In-Flight Conversations w/ FAs
Jan 5, 2011, 9:10 am
#1
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In-Flight Conversations w/ FAs
I've noticed a trend.
On my past three upgraded flights I've seen the FA held captive - by conversation. Each flight it was the same - about halfway through the flight someone ambles up to the galley while the FA is preparing someone's drink and starts up a conversation. Conversing with FAs, by itself, is harmless. I've had plenty of 5-minute conversations with FAs while stretching my legs. But, these conversations lasted between 30-45 minutes each!
I understand that FAs may just be being nice to some lonely traveler, but shouldn't they politely cut off the conversation at some point? One FA didn't even bring the snack basket back because of the conversation she was having. Passengers had to come get the snacks/refills if they wanted them. On top of that, the FA and passenger she was talking to made passengers feel like they were "interrupting" the conversation when they came up.
Has any one else noticed this?
On my past three upgraded flights I've seen the FA held captive - by conversation. Each flight it was the same - about halfway through the flight someone ambles up to the galley while the FA is preparing someone's drink and starts up a conversation. Conversing with FAs, by itself, is harmless. I've had plenty of 5-minute conversations with FAs while stretching my legs. But, these conversations lasted between 30-45 minutes each!
I understand that FAs may just be being nice to some lonely traveler, but shouldn't they politely cut off the conversation at some point? One FA didn't even bring the snack basket back because of the conversation she was having. Passengers had to come get the snacks/refills if they wanted them. On top of that, the FA and passenger she was talking to made passengers feel like they were "interrupting" the conversation when they came up.
Has any one else noticed this?
Jan 5, 2011, 9:37 am
#2
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I posted a long rant about this a couple of months ago. FA for the F cabin spent the whole entire flight flirting with a really cute guy in the galley. She let him stay up there long after she announced the seat belts, tray tables up speil. At one point I interupted them to tell her that some people in F needed some attention, like drinks, snack basket. Actually, I was pretty snippy about it, for me anyway. Never did get served. (I think the cute guy got served both on and after the flight, but that's another story for another time.)
Jan 5, 2011, 9:41 am
#3
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I posted a long rant about this a couple of months ago. FA for the F cabin spent the whole entire flight flirting with a really cute guy in the galley. She let him stay up there long after she announced the seat belts, tray tables up speil. At one point I interupted them to tell her that some people in F needed some attention, like drinks, snack basket. Actually, I was pretty snippy about it, for me anyway. Never did get served. (I think the cute guy got served both on and after the flight, but that's another story for another time.)
Jan 5, 2011, 9:58 am
#5
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Jan 5, 2011, 10:03 am
#6
Join Date: Oct 2009
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I've been guilty of engaging FA in long conversations a few times in the past. Usually when I had a seat mate I just didn't feel like being near, and in one case when someone ripped one that fumigated 12 rows on the plane for nearly an hour... somebody should have been ejected for that one.... while at cruising altitude!
In either case, any time I've done so, I've actually helped keep an eye out for PAX wanting anything, and told the FA I'd shut up so they could make their rounds.
In either case, any time I've done so, I've actually helped keep an eye out for PAX wanting anything, and told the FA I'd shut up so they could make their rounds.
Jan 5, 2011, 10:07 am
#7
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Jan 5, 2011, 11:14 am
#8
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I posted a long rant about this a couple of months ago. FA for the F cabin spent the whole entire flight flirting with a really cute guy in the galley. She let him stay up there long after she announced the seat belts, tray tables up speil. At one point I interupted them to tell her that some people in F needed some attention, like drinks, snack basket. Actually, I was pretty snippy about it, for me anyway. Never did get served. (I think the cute guy got served both on and after the flight, but that's another story for another time.)
Jan 5, 2011, 11:56 am
#9
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Similar scenario started to unfold on a NRT-DTW 747 a few years ago -- Mr. Studly Gold Elite (center aisle bulkhead) stows his bags & really puts the move on the FA. By the time the plane took off, that jump seat was occupied by a male FA. 
Jan 5, 2011, 2:04 pm
#11
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I see this all the time. It doesn't bother me, I just feel really bad for the flight attendants. They always look so miserable but have no choice but to be polite. What amuses me is that most of these balding, overweight DYKWIA types really seem to think they are making good progress with the FAs. Do people really think that flight attendants are impressed with how often passengers travel? I'll never understand this. 
Jan 5, 2011, 9:22 pm
#13
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I see this all the time. It doesn't bother me, I just feel really bad for the flight attendants. They always look so miserable but have no choice but to be polite. What amuses me is that most of these balding, overweight DYKWIA types really seem to think they are making good progress with the FAs. Do people really think that flight attendants are impressed with how often passengers travel? I'll never understand this.
Jan 5, 2011, 9:50 pm
#14
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Gee, I am an overweight, not balding, middle-aged white guy. I have had some pleasant conversations with FAs on many a flight. I can attest that I am not trying to get anywhere with any FA, for three reasons:
Most of the conversations have started due to the FA seeing my FT tag hanging off of my bag and asking about it, or asking about the USMC logo on my shirt (since I typically wear one of several USMC golf shirts during the work week). If an FA strikes up a conversation with me, I will enjoy the time accordingly. As someone else mentioned, I tend to look around occasionally and am perfectly willing to get out of their way if they need to perform their duties.
- my wife of 17 years would be appropriately mispleased were it to come to her attention
- I have no need to be humiliated by anyone
- I have been out of the dating scene for way to long to even bother trying
Most of the conversations have started due to the FA seeing my FT tag hanging off of my bag and asking about it, or asking about the USMC logo on my shirt (since I typically wear one of several USMC golf shirts during the work week). If an FA strikes up a conversation with me, I will enjoy the time accordingly. As someone else mentioned, I tend to look around occasionally and am perfectly willing to get out of their way if they need to perform their duties.