Support the fact-based journalism you rely on with a donation to Marketplace today. Give Now!
Ask Money

It pays to be polite in-flight

Lindsay Thomas Apr 18, 2014
HTML EMBED:
COPY
A Singapore Airlines (SIA) stewardess stands next to a display of the new Singapore Airlines First Class seat during their next generation cabin product launch in Singapore. ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP/Getty Images
Ask Money

It pays to be polite in-flight

Lindsay Thomas Apr 18, 2014
A Singapore Airlines (SIA) stewardess stands next to a display of the new Singapore Airlines First Class seat during their next generation cabin product launch in Singapore. ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP/Getty Images
HTML EMBED:
COPY

As evidenced in the video below, which has been viewed nearly 9.5 million times (and counting) on YouTube, Marty Cobb is one likeable flight attendant.

But even if the members of your cabin crew aren’t hilarious, it’s important to make them like you, according to George Hobica, founder of AirfareWatchdog.com.

Hobica, who was flying before he learned how to walk, believes that packing our manners on every flight is the right thing to do — and it has paid off for him in various ways, including class upgrades and complimentary cocktails.

9. Pens! People are always asking flight attendants for pens, whether to complete immigration and customs forms or to simply do the crossword puzzle. Bring a few extra cheap pens, bundle them up and give them to your crewmember. It may not be as enjoyable as a box of chocolates, but they will surely put them to good use.

Click the audio player at the top of the page to hear Hobica’s plea for in-flight politeness and read more of his tips for making flight attendants like you.

Have travel tips of your own? Share them with a comment below or Tweet them to us @LiveMoney.

There’s a lot happening in the world.  Through it all, Marketplace is here for you. 

You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible. 

Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.