A flight attendant has revealed that the friendly greeting passengers receive when boarding a plane serves a far more important purpose than simple politeness. In a viral TikTok video, cabin crew member Mrs Miva explained that the welcome is actually a discreet safety assessment.
According to Mrs Miva, flight attendants use the brief interaction to check if passengers are too drunk or sick to fly. The video has garnered millions of views, with many viewers expressing surprise at the revelation.
One viewer commented: "Wait, is there a reason why they always ask me where I sit when I go onboard?" Another added: "To see if you're 1. Safe to fly (not intoxicated) and to see if you could help in an emergency." A third noted: "And looking for suspicious behaviour."
The assessment also helps crew identify physically capable individuals who could assist during an emergency. One person shared: "We are also picking out good candidates in the event of an emergency." Another recounted being denied an international flight from England to America because they appeared too ill to travel.
While cabin crew aim to be welcoming, the greeting is part of a comprehensive head-to-toe safety evaluation conducted within seconds. This process includes checking for intoxication, ensuring passengers can follow emergency procedures, and spotting potential security risks.
The revelation highlights the extensive training flight attendants undergo to maintain aircraft safety. As one viewer put it: "True, and it's the toughest part of the day. Without being paid!"
