“Isn’t this the basics of customer service?” a fourth person questions.
After a bit of pre-flight socialising at the terminal bar, you finally head to the gate.
Then comes the wait, almost always longer than expected, until you board the aircraft. As you step on board, a friendly cabin crew member greets you.
Now, one flight attendant has shed light on the true reason behind this seemingly routine gesture.
In a TikTok video, flight attendant Rania explains that while politeness is part of the job, there’s more to the warm welcome.
It allows flight attendants to assess whether passengers are intoxicated or ill, ensuring everyone is fit to fly.
“Your flight attendant greets you, not only out of politeness but also to check whether you are too drunk or sick to fly,” Rania explains.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Flight attendants also scan the crowd to identify passengers who could assist in an emergency. This includes physically able individuals – an ABP (or able-bodied person) – likely to cooperate during unforeseen circumstances.
Social media users are chiming in, sharing their own experiences and insights.
