The Annoying Request Flight Attendants Hate When Passengers Are Boarding A Plane

The first thing that passengers see when they step on a commercial flight is usually a smiling flight attendant welcoming them aboard. Oftentimes, air travelers have spent the last few hours making their way to the airport and then waiting in long TSA lines. The whole process can be quite stressful, and if you don't manage your time well you may find that you have to run through the airport in order to make it to your gate before the flight departs, which can make you super thirsty. But before you ask for a glass of water the second you step on the plane, be aware that doing so is something that many flight attendants can't stand. 

Having worked as a flight attendant for several years, I can say that most flight attendants totally understand that passengers might be craving a cool drink of water after making their way through the airport, but taking the time to fill up a cup of water can delay the boarding process and get in the way of other important job duties. Plus, there are rules and regulations that dictate when flight crew members are allowed to serve snacks and beverages.

When the aircraft is boarding, it may seem like flight attendants aren't doing much besides saying hello and helping a few passengers stow their bags in the overhead bin, but that isn't true. They are actually watching each and every passenger, and there are a lot of things they notice about you when you board a plane. There are also important safety-related duties happening behind the scenes. Although flight attendants will understand if you're desperately in need of a sip of water, it's best to plan ahead and bring a drink with you so that you don't get in the way of their duties or delay boarding.

Passengers usually have a lot on their minds during boarding. They're eager to find their seat, stow their bags, and finally sit down to relax after all of the airport hustle and bustle. Every single passenger is in pretty much the same boat, and flight attendants understand that you might be feeling stressed, thirsty, and exasperated. That being said, it's important to remember that it's a busy time for flight attendants and they might not always have the time (or patience) to pause and get you a cup of water. 

Before takeoff, flight crew members are required to pay attention to crucial safety information, and each flight attendant has specific duties they must perform while passengers are boarding the plane. One flight attendant may be conducting a passenger count so that the plane can takeoff and land safely, and so that every employee on board knows how many people there are in case there is an emergency or evacuation. Another might be observing passengers for signs of abnormal behavior that could be dangerous up in the air. As an example, flight attendants immediately notice people with flight anxiety during boarding and try to address those passengers right away. Some crew members might be ensuring the aircraft is stocked with supplies like snacks, beverages, toilet paper, emergency equipment, and other necessities. Others will be making important safety announcements over the PA. 

In order for the aircraft to depart on time, everything needs to get done quickly and efficiently. There's a lot going on behind the scenes, and pausing to get a passenger a cup of water can distract from more important job duties that flight crew members are required to perform. 

Flight attendants and pilots are governed by strict rules that are determined by the Federal Aviation Administration. These Federal Aviation Regulations are commonly referred to as FARs by crew members. They are outlined in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). There is a specific rule that pertains to offering passengers water during boarding.

The federal regulation states that, "no certificate holder [aka flight attendant] may move an airplane on the surface, take off, or land when any food, beverage, or tableware furnished by the certificate holder is located at any passenger seat." This doesn't necessarily mean that flight crew members can't offer passengers a drink during boarding, but it does mean that flight attendants must ensure that they collect and throw away any snack or beverage trash that they've provided before the aircraft can leave the gate. If they fail to do so they could face repercussions, so many of them avoid giving passengers water during boarding. Once the plane is up in the air, your flight attendants will be happy to get you as much water as you need.

If you're really suffering, it's okay to ask for water on the ground. Most flight attendants will understand and give you a drink, though some may do so a bit begrudgingly. Instead, you should do your best to come prepared. If you need to take medication before the flight takes off, you can use the drinking fountains in the terminal or purchase a bottle of water to bring with you on board. Remember before your next flight that if you don't want to buy expensive water in the airport, you can freeze a bottle before you leave home, or bring an empty water bottle with you.