Have you ever thought about why flight attendants always offer a friendly ‘hello’ as you step onto a plane? There’s a bit more going on than just a warm welcome.
For those who travel frequently, it’s well-known that the moment you board, you’re met with a greeting at the door.
While this may appear to be a simple act of courtesy, it serves a more critical function.
When flight attendants say ‘hello’ as you find your seat, they’re not just being polite—they’re assessing whether any passengers might be unwell or intoxicated.
Although it’s common for passengers to enjoy a drink before or during takeoff, excessive drinking can create safety concerns for everyone on the aircraft.
An intoxicated passenger could potentially be removed from the flight, or, in severe cases, cause the plane to be diverted.
Wizz Air flight attendant Iona Iachim took to TikTok to shed light on this practice, explaining that the greeting upon boarding isn’t just about courtesy but also “to check whether or not you are too drunk or sick to fly”.
Another flight attendant from the same Hungarian budget airline supported these statements.
In a video captioned over footage of Rania making an announcement, the cabin crew member noted: “Did you know that your flight attendant greets you not only out of politeness?”
After a brief pause, Rania disclosed that the true purpose of their greeting is “to check whether you are too drunk or sick to fly”.
Flight attendants also look for ‘able-bodied passengers’ (ABPs) who can assist in emergencies, such as evacuating the aircraft.
So, if you’ve been hoping that a flight attendant’s greeting was a sign of romantic interest, you’re mistaken—something that has left some TikTok users a bit let down.
“I always thought it was my devastatingly good looks and awesome personality. Now I’m heartbroken,” one person confessed.
Another shared: “I came home from Vegas drunk with my cousins and I was so shocked they even allowed us on the plane.”
In addition to this initial greeting, flight attendants also consider who is seated in exit rows, ensuring that individuals unlikely to impede an evacuation, such as children, the elderly, or those with physical or mental disabilities, are not placed there.