Originally Posted by
YYCguy
As a flight attendant, I can tell you that it's important for the FA to see the boarding passes as sometimes there are more than one flight going out to the same destination at adjacent gates or within mere minutes of one another (while one may be the non stop and the other being a one stop flight). So viewing the boarding pass is really to double check the flight number and destination and not so much for the seat. It has happened more than once when the FA at the main cabin door hasn't checked the boarding passes and the count is wrong, because someone got on the wrong plane. I also greet people coming on the aircraft with a smile and friendly greeting and gently ask for the boarding pass if not already presented to me!
This very issue has been discussed in previous posts. As identified above, customers somehow manage to get on the wrong flight from time to time. Not every individual like the majority of you on FT are seasoned travelers - many need guidance and directions to their seats. It would surprise you to know how often customers are in search of Row 1
!! From my perspective, it's my first opportunity to initiate both status (SE/E/*G) and name recognition with customers that I'm about to spend 10 hours with - also discussed in previous posts. It might also interest you to know that the "asking for boarding card issue" is a current topic on our in-house blog, all in the name of consistency.