no reason for the flight crew to be friendly and smiling when a passenger doesn't comply.
Now, don't call them a @*%*@! (at least to their face), but at that point, issuing a direction for the passenger to sit is the FA's job. It's a safety issue, not friendly service.
My company is involved with Flight Attendant Training, so I am defender of Flight Attendants.
I told the one person that he was wrong to walk around the cabin while the "fasten seatbelt light was still on", of course saying that, if, the Flight Attendant was rude to the passenger, then the Flight Attendant was wrong.
You can be stern, without being rude.
Now of course, none of us were there, so, it is possible that the F/A was not rude.
The other item, is that the F/A never brought the passenger his drink after promising to do so.
Edelag From Mexico, joined Dec 2005, 318 posts, RR: 0 Reply 20, posted (3 years 8 months 1 week 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 649 times:
Quoting MidnightMike (Reply 19): Now of course, none of us were there, so, it is possible that the F/A was not rude.
She could have been rude or she wasn't rude, keep in mind that there's always two sides of each story.
In November I arrived to DFW from ORD and we were sitting on the tarmac for about 20 minutes waiting for a gate, the fasten seat belt sign was on and people, including me went to the bathroom and one time the F/A even opened the lavatory door.
F9Animal From United States, joined Dec 2004, 3384 posts, RR: 35 Reply 21, posted (3 years 8 months 1 week 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 629 times:
There is nothing more iritating to me than people getting up when the seatbelt sign is on, especially during moderate turbulence. It seems like when the seatbelt sign is on, it is an invitation to use the bathroom.
I am waiting for the day when someone cracks their head on the ceiling of a plane I am on. I will certainly laugh my arse off. Sounds mean, but it is just a way to share my feeling of frustration. I guess I am ready to go seatbelt postal here! LOL!
F9Animal From United States, joined Dec 2004, 3384 posts, RR: 35 Reply 22, posted (3 years 8 months 1 week 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 591 times:
I could not edit the last post to add on to it.
No disrespect by the way. I just meant that it seems like passengers risk it when everyting gets rocking and rolling.
The posting raises a good question though.
If the seatbelt sign is on, and someone gets hurt not following the instructions of the flight crew, then does the airline stand getting sued for an injury?
DualQual From United States, joined Mar 2006, 269 posts, RR: 1 Reply 23, posted (3 years 8 months 1 week 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 565 times:
Certainly aircrew should always put safety first while also maintaining a positive attitude. As correctly stated above there are two sides to every story and sometimes (read usually) we don't see every side to every story. What you may not know is that while it was your first time out of the seat with the sign on, while you were asleep six other people decided that they needed to get up and move around. By the time you get up and move back to ask for your drink the FA is seeing person number 7 disregard the sign. The sign is on for a reason and it is in your best interest to respect it. So the FA's patience is a little short because she is seeing yet another person out of their seat. Not saying it is right but just another side of the story to consider in the end.
Preferential? Bid System: When you always drop the P all you are left with is BS
Eos757 From United States, joined Jan 2006, 21 posts, RR: 0 Reply 24, posted (3 years 8 months 1 week 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 539 times:
**Seatbelt Sign is On**
Pax: "Can I use the lavatory?"
Me: "I can't recommend that, since the seatbelt sign is ON." Or: "It's not a good idea. The seatbelt sign is on."
I sometimes then get: "Soooo....CAN I use it?"
Me: "Again, the seatbelt sign is on. So I don't recommend that you be up right now. Having said that, if you choose to use the lavatory, PLEASE be very careful."
**A quick lavatory visit with the seatbelt sign ON is one thing. Walking around the cabin, visiting the galleys, or asking for beverages is a different story!**
I was taught long ago that we (FAs) are INFORMERS, not ENFORCERS. I tell the people what I want them to know, ie: "The seatbelt sign is on. I cannot recommend that you be out of your seat at this time."
Once I say that, it is up to the pax to decide what they are going to do with the information. They are grown ups. (BTW, If it is a child I will have this conversation with the parent.)
I cannot physically put a person in their seat. Well, I guess I COULD, but I WON'T.
Of course all the context of these situations is based on information the FAs may have heard from the Captain re anticipated turbulence, etc.
I very much agree with the rest, that it is a touchy subject. Like so much else with the Flight Attendant profession, it is a matter of assessing the situation, and balancing safety responsibilities with customer service.
And there is no excuse to be rude with a customer. But I also agree that "rudeness" is in the eye of the beholder. Just because I don't say what you want to hear, doesn't make me rude.
Flight Attendants are trying their best, but it is a delicate balancing act. And not everyone is good at it!
Cellardoor From United States, joined Feb 2006, 18 posts, RR: 0 Reply 25, posted (3 years 8 months 1 week 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 537 times:
I think our FAA Cabin Inspector has said the same thing to my airline as N702ML's. Apparently FL F/As were getting too "militant" with passengers regarding using the lavs when the seatbelt sign is on. In my latest recurrent, instructors stressed that we are not cabin police and we are not to force people to return to their seats if they must use the lav. We are only to say "please be aware the the seatbelt sign is on." If asked permission to use the lav, we say again "please be aware the seatbelt sign is on." Never are we to give permission to use the lav, but also, never are we to stop someone who needs to.
This is an issue that all flight attendants need to learn to deal with. When I first started flying charter about four years ago, it used to drive me &%@ing insane when people would get up when the seatbelt sign was on. I was young, arrogant, and felt I was in charge of that aircraft! I have since learned to let it go. It is much easier to simply make the passenger aware that the seatbelt sign is on and go about your duties. I understand the safety implications and I am much more firm when there is confirmed turbulence. However, we aren't prison wardens. Once a flight attendant has made the passenger aware of the seatbelt sign, his or her duties are done.
26 Cellardoor: Eos757 - You must have posted when I was posting... those were the exact words I was looking for! We are informers, not enforcers! Great post!
27 F9Animal: Me: "Nope, go in your pants!" Me: "Again, go in your pants! If you don't stop bugging me, I will call the marshall on you!" Oh come on! Would it be f
28 Bennett123: F9 animal you could always apply to the DOJ.
29 N702ML: I think MY point(s) are: 1. Official response per the FAA, at least for my carrier, when a passenger is up or asks to get up when the seatbelt sign is
30 HBJZA: It's probably going to be the case in the USA ! No, they don't know the risks ! People think they know everything because they're adults but most peo
31 Luvfa: Not if the flight crew advised them that the seat belt sign was on and to return to their seat. Also, if the defiant passenger falls and injures some
32 Flashmeister: You've been told. You know the risk. You're an adult. Take this situation: There's a bit of light chop, the sign is on, and some idiot gets up to use
33 Jhooper: You knew the seatbelt sign was on, and you deliberately disregarded it. Why do people think that since they paid for a ticket and hang out in the cro
34 Avi8tir: wow....thats almost comical. that sounds like a great idea. just have the patty wagon waiting at the gate to take half of every flight to jail and fi
35 Cadet57: actually, you're comical. It is a federal crime to ignore the fasten seatbelt sign. You become a safety hazard to yourself and fellow passangers. But
Sponsor Message: 
From United States, joined Feb 2004, 368 posts, 
From Austria, joined Jan 2004, 412 posts, .gif){kind=small}
From United Kingdom (Scotland), joined Jan 2006, 111 posts, 
Just my 2 cents!
From Hong Kong SAR, PRC, joined Jan 2006, 466 posts, 
From Mexico, joined Dec 2005, 318 posts, 
Printer friendly format 
