Flight attendant reveals most annoying things passengers do
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Usually when the seatbelt sign is turned on, holidaymakers get a little nervous in case their flight is about to get a little bumpy. However, this is not always the case. Former British Airways Flight Attendant Sam gave Express.co.uk readers some insider info for their next plane ride.
The British Airways website states: “If the seatbelt sign comes on, don’t be scared, but sit down in your seat and fasten your seat belt.
“This is turbulence and is perfectly normal when flying.”
And while this is true in some cases, Sam revealed to Express.co.uk that this is not the only reason flight attendants will switch on that dreaded sign.
She explained: “If the seatbelt sign comes on mid flight for no reason – it doesn’t always mean anticipated turbulence.”
It is actually used as a tactic to calm down passengers and stop too many people going for a walk around the plane.
She continued: “Usually the FA’s just need to settle the cabin if there are lots of people standing/walking around/blocking doors.”
While of course turbulence is inevitable on some flights due to weather conditions, this insider tip should keep any nerves at bay for anxious flyers.
But what else can the seatbelt sign reveal according to another expert?
Former Flight Attendant Laura Hutcheson, who used to work for Virgin Atlantic, said that a double chime and flash of the seat belt sign means that takeoff or landing is imminent.
It is the final sign from the captain for the crew to take their seats, she told the Washington Post.
When the plane lands, many passengers will be eager to unfasten their seatbelt asap and get to their destination, however this is not advisable.
The seat belt signs are turned off by the captain when the aircraft’s engines have been powered down and the aircraft is parked.
She explained: “Although the aircraft is at a standstill and passengers believe that it is safe to get up and start getting their bags, the aircraft could still move unexpectedly, which could result in passengers injuring themselves.”
Former Flight Attendant Annie Strand wrote on online forum Quora that a flashing sign during takeoff or landing is a little sinister.
It means that the plane is around 30 seconds from hitting the ground, according to the insider.
The situation is so “severe” that the pilot does not have time to warn the crew that he or she is doing a safety landing.
Precautionary landings, however, are a very rare occurrence.
Sam concluded with some tips for passengers who may experience some nervousness during flights.
She said: “FA’s are always happy to help if you are nervous, just let them know where you’re sitting when you get onboard and they’ll keep an eye on you.
“On British Airways flights, there is a short video that is designed to calm nervous flyers. It explains turbulence in a great way to reassure you.”
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