9. Snapping your fingers or poking them.
This should go without saying, but unfortunately, it still happens. Snapping your fingers, grabbing an attendant’s arm, or poking them to get their attention is universally rude and dehumanizing. It treats a person like an object or a servant, and it is guaranteed to start the interaction on the worst possible footing.
Flight attendants are constantly scanning the cabin and are trained to be observant. The most effective way to get their attention is to use non-physical, respectful methods. The call button above your seat exists for this exact purpose. Press it once, and they will come to you as soon as they are able. Avoid pressing it repeatedly unless it is a true emergency.
If they are already in the aisle, simply make eye contact and give a slight smile or a small nod. A discreetly raised hand also works perfectly well. These subtle, polite cues are all that’s needed to signal that you need assistance. Poking someone is an invasion of personal space and is never acceptable.
