'I'm a flight attendant and there's one passenger complaint I hate onboard'

05 January 2024 , 11:35

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Flight attendant Esther Sturrus reveals there is such a thing as complaining too much on planes (Image: Jam Press/@esthersturrus)

A flight attendant has revealed how much cabin crew hate it when passengers complain too much or ignore them on flights.

Esther Sturrus, 22, dreamed about travelling the world and working for airlines from a young age. While cabin crew member, who has worked for TUI and KLM, admits she comes across a lot of sweet and friendly passengers, there are also those she dreads seeing.

Esther, from Rotterdam, Netherlands, has amassed over 223,800 followers on TikTok after sharing her expert knowledge and experiences in her job. Previously, she has told frequent flyers to look for hidden cameras in hotel rooms, how to keep clothes fresh when travelling and other secret tips.

In a recent viral clip, she shared her best and most loathsome type of passengers. Esther said: "Lack of awareness about basic cabin etiquette, like keeping personal items within one's space, can be bothersome."

She continued: "My favourites are polite and friendly travellers. I appreciate passengers who are courteous and engage in friendly conversations, creating a positive atmosphere on the flight. I also appreciate considerate parents.

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"Families who are well-prepared and considerate of other passengers make the journey smoother for everyone. Adaptable individuals are also great. Passengers who remain calm and adaptable in unexpected situations contribute to a more pleasant experience for the entire cabin."

Esther confessed she also has a list of her least favourite passengers, including disruptive behaviour. She added: "Individuals who engage in disruptive or unruly behaviour can create challenges for the crew and fellow passengers. I'm also not a fan of excessive complainers.

"While feedback is valuable, passengers who consistently complain without allowing for solutions can make the atmosphere tense. Lastly, the ignorance of cabin etiquette."

Esther Sturrus dreamed about working for airlines since she was just a young girl; at the age of 16, she attended an aviation course for three years before going on to work for TUI and KLM (Jam Press/@esthersturrus)

The 22-year-old has travelled the world with her job (Jam Press/@esthersturrus)

Esther still believes the good outweighs the bad, and has had some funny experiences with passengers, too. She added: "During a flight, we discovered it was a passenger's birthday. Quietly gathering leftover snacks, we crafted a card and when we sang happy birthday over the intercom, the smile on their face was priceless.

"We also had a small child loose their favourite teddy on a flight once. The entire cabin crew initiated a search and eventually we found the teddy under a seat. The relief upon the reunited pair was heart-warming."

She continued: "Lastly there was the one with the forgotten birthday cake. A family was celebrating their child's birthday on board. Unfortunately, they had forgotten the surprise cake at the gate. With some creativity, we managed to improvise a 'birthday party' on board!"

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Lucy Marshall