Ever been on a long flight and thought about making that one special request to the flight attendant? You know, the kind that seems totally reasonable to you but might secretly make them want to hide in the galley for the rest of the flight? While flight attendants are there to ensure your safety and comfort, there are certain passenger requests that make them silently groan. Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on the one thing flight attendants wish you’d never ask for during your flight.
Mixing unusual drink combinations makes flight attendants cringe
Flight attendants have seen it all when it comes to beverage requests, but one combination stands out as particularly cringe-worthy: milk and Coke mixed together. Yes, you read that right. According to flight crew members, passengers occasionally request this unusual concoction, claiming it helps cure hangovers or provides an energy boost. When faced with such requests, many flight attendants hesitate, having never heard of such a combination before. It’s not just about the extra work — it’s the thought of what that mixture might look like (and smell like) that makes them reluctant.
While flight attendants aim to please, they often provide the separate ingredients and let passengers create this unusual mixture themselves. Some passengers insist the resulting drink tastes similar to an ice cream float. However, flight attendants recommend sticking to simple drink orders while flying. With limited space in the galley and numerous passengers to serve, unusual drink combinations create unnecessary complications during service. Next time you’re tempted to order something experimental, remember your flight attendant is juggling responsibilities for everyone on board.
Asking to park at another airline’s gate
Believe it or not, some passengers have actually asked flight attendants to request that the pilot park at a different airline’s gate. Imagine thinking your flight attendant has the power to redirect an entire aircraft to a competitor’s gate just because it might be more convenient for you! This request shows a fundamental misunderstanding of how airports operate. Gates are assigned by airport authorities based on complex scheduling and operational requirements, not passenger preference. When passengers make this request, flight attendants must politely explain that they have absolutely no control over which gate an aircraft uses.
Airport gates are like reserved parking spaces—they’re carefully allocated to specific airlines through contracts and agreements. A United flight can’t simply pull into an American Airlines gate any more than you could park in someone else’s assigned spot at work. Besides, even if it were possible, such a request would create chaos for ground crews, baggage handlers, and other passengers. When a passenger asked one flight attendant to have the captain park at “United’s or American’s or…” any other airline’s gate, the crew member was left completely speechless. It’s requests like these that make flight attendants wonder what passengers are thinking.
Bringing exotic animals on board
Flight attendants have encountered some truly bizarre requests involving animals. Some passengers have asked for water for their falcon, while others have requested accommodation for snakes in aquariums or even asked to bring live cats and mice on board. While service animals and certain pets are permitted on flights under specific regulations, exotic animals typically aren’t allowed in the cabin. These unusual requests put flight attendants in an awkward position of having to deny passengers while maintaining professional courtesy. Most passengers don’t realize that bringing exotic animals on board poses serious safety risks to other passengers and the animals themselves.
One particularly strange request involved a passenger asking for permission to bring a live chicken on board so they could have fresh eggs for breakfast. Flight attendants must follow strict airline policies regarding animals on aircraft, primarily for safety reasons. The cabin environment is not suitable for most animals, with pressurization, noise, and limited space causing stress. Additionally, other passengers may have allergies or phobias. When faced with these requests, flight attendants must firmly but politely explain the rules while suggesting alternatives, such as checking with the airline’s pet travel policies before booking.
Asking for food that’s not on the menu
Flight attendants regularly face requests for foods that simply aren’t available on planes. Passengers have asked for everything from fried chicken to sushi burritos and raw fish that they expect to be cooked on board. What many travelers don’t understand is that airplane galleys are extremely limited cooking facilities—they’re more like warming stations than actual kitchens. Most food is prepared on the ground, packaged, and then simply heated or assembled in the air. There are no grills, ovens, or stovetops for cooking raw ingredients, and certainly no room for specialty cooking equipment needed for specific cuisines.
When passengers request off-menu items, flight attendants must explain these limitations while trying to find suitable alternatives from what’s actually available. This puts them in an uncomfortable position of repeatedly saying “no” while still trying to maintain good service. Additionally, food safety regulations are extremely strict for airline catering. All meals must be prepared in certified facilities under specific conditions. Even if a flight attendant wanted to accommodate a special request, they legally couldn’t prepare food that doesn’t meet these standards. The best approach for passengers with specific dietary needs is to order special meals in advance or bring their own approved snacks.
Requesting parachutes during turbulence
You might think this is a joke, but flight attendants report that nervous flyers sometimes actually request parachutes during bouts of turbulence. While this request might come from a place of genuine anxiety, it reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of aviation safety. Commercial aircraft don’t carry parachutes because they would be practically useless in emergency situations. Modern planes are designed to handle turbulence safely, and the overwhelming majority of turbulence incidents result in no damage to the aircraft. When passengers make these requests, flight attendants must calmly explain that turbulence, while uncomfortable, is a normal part of flying.
Using a parachute would require specialized training that most passengers don’t have. Even professional skydivers train extensively before making jumps. Additionally, the altitude and speed of commercial flights make parachute jumps extremely dangerous. Aircraft typically cruise at 30,000-40,000 feet, where temperatures are well below freezing and oxygen levels are too low to sustain consciousness. Rather than requesting parachutes, anxious passengers should instead focus on proven anxiety relief techniques for flying. Flight attendants recommend deep breathing, distraction through entertainment, or speaking with them directly about concerns, as they’re trained to reassure nervous passengers.
Asking flight attendants to babysit your children
One request that truly makes flight attendants want to disappear into the galley is when parents ask them to watch their children while they take a nap or walk around the cabin. While flight attendants are generally kind and helpful toward young passengers, they aren’t babysitters. Their primary responsibility is the safety of all passengers on board, and they simply cannot devote their attention to watching individual children. During a flight, attendants must perform regular safety checks, serve food and beverages, respond to call buttons from multiple passengers, and remain prepared for any emergencies that might arise.
When parents make this request, flight attendants find themselves in an awkward position of having to refuse without seeming unhelpful. Many attendants report that some parents become upset or even argumentative when told that childcare isn’t part of flight attendant duties. Parents traveling with children should come prepared with activities to keep their kids entertained, such as travel games, books, or tablets with downloaded content. If parents need a break during a long flight, they should take turns watching their children rather than expecting the cabin crew to take over parental responsibilities while they rest or relax.
Requesting hotel transfers and ground transportation
Flight attendants often get questions about hotel transfers and ground transportation options after landing. While this might seem like a reasonable request, it’s actually outside a flight attendant’s job scope. Their responsibilities end once passengers deplane. Flight attendants don’t work for the airport or have special connections with local transportation services. They typically know very little about the ground transportation options available at destination airports, especially if they’re not based there. When passengers ask flight attendants to arrange rides or recommend transportation, it puts them in an awkward position of having to admit they don’t have this information.
Most airlines don’t provide flight attendants with training on local transportation options at every destination they fly to. Their knowledge is primarily focused on in-flight safety and service. For transportation needs, passengers should check with their hotel if they offer shuttle services, use the airport information desk, or research options before their trip using travel guides or apps. Many airports have clearly marked areas for rideshare services, taxis, and public transportation. Planning ground transportation in advance not only saves time after a tiring flight but also prevents putting flight attendants on the spot with requests they simply aren’t equipped to handle.
Asking for autographs on strange items
While most flight attendants don’t mind signing the occasional autograph for children, they draw the line at signing unusual items. In one peculiar instance, a group of young boys between 10-12 years old asked the entire crew to autograph an airplane waste bag they had taken from the seat pocket. Flight attendants often find themselves caught off guard by these odd requests. While they want to be accommodating, especially to younger passengers, signing items like waste bags, air sickness bags, or used napkins puts them in an uncomfortable position. These items are unsanitary and intended for a completely different purpose.
Flight attendants generally prefer to interact with passengers in more conventional and professional ways. If children are interested in aviation memorabilia, many airlines offer appropriate items like aviation collectibles such as wings pins that can be properly signed and kept as souvenirs. Some airlines also have activity books or special cards that can be signed. Parents can help by guiding children to request appropriate items for autographs rather than putting flight attendants in the awkward position of having to refuse a child’s request, which they’re generally reluctant to do even when the request involves signing items most people would consider trash.
Next time you fly, remember that flight attendants are there primarily for your safety and comfort within reasonable bounds. While they aim to provide excellent service, unusual requests like those we’ve covered put unnecessary strain on their already demanding jobs. By sticking to straightforward requests and treating flight attendants with respect and understanding, you’ll help create a better experience for everyone on board—including yourself. After all, a happy flight crew means a more pleasant journey for all passengers from takeoff to landing.
