What You Should Never Do at the Airport: Flight Attendant Tips
Joke about bombs and terrorist attacks
Isn’t it ridiculous to suggest that you have a bomb on you? Anyone who looks at you will immediately understand that you would never engage in terrorist attacks. So why not joke about it? Don’t.
Hester told of a recent incident at LAX. A passenger answered affirmatively to a standard question from an airport agent about whether he had any aerosols, sharp objects, or explosives. Then he turned to his companion and asked if he had put the explosives away. The joker was arrested and charged with “knowingly making a false report of an impending explosion.”
Although the charges against the man were later dropped, it is not a good idea to follow his example and joke about bombs at the airport. According to Hester, employees are required to report any such statement, even if it is clear that it is a joke.
Refusing to answer questions
Of course, all the formalities on board an airplane are terribly annoying. It is unlikely that the position of the folding table will make any difference in the event of an accident. But the attendants are obliged to ensure that they are folded during takeoff and landing. However, for some reason, not everyone is ready to comply with this rule.
Hester encountered a passenger who responded with complete silence to the requests of the employees to fold the table before takeoff. He ignored all the questions of the senior flight attendant. The plane had to be returned to the airport building. The guards led the stubborn passenger out, and only then did he speak.
Trying to Bring Prohibited Items on Board
Long lines and pat-downs seem like a waste of time when you have to endure them yourself. But they are entirely justified, because so many passengers try to bring prohibited items through security.
According to Jason Pockett, an employee of the US Transportation Security Administration, the strangest thing about his job is watching people try to do this in all sorts of ways. Most often, without malicious intent. For example, they tape batteries to food containers. Or hide items in dirty laundry to make it unpleasant for officers to check your bag. If you don’t believe that this happens, take a look at the Instagram* of the Transportation Security Administration.
Getting Drunk (And Admitting You’re Drunk)
For some, alcohol helps them get through the flight without a nervous breakdown. But if you can’t drink, stay home. Although alcohol is sold on board, you won’t be allowed to board if you’re clearly drunk.
And if you tell a security guard you’re “out of your mind,” you could very well be fined or even arrested. Don’t drink too much, or at least wait until you’re on board.