Is it appropriate to tip flight attendant?

Tipping flight attendants is not the norm, partially because flight attendants are paid a living wage, unlike restaurant servers. Plus, many airlines ban the practice and flight attendants could get in trouble for accepting tips, if they're offered. However, some airlines leave it up to customers.



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We spoke to American Airlines, Delta, and United, and each airline generally discourages flight attendants from accepting tips. That's pretty much the rule across the board — except for Frontier Airlines. In 2019, the airline introduced tipping options for onboard purchases of food and drink.

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How to make your flight attendant like you
  1. Say hi back. If a flight attendant greets you upon boarding, don't just ignore them. ...
  2. Listen to the safety demo. It's just polite. ...
  3. Headphones off! ...
  4. Be specific when ordering. ...
  5. Same for cold drinks. ...
  6. Say please and thank you. ...
  7. Magazines! ...
  8. Treats.


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It's a lovely gesture that most flight attendants really appreciate. And don't worry, we won't start expecting it. If, however, you're hoping to gain something in return then, sure, go ahead. Just be prepared for a knockback.

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While cabin crew can't see how much you paid for your ticket, they are able to see if you're a frequent flier with the airline and, if so, your status.

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Here are a few questions that make us flight attendants cringe.
  • What Is The Pilot Drinking? ...
  • The Gate Agent Said You Could Seat Us Together? ...
  • Can I Just Sit Here? ...
  • What Hotel Do You Stay At? ...
  • (Ringing The Call Button) Can I Have A Coke? ...
  • What? ...
  • How Many Days Do You Work? ...
  • Is This Your Usual Route?


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Tugging their sleeve to get their attention
(“We're not dogs!” he says). But even if you're gentle and trying to be polite, most flight attendants prefer not to be touched at all.

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These days, air travel rarely brings out the best in anyone. But hitting, threatening, or interfering with a crewmember working on an airplane violates federal law and can result in a felony conviction. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can also impose substantial fines.

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Flight attendants are only paid for their flight time. This means they are not compensated when they are walking through the airport to get to a gate or waiting for the aircraft to arrive. Their time clock does not start until the cabin door is closed.

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5. Food expense reimbursement. An exciting advantage of being a flight attendant is free food or food reimbursement. Not only are in-flight snacks and meals provided, but many companies also reimburse crew members for outside food expenses during travel.

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Yes, technically the airline pays for the hotel accommodation of their employees during layovers. But what people don't realize is that these accommodations come with certain conditions, such as length of stay and availability. When flight attendants are on duty, the airline pays for their accommodation.

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Depends on the airline policy but often no. Some airlines, for safety reasons don't have microwaves. The ovens that are used for heating catered food must be in the proper containers. If we heat your own food and it hasn't been kept well or whatever and you get sick, we might be liable.

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Furthermore, since it is generally considered pretty rude to address a person by their occupation—many servers in restaurants, for example, hate being called “waiter” or “waitress”—I would advise addressing a flight attendant with “sir” or “ma'am” if you need to use an address at all.

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Whether you're flying friends in your own plane, or flying passengers for an airline, these tips can be used for any flight.
  1. 1) Unlike You, They Aren't Used To It! ...
  2. 2) Calm And Confident. ...
  3. 3) Give Them Expectations. ...
  4. 4) Gradual Descents. ...
  5. 5) Get That AC On! ...
  6. 6) Shallow Turns. ...
  7. 7) Share Your Excitement With Them.


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