8. “Can you tell the pilot to fly faster? I have a connection.”
This is another comment that reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of aviation. Flight attendants have absolutely no control over the speed of the aircraft, its flight path, or its arrival time. Those factors are determined by the pilots, air traffic control, weather patterns, and flight schedules.
While the anxiety of a tight connection is understandable, directing that frustration at the cabin crew is misplaced. They are just as eager to land on time as you are. A delayed arrival means a longer workday for them and can disrupt their own schedules and connections.
However, they can sometimes be a source of helpful information. Instead of making an impossible demand, ask a specific, actionable question. Here is a worked mini-example of a much better approach:
Wait for a calm moment when the flight attendant is not busy with service. Make eye contact and say politely, “Excuse me. I know you can’t control our arrival time, but I have a very tight connection to Dallas on flight AA1234. When we land, would you be able to tell me what our arrival gate is and, if you have access to it, the departure gate for my connecting flight? Any information would be a huge help.”
This script does several things right. It acknowledges the limits of their control. It is polite and specific. It asks for information, which is something they might be able to provide. In some cases, if multiple passengers have the same connection, they might even make an announcement or coordinate with ground staff. This collaborative approach is far more effective than a demand they can’t possibly meet.
