Originally Posted by
dcfromdc
Just get up and walk to the galley. Get some steps in. Plus you might be surprised on what kind of conversation you can strike with the right group of FAs. Had a great chat with the crew on OS IAD-VIE in the rear galley a few years ago.
I'm in the "call buttons are for emergencies like I'm having air sickness and one paper bag won't do it" camp. FAs are human beings there to ensure safety on board. Remember that they're not called stewardesses anymore.
With all due respect, people don't pay $3000+ premium to fly in business class so they can get some steps in after having made themselves comfortable at their seat. Sometimes I enjoy conversation and sometimes I'd just like some more water before I try to sleep again.
Even for an economy passenger, should someone seated at the window or middle wake up another passenger who has managed the feat of sleeping in Y so they can get out and walk to the galley so that an FA doesn't have to be offended by a light coming in on the galley?
Providing onboard service is quite explicitly part of the FA job and is something the airline markets in order to attract customers. It is not rude to politely request service by means of the system deliberately installed in the aircraft for doing so. It is no different than phoning the front desk of a hotel rather than getting in the elevator.