Whenever we board a plane, we inevitably interact with flight attendants who, beyond keeping us safe throughout the journey, also offer genuinely useful guidance. After all, they possess unrivalled knowledge of air travel safety. Now, one flight attendant has lifted the lid on a secret that most holidaymakers are likely completely unaware of. She revealed that the greeting you receive as you board the plane actually serves a very specific purpose, and it has nothing to do with being courteous. In fact, cabin crew are carrying out an important assessment of passengers from the very moment they step on board.
The True Purpose Behind the Greeting
As it turns out, flight attendants are sizing passengers up right from the start, and it has all been laid bare in a candid TikTok video. Flight attendant Mrs Miva has blown the whistle on one of the industry's best-kept secrets. In her viral clip, she revealed the true reason behind the cabin crew's welcoming routine as passengers make their way on board. It seems that saying "hello" is about far more than simple courtesy. Over footage of herself, she wrote: "Did you know that your flight attendant greets you not only out of politeness, but also to check whether you are too drunk or sick to fly?"
Passengers Stunned by the Revelation
The video has since racked up millions of views, leaving countless viewers genuinely stunned. The notion of being discreetly assessed upon boarding came as a complete surprise to many. One viewer said: "Wait, is there a reason why they always ask me where I sit when I go onboard?" Another noted: "To see if you're 1. Safe to fly (not intoxicated) and to see if you could help in an emergency." A third also wrote: "And looking for suspicious behaviour." Meanwhile, a fourth added: "We are also picking out good candidates in the event of an emergency."
Personal Experiences Shared
Some even shared their own experiences to back up the theory. One recounted: "I was denied an international flight from England to America because they thought I'd die en route from being so sick." Another wrote: "True, and it's the toughest part of the day. Without being paid!"
What You Need to Know
While cabin crew clearly aim to be friendly and welcome passengers as they embark on their journey, there's far more happening when they greet you at the aircraft door than meets the eye. In reality, they're carrying out a comprehensive head-to-toe safety evaluation of passengers before takeoff. This process involves checking for intoxicated or disruptive passengers, ensuring travellers are capable of following emergency procedures, identifying potential security risks, and also spotting physically capable individuals who might be able to assist during an emergency. Crew members receive thorough training to enable them to detect any possible threats effectively.
They also watch passengers to gauge whether they can comprehend and follow safety instructions, which becomes vital should an emergency arise. While the assessment can be completed in mere seconds, it plays a really important role in helping to maintain aircraft safety. Beyond this, it also contributes to fostering a relaxed environment. After all, it helps to establish a welcoming atmosphere for the journey ahead.
Flight attendants carry out genuinely crucial duties, and this simply demonstrates the lengths they go to in order to keep travellers as safe as humanly possible throughout. Now you understand what they're actually up to.
