Generally, the assumption is that the cabin crew's job is nothing more than serving drinks and cleaning the cabin before and after take-off.
But obviously it is more than that.
So, a Quora user called Derry Lin, who is also a chief flight attendant with an airline, took it upon herself to reveal everything about the job and what a passenger should absolutely not do while flying.
Some of them will definitely surprise you.
1. A flight attendant is apparently not paid for the time period that the aircraft doors remain open. So any work that an air hostess does during that time, like greeting people at the doors or pre-flight and after-flight checks, is not paid for.
2. Their salary is also calculated on the basis of the number of days they work and any luxury, like staying at a five-star hotel that the attendants avail, also depends on the airline, so there's no point asking an attendant how much they make.
3. Also, air hostesses who work on short-haul flights are sometimes also required to work for 4-5 extra unpaid hours. And in such cases, the delays make it worse for them, as the attendants don't get to rest and prepare for their next flights. So, it's better not to yell at them for delays.
4. A flight attendant is available on an airplane primarily to ensure the safety of passengers, rather than to be their server of the day. Their major job is to ensure that all safety protocols are fulfilled before the flight takes off or lands.
5. In fact, more than anybody else on the aircraft, a flight attendant knows more about safety procedures and keeping a passenger comfortable in case of emergencies, like a crash or medical crisis.
6. According to Derry, the water available on flights is absolutely unhygienic and not fit for drinking because the tanker in which the water comes from is never cleaned. And that is the water that goes into your cup of tea or coffee. Rule: NEVER drink tea or coffee on flights unless they are prepared with water from a sealed bottle in front of your eyes.
7. Another disgusting fact about an aircraft is that the washrooms are never fit for usage. A lot of disgusting things happen in the lavatory of an aircraft, which is why many flight attendants avoid using the washrooms unless absolutely necessary.
8. An attendant always appreciates if a flyer leaves their seat to walk up to the galley and get their free drink or beverage, instead of constantly ringing the call bell. They are there to make you comfortable but not act as your servants.