When boarding a flight, passengers are typically greeted warmly by the cabin crew. While this gesture is courteous, it also serves several practical purposes.
Assessing Passenger Fitness to Fly
Flight attendants use these greetings to evaluate passengers’ fitness for travel. They look for signs of intoxication or illness that could pose risks during the flight. As flight attendant Rania from Austria shared, “Your flight attendant greets you, not only out of politeness, but also to check whether you are too drunk or sick to fly.” citeturn0search0
Identifying Able-Bodied Passengers (ABPs)
During boarding, crew members also identify passengers who could assist in emergencies. These able-bodied passengers (ABPs) might include military personnel, firefighters, police officers, doctors, or nurses. Flight attendant Kat Kamalani explained, “When you’re walking on the plane and see our happy smiley face, we’re actually looking you up and down and we’re trying to find our ABPs.” citeturn0search0
Detecting Potential Security Threats
Beyond assessing health and identifying helpers, flight attendants are vigilant for unusual behavior that could indicate security threats, such as human trafficking. They observe interactions and demeanor to ensure passenger safety. citeturn0search0
Enhancing Passenger Comfort
Greeting passengers also allows flight attendants to identify those who may be anxious or unfamiliar with flying. Recognizing these individuals enables the crew to offer additional support, ensuring a more comfortable experience.
Conclusion
The simple act of greeting passengers serves multiple functions beyond politeness. It enables flight attendants to assess passenger well-being, identify potential helpers, detect security threats, and enhance overall comfort, contributing to a safer and more pleasant flight for everyone.
