As soon as every flight is completely boarded, the gate agent gives the flight attendants a passenger list which includes that information. It also includes your status with the airline and in some cases the number of reward miles you hold on the airline.

In 2026, flight attendants are more informed than ever thanks to the universal adoption of handheld tablets or "crew devices" that provide a real-time digital manifest of the cabin. When you board, the lead flight attendant or purser can see your full name, seat number, and, crucially, your loyalty status within their airline's frequent flyer program. This information allows them to provide personalized service, such as addressing high-tier members by name or offering a verbal "thank you for your loyalty." Beyond just status, these devices often flag special occasions like birthdays, as well as "special service request" (SSR) codes indicating if you have a specific food allergy, require mobility assistance, or are traveling as an unaccompanied minor. While they use this data to prioritize service, they also use the manifest to identify "able-bodied passengers" (ABPs) who might be physically capable of assisting in an emergency, ensuring that the crew has a mental map of the cabin's resources before the doors even close.