This weeks trip presented me with a new mission. Instill manners on those that insist on asking for items on a plane.

Growing up I was taught to say please and thank you. I was taught to hold the door for people behind me. And, I was taught to speak up.

On flights people are constantly asking for things and I am happy to ablige, but when a passenger shoves a plastic cup in my direction and demands water, I am also going to insist politely that that passenger use manners with me and my fellow crew. 

Let’s get to brass tax: if I can say thank you when people hand me their trash then a person can say please when they ask for water. If they don’t, you will hear me say “next time (madam or sir) if you could please, say please when asking for water, it would be much appreciated by me and the rest of the crew” We love hearing please and thank you’s. 

On a happy note, I have had some wonderful Scandinavian families on board whom have young children who never forget their pleases and thank you’s. If they can do it, any adult can.