That's Rediculous!! No. We don't hate you.

In response to the July 30th Frommer's Blog, written by Christopher Elliot: "That's Rediculous! Do Flight Attendants Really Hate Us?"  

He writes that his readers send him stories about how rude and unhepful Flight Attendants are.  His sarcastic tone when comparing things today to the time of Pan-Am is probably spot on though. I mean that was a time when it was classy to fly- it wasn't like today- where it's often cheaper to fly than drive to places. (But all I keep hearing is that it's sooooo expensive. give me a break. $150 round trip coast to coast? get real...you can't drive 1/2 way cheaper than that!)

Anyways...What I think is more rediculous is the assumption that ALL flight attendants hate passengers. Sure we can talk about the crazy crap people do in airports and on airplanes all day long....but we don't hate passengers. We love them for the entertainment value- never a dull moment.  For every complaint about a flight attendant- we've probably got five on the rudeness of passengers towards each other and crewmembers.

Just yesterday I was commuting home (on standby) from seeing my family.  The flight was delayed and of course EVERYone was making a connection. I wasn't. But I was in an aisle seat. The girl next to me had 10 minutes until her connection at the next gate over departed.  We were in Row 10 and I watch a man push his way from row 5 to get his bag from the overhead and yank the bag out so hard it almost fell on my head. It was a mob scene!  I've never seen so much inconsideration!  I watched as people from rows behind us pushed their way past me. I finally stood up and didn't move so I could let the rest of my row out and make their connections.  A woman elbowed her way past me. I could not help but say "Excuse me. Ma'am. Wait your turn.  Everyone has a connection to make."  The girl thanked me and she was on her way.

Why is it, Mr. Elliot, that you want to first attack flight attendants for their rudeness? Take a look around next time you get on an airplane. Watch how the traveling public treats each other!!  To be fair- there are as many rude passengers as there are rude flight attendants; not all passengers are inconsiderate & not all flight attendants are burnt out.

I actually enjoyed reading the Frommer's article's comments. Most were passengers sticking up for flight attendants (thanks btw) and other Flight Attendant's taking a stand...some were personal accounts of rude flight attendants.

Rude flight attendants embarrass me.  I've seen a handful and I want to hide in the lav and pretend I don't work there! It's like- if you don't like people, then why did you take this job?! For the benefits!? seriously...you can earn as much at Starbucks!  Oh you mean the free flights? Are you joking?!  Am I the only airline employee who is always sweating it to commute and travel for pleasure due to the capacity cuts?  And if you're still doing this job because there are few other jobs out there: then suck it up, put your smile on, rock that poly/wool blend and fake it til you make it to another job.

At the end of the day...air travel has become less & less classy. The glory days of yesteryear have come and gone. When the flying public decides to pay what the ticket should cost then the flying public will be offered more 'free' things. Until then, get used to the 'a la carte' style flying of paying for what you use.  In the meantime: be nice to you flight attendants...we will love you the whole flight.