The Best Flight Attendant Quotes From 90 Years Of Air Travel
In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the best flight attendant quotes from the last 90 years. Submit your own to have them included.
Commercial air travel has been around for almost a century, and during that time flight attendants have become an essential part of the experience. They are responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers, and they often provide a much-needed sense of humor during long flights.
“The cabin crew is there to make sure you have a safe and comfortable flight. But if you’re looking for someone to hold your hand, you’re out of luck.”
This quote from a flight attendant sums up the job nicely. Cabin crew are responsible for the safety and well-being of passengers, but they’re not there to coddle or entertain (though it’s not uncommon to see a flight attendant helping with babies and infants).
Commercial Air Travel
The vast majority of the billions of passengers who have tasted flight since commercial aviation first become an affordable travel option have been looked after by one or more flight attendants that make up the cabin crew.
Air travel can seem humdrum and mundane as you queue to complete all the security checks but it still has the capacity to inspire us as our eyes turn skyward. As the airplane takes to the skies the memory of all the hassle of passing through the various checks on the ground fades away and we begin to fulfill our wanderlust dreams.
On the way, if you’re looking for in-flight entertainment, you might want to bring your own, but if you need a firm hand to help you stay safe, the cabin crew is always happy to oblige.
Become A Flight Attendant
We cover everything you need to know about the Flight Attendant interview process and how to pass it. Everything from what to wear, to how to do your hair and makeup, we show you the most likely interview questions and we even tell you how to answer them. Valuable insights from industry experts to help take the guess work out of the interview process.
Written by Airline Crew & HR Personnel
Career Advice, Interview Questions & Answers
The Early Days of Air Travel
In the early days of commercial aviation, flight attendants were pioneers in the industry, setting the tone for what was to come. Here are some quotes from those trailblazers:
“The best office in the world.” – Ellen Church, the first female flight attendant, describing her job in the 1930s.
“I may be a pioneer, but I still have to make a living.” – Adele E. Huston, one of the first African American flight attendants, who began her career in the late 1940s.
Humor in the Skies
Flight attendants are known for their sense of humor, which can help put passengers at ease and make the flight more enjoyable. Here are some classic one-liners:
“Ladies and gentlemen, if you wish to smoke, the smoking section is on the wing, and if you can light ’em, you can smoke ’em.” – Anonymous flight attendant
“In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, oxygen masks will drop from the overhead area. Please stop screaming, grab the mask, and pull it over your face.” – Anonymous flight attendant
Flight Attendant Wisdom
Flight attendants have a unique perspective on life, thanks to their experiences in the air. Here are some insightful quotes:
“The most important thing in life is not the destination, but the journey itself.” – Anonymous flight attendant
“The best part of being a flight attendant is the view – it never gets old.” – Anonymous flight attendant
Inspiring Quotes from Legendary Flight Attendants
Some flight attendants have gone above and beyond, becoming legends in the industry. Their words continue to inspire future generations:
“If you can’t change the direction of the wind, adjust your sails.” – Dottie Sandusky, a flight attendant who survived a plane crash and went on to have a long and successful career.
“Flying is more than a job; it’s a passion that you have to feel in your heart.” – Neerja Bhanot, a flight attendant who heroically saved passengers during a hijacking and lost her life in the process.
Quotes on Customer Service
Flight attendants are customer service experts, and their wisdom on the subject is worth heeding:
“The key to great customer service is to treat each passenger as if they were the only one on the plane.” – Anonymous flight attendant
“A smile can make all the difference in the world when it comes to making a passenger feel welcome.” – Anonymous flight attendant
The Changing Landscape of Air Travel
As air travel has evolved, so have flight attendants’ roles and perspectives. Here are some quotes that capture the changing nature of the industry:
“In the past, being a flight attendant was all about glamour; now, it’s about safety and customer service.” – Anonymous flight attendant
“The golden age of air travel may be gone, but we still have the power to make every flight a memorable experience for our passengers.” – Anonymous flight attendant
Quotes on the Challenges of the Job
Being a flight attendant isn’t always easy, but these quotes remind us of the resilience and dedication required to excel in the role:
“You know you’re aflight attendant when you can sleep in any time zone and eat dinner at breakfast.” – Anonymous flight attendant
“The hardest part of the job isn’t the long hours or the jet lag; it’s saying goodbye to the incredible people you meet along the way.” – Anonymous flight attendant
Empowering Quotes for Aspiring Flight Attendants
For those considering a career in the skies, these quotes offer encouragement and inspiration:
“If you want to soar, you have to be willing to spread your wings and leave the ground.” – Anonymous flight attendant
“Becoming a flight attendant isn’t just a job; it’s a lifestyle. Embrace the adventure and enjoy the journey.” – Anonymous flight attendant
The Importance of Teamwork
Flight attendants work closely with their colleagues, often forming strong bonds in the process. These quotes highlight the significance of teamwork in the aviation industry:
“A great flight crew is like a well-oiled machine – everyone knows their role and works together seamlessly to create a smooth flight experience.” – Anonymous flight attendant
“The friendships you form with your fellow flight attendants can last a lifetime. You become a family in the sky.” – Anonymous flight attendant
The Impact of Flight Attendants on Passengers
Flight attendants can make a lasting impression on passengers, as these quotes reveal:
“A good flight attendant can turn a bad flight into a great one, and a great flight attendant can make a passenger feel like they’re flying first class, even in economy.” – Anonymous passenger
“I’ll never forget the kindness and professionalism of the flight attendant who helped me when I was flying alone with my infant for the first time. They made a stressful situation manageable and even enjoyable.” – Anonymous passenger
More Flight Attendant Quotes
“I have always believed that flight attendants are the real unsung heroes of the skies.” ~ Stephanie Adams
“A flight attendant is like a momma bear. We take care of our passengers and make sure they’re comfortable and safe.” ~ Barbara Foster
“Being a flight attendant is more than just serving drinks and providing pillows. It’s about making people feel at home even when they’re miles away from home.” ~ Dora Swanson
“You know you’re a flight attendant when you wear makeup and sensible shoes every day.”
“All women are created equal but only the finest become flight attendants.”
“For most people, the sky’s the limit. For flight attendants the sky is home.”
“Dear Sleep, I’m very sorry that I didn’t appreciate you when I was little. Now that I’m a Flight Attendant I can’t seem to get enough of you. Sincerely, Me.”
“To most people, the sky’s the limit. To those who fly, the sky is home.”
“Keep calm and date a flight attendant.”
“Keep calm and kiss a flight attendant.”
Funny Flight Attendant Quotes
Cabin crew members are known for their ability to keep passengers safe and comfortable during flights. But a few also have a reputation for being able to make people laugh with their clever quips and witty remarks. Here are some of the funniest things flight attendants have been known to say:
“In the event of an emergency, please make sure your seat belt is securely fastened. And if you really want to be safe, you can always try holding on to the person next to you.”
“Welcome aboard Flight 1313. Destination: Halloween Town.”
“Please make sure your tray tables and seat backs are in their full upright and locked positions. We wouldn’t want anyone getting a mouthful of airline food.”
“In case of an emergency, please refer to the inflight safety card located in the seat pocket in front of you. Or better yet, just ask the person sitting next to you.”
“The only time you have too much fuel is when you’re on fire.”
“No, we cannot turn the air conditioning up any higher…it will start raining.”
“There may be 50 ways to leave your lover…but there are only 4 ways out of this airplane.”
“If you have a stroke aboard this aircraft, you won’t want the pretend doctor to be the one on the plane.”
Flight Attendant Quotes from the novel
Here are some flight attenant quotes from the novel, The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian
“Remember that person you wanted to be? There’s still time.”
“A smart girl is nobody’s pushover and nobody’s foe. A smart girl is both sword and smile.”
“It’s a terrible era when idiots are allowed to govern the blind,”
“The plain unvarnished reality that we cannot escape who we are and most of the time we die as we lived.”
“You want to know the definition of a consultant? A guy who borrows your watch to tell you what time it is.”
“Even the most successful people in this world make mistakes. Often they’re just better at correcting them and moving on.”
The Flight Attendant
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
A powerful thriller about the ways an entire life can change in one night: A flight attendant wakes up in the wrong hotel, in the wrong bed, with a dead man–and no idea what happened. Don’t miss the acclaimed HBO Max series!
You know you’re a flight attendant when:
- You never unpack
- You look to the ceiling when the doorbell chimes
- You always point with two fingers
- You look for the “Crew Line” at the grocery store
- You know a meaning for “crop dusting” that has nothing to do with agriculture
- You can recognise pilots from the back of their heads but not by their faces
- You can’t stand the frequent flyer guy who says, “I fly more than you do”
- You know better not to date a pilot
- You know cities by their three letter abbreviations
What a Flight Attendant Might Say Before Flight
“To operate your seat belt, insert the metal tab into the buckle and pull tight. It works just like every other seat belt, and if you don’t know how to operate on you probably shouldn’t be out in public unsupervised.”
“There are 50 ways to leave your lover but there are only 4 ways to leave this airplane.”
“In the event of a crash some of you will die over here and someo of you will die over there.”
What a Flight Attendant Might Say at Takeoff & Ascend
“Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve reached cruising altitude and will now be turning down the cabin lights. This is for your comfort and to enhance the appearance of the flight attendants.”
What a Flight Attendant Might Say During The Flight
“In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure masks will descend from the ceiling. Stop screaming, grab the mask, and pull it over your face. If you have a small child traveling with you secure your own mask before assisting them with theirs. If you are traveling with more than one child, pick your favorite first.”
What a Flight Attendant Might Say After Landing
“Please take care when opening the overhead lockers because after a landing like that we’re sure as hell everything has shifted.”
“Please be sure to take all your belongings with you before you leave the aircraft. If you are going to leave anything behind, please make sure it’s something we’d like to have.”
“Thank you for flying on our airline. We hope you enjoyed giving us the business as much as we enjoyed taking you for a ride.”
5 Examples Of Flight Attendant Quotes And What They Mean
As a profession, flight attendants have always been known for their grace under pressure, their ability to handle difficult situations with a smile, and their dedication to ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers. It’s no wonder, then, that over the years, many flight attendants have shared their wisdom, wit, and words of encouragement through memorable quotes that have inspired and entertained people around the world.
Here are some of the best flight attendant quotes in the history of aviation:
- “I am not a therapist, but I play one at 30,000 feet.” – Unknown
This quote perfectly captures the role that flight attendants often play in the lives of travelers. Whether it’s offering a comforting word to a nervous flyer, helping to resolve a dispute between passengers, or simply providing a friendly face and a helping hand, flight attendants are often called upon to be a source of comfort and support.
- “The best part of being a flight attendant is the opportunity to travel the world and make a difference in the lives of others, one flight at a time.” – Unknown
For many people, the prospect of seeing new places and experiencing different cultures is a dream come true. For flight attendants, this wanderlust dream is a reality, as they have the opportunity to visit far-flung destinations and meet people from all walks of life. And with each flight, they have the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of the passengers they serve.
- “A good flight attendant is a combination of therapist, bartender, and referee.” – Unknown
As the quote above suggests, flight attendants wear many hats. In addition to their primary responsibilities of ensuring passenger safety and comfort, they also often serve as unofficial counselors and mediators, helping to resolve conflicts and diffuse tense situations. And of course, they are also responsible for serving food and drinks, making them a kind of bartender as well.
- “Being a flight attendant is not just a job, it’s a lifestyle.” – Unknown
For those who are passionate about their work as a flight attendant, it’s more than just a job – it’s a way of life. It requires a strong work ethic, a sense of adventure, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and environments. It’s a demanding job, but for those who love it, it’s also incredibly rewarding.
- “A flight attendant’s job is to promote calm and order, not to panic and evacuate.” – Unknown
In the event of an emergency, flight attendants are trained to remain calm and composed, even in the face of chaos and uncertainty. They play a crucial role in maintaining order and ensuring that passengers are safe, and their level-headedness is often instrumental in helping to prevent panic and confusion.
In conclusion, these flight attendant quotes demonstrate the many roles that cabin crew members play in the lives of travelers, as well as the dedication, professionalism, and inspiration they bring to their work. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just dreaming of wanderlust, these quotes are sure to speak to you.
What Passengers Say About The Cabin Crew
Some passengers have said that the cabin crew are the glue that holds a flight together. They are the ones who make sure that everything runs smoothly, and they often go above and beyond to make sure that passengers have a good flight by introducing humor to alleviate stressful situations or to gain the attention of bored passengers.
“The flight attendants are like angels in the sky.”
This quote comes from an anonymous passenger who was interviewed by USA Today in 2015. The passenger was talking about his experience on a Virgin America flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco. He said that the flight attendant made him feel comfortable and at home and that she was always quick to help him in the event of an emergency.
Sometimes, the cabin crew members are not always complimented.
“I’m not sure what the flight attendant’s name was, but I think it was ‘No.'”
“I asked the flight attendant if she could turn off the air conditioning. She told me she couldn’t, but she turned off the passenger.”
“That must be strange, cheating on your wife with a flight attendant. They’re in bed and she says, ‘In the event that wife should come home early please notice the location of the nearest emergency exit.'” ~ Jay Leno
“It’s now possible for a flight attendant to get a pilot pregnant.” ~ Richard J. Ferris
“You don’t ever want to hear ‘pray’ from a flight attendant.” ~ David Sedaris
How to praise a Flight Attendant
There’s nothing like a cabin crew member who goes above and beyond to make your flight more comfortable. Whether it’s bringing you a pillow and blanket when you’re cold, getting you an extra drink when you’re thirsty, or just being friendly and attentive, they really do make the flying experience better. So, how can you let them know that you appreciate their efforts? Here are a few ideas:
- Simply say “thank you.” A cabin crew member will appreciate hearing those two simple words.
- Smile, be friendly and courteous. It’s amazing how much of a difference a smile can make.
- If they go above and beyond, consider writing a positive review or filling out a customer feedback form. This is a great way to let their superiors know that they’re doing a good job.
- Lastly, don’t forget to say goodbye and thank them again as you exit the plane. A kind word goes a long way!
Inflight Dramas involving Flight Attendants
Every few seconds an airplane takes to the sky and most flights are uneventful, but just occasionally the cabin crew may be called up to peform all kinds of activities at 36,000 feet. Examples of events that have occurred include:
- Delivering a baby
- Giving CPR to a passenger
- Dealing with drunk, drugged, or deranged passengers who try to open the aircraft door mid-flight
- Dealing with similarly intoxicated passengers who verbally abuse other members of the crew or other passengers
- Restraining physically violent passengers
- Preparing passengers for a forced landing on land or water
- Helping passengers to evacuate an aircraft before they can leave it themselves
Happily, most of these events are very rare and even the medical emergencies are not that common. Nevertheless, it just goes to show how resourceful and courages flight attendants need to be in stressful situations.
Famous Flight Attendants
Flight Attendant Ruth Carol Taylor
When flight attendant Ruth Carol Taylor walked into the cockpit of flight 719 on December 1, 1948, she made history. She was the first African American flight attendant in the United States. Ruth’s career as a flight attendant began in 1948, when she was hired by Trans World Airlines (TWA) as a stewardess.
She worked for TWA for two years before moving to Delta Air Lines, where she worked as a flight attendant for over 20 years. Ruth was an active member of the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) and served on its Board of Directors. She also served on the boards of several other organizations, including the NAACP.
In retirement, Ruth remained active in the community, and was a frequent speaker at events honoring African American flight attendants. Ruth Carol Taylor passed away on February 21, 2016, at the age of 98. She will be remembered as a trailblazer in the field of flight attendant aviation.
Flight Attendant Betty Ong
Betty Ong was a flight attendant for American Airlines. On September 11th, 2001, she was working on Flight 11 from Boston to Los Angeles. When terrorists attacked the plane, Betty did everything she could to help her fellow passengers.
She called American Airlines to report the hijacking, and she provided them with vital information about what was happening on board. Thanks to Betty’s quick thinking, the authorities were able to track down and intercept the plane before it reached its destination.
Sadly, Betty Ong was one of the many people who lost their lives on September 11th. Her brave actions, however, helped to save countless other lives. She is a true hero, and she will never be forgotten.
Betty Riegel Pan Am Flight Attendant 1961-1968
Flight Attendant Ellen Church
“The best flight attendants are the ones who treat passengers like friends and make them feel comfortable.”
Ellen Church was one of the first flight attendants in history, and she made a big impact during her time working for United Airlines. She was born in 1904 in Iowa, and she always had a passion for aviation. After graduating from college, she applied to be a flight attendant with United Airlines.
At the time, flight attendants were expected to provide passengers with luxurious service. Ellen quickly stood out from the rest of the crew, however, because she was always willing to go above and beyond for her passengers. She was friendly and outgoing, and she loved making people feel comfortable and at home.
Ellen also had a strong sense of duty, and she was always looking out for the safety of her passengers. She was the first flight attendant to perform safety demonstrations, and she was always quick to respond in the event of an emergency.
In 1936, Ellen Church became the first woman to pilot a commercial airliner. She retired from United Airlines in 1945, but her legacy lives on. Today, flight attendants still use many of the techniques that Ellen pioneered all those years ago!
“If the airline industry had a mother, it would be Ellen Church.” ~ Neil Rey
Are these the funniest flight attendants?
Air Stewardess & Air Steward
The role of the flight attendant can be traced back to the early days of commercial air travel. As aero technology developed and passenger air travel became a reality, the industry borrowed terminology from the world of passenger ships. The terms ‘air steward’ and ‘air stewardess’ along with ‘cabin’, ‘boarding’ etc all harken back to these maritime origins.
Back then, air travel was a luxury that was only available to the wealthy. As a result, air stewardesses were often hired from high society backgrounds and they were expected to provide passengers with luxurious service.
More Inspirational Quotes
Looking for more inspiration? As you finally sit in your seat and that the airplane takes off, consider these quotes, which may or may not be repeated by the cabin crew and flight attendants:
The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.
J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan
You can’t be a real country unless you have a beer and an airline- it helps if you have some kind of a football team, or some nuclear weapons, but at the very least you need a beer.
Frank Zappa
The sky is not the limit. It’s just the beginning.
Unknown
We are all passengers on this plane called life.
Unknown
When everything seems to be going against you remember that the airplane takes off against the wind not with it
Henry Ford
They say that when you want something badly enough, the universe will conspire to make it happen. I’m not sure if that’s true, but I do know that when I set my eyes on something and put my mind to it, amazing things can happen. Case in point: my lifelong dream of becoming a pilot.
Unknown
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by aircraft and the idea of taking to the skies. As a child, I would spend hours watching planes take off and land at the airport, dreaming of the day when I could taste flight for myself. Finally, last year, I decided to stop dreaming and turn my aspiration into a reality.
With hard work and dedication, I earned my pilot’s license and have been living my dream ever since. So whether you’re looking to achieve a personal goal or conquer your fears, remember this: if you want something badly enough, the sky is no longer the limit.
Conclusion
After you pass through those last security checks and finally sit in your seat aboard the aircraft and the aircraft takes off, your job is to pay attention to the flight attendant. In the history of commercial aviation which now dates back 100 years, flight attendants have provided inspirational quotes and funny quotes. They’ve seen it all. We’ll be remembering great stewardess quotes for years to come.
Perhaps, with your eyes turned skyward or while you wait to complete the security checks, you too can come up with some witty, philosophical, or inspirational quotes.
