It’s not just out of politeness that the flight attendants greet you when you board a plane! Here is what a hostess reveals about the real reasons for this welcome.
When you board a plane, chances are you’ll be greeted with a warm smile and a “hello” from the flight attendants. You might think it’s just polite and a way to put you at ease. However, this greeting has a much deeper and more strategic meaning.
Rania, a flight attendant working for the airline Wizz Air, revealed in an interview that this seemingly innocuous gesture actually serves an essential purpose for the safety of the flight. By exchanging a few words with each passenger, flight attendants carry out a crucial first screening. They are trained to assess the mental and physical state of each person who comes on board. Why is this important? Because a sick or drunk passenger can pose a significant risk to flight safety.
Indeed, a passenger who is intoxicated or who is not feeling well can cause disruption and complicate operations in the event of an emergency. Flight attendants must therefore be able to quickly identify those that could pose a problem. For example, a passenger who is visibly panicked or too agitated may require special attention or even intervention even before takeoff.
But there’s another reason why flight attendants greet you: they’re also looking to spot passengers who could be of great help in a time of need. The criteria are quite specific: they look for people who are traveling alone, without mobility problems, who speak English (or the local language of the flight) and who seem well enough to open an emergency door if necessary. These passengers, mentally and physically robust, can become valuable allies for the crew in the event of an emergency.
This procedure shows how safety is a top priority for airlines. Every flight involves a series of careful checks and preparations, and the selection of potentially useful passengers is part of this process. Flight attendants, often seen only as people keeping passengers comfortable, play a much more crucial role. Their training allows them to handle emergency situations calmly and efficiently, and simply saying hello is part of that preparation.
The next time you board a plane and receive a warm welcome, remember that it’s not just about courtesy. Behind every smile and “hello” is a quick but important assessment of your condition, intended to ensure that everyone on board is safe and that the flight goes without major incident.