A Veteran Flight Attendant Shares Signs That Could Mean Trouble On An Airplane

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Flying can be an anxiety-inducing experience, with every noise and movement raising concerns about the flight’s safety. To help you distinguish between routine occurrences and real issues, veteran flight attendant Barbi, who has nearly 40 years of experience, shares her insights. Flight attendants are trained to manage situations calmly and keep passengers informed when necessary. Signs like rapid decompression, sudden altitude changes, or unusual noises are rare but worth noting. Barbi reassures that if the crew seems calm, there’s likely no issue. By understanding these signs, you can feel more secure and better prepared for your next flight. Ever wonder what flight attendants are trained to look out for during a flight? Sure, flying can trigger anxiety, especially with unexpected noises or sudden movements. The Hill reported that 40% of Americans experience aviophobia to some degree. To distinguish between routine occurrences and real issues, we spoke with Barbi, a journalist and veteran flight attendant with nearly 40 years of experience with a major U.S. carrier. Here’s the inside scoop on what could mean trouble on an airplane.

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The Role of Flight Attendants in Keeping Calm

Training and Professionalism

Flight attendants are trained to maintain a calm and composed demeanor, even in the face of serious issues. “Crews do their best not to give any indication that there is a serious issue during a flight until we are ready to share it with the passengers,” Barbi explains. The primary goal is to prevent unnecessary panic and manage the situation effectively.

Subtle Hints of Trouble

While professionals do their utmost to keep things under wraps, a few behaviors might hint at something unusual. If you notice flight attendants moving quickly and purposefully to a specific area of the plane or if the crew clearly deviates from regular service without any explanation, it could indicate that they are addressing a non-routine issue.

Recognizing Different Emergency Signs

Rapid Decompression

Rapid decompression is one of the rare but critical emergencies. Barbi describes this scenario vividly: “Rapid decompressions will have loud or booming sounds, a whoosh of air will fill the cabin, debris will fly about, and oxygen masks will drop if you are on a commercial jet with capabilities to fly at high altitudes.” The cabin might also get foggy as temperatures plummet. Despite its dramatic portrayal, this event is extremely rare.

Sudden Changes in Altitude

Significant and sudden changes in altitude usually indicate that pilots are avoiding a problem, such as severe turbulence. This maneuver helps to maintain safety, even though it might feel unsettling.

Unusual Noises

Unfamiliar noises can also be cause for concern. While commercial flights inherently involve some level of background noise, new, unusual, or particularly loud sounds should catch your attention. Check out our guide on different airplane noises and what they mean for more insight.

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What To Do If You Suspect a Problem

Speak Up

Barbi’s advice is straightforward: “If you see something, say something.” Reporting your concerns allows the crew to assess the situation. “It may be nothing, but by bringing it to the attention of the crew, they can discern if it warrants emergency procedures.”

Stay Seated and Follow Instructions

If you notice flight attendants behaving unusually or deviating from normal service, stay seated and wait for further instructions. The crew is trained to manage emergencies and will communicate if any passenger assistance is needed.

Common Misinterpretations

Sometimes passengers misinterpret routine events as serious issues. Turbulence, for example, can be alarming but is generally not dangerous. Pilots, crews, and aircraft are well-equipped to handle it. Similarly, seeing a flight attendant rush down the aisle could simply mean they are retrieving extra supplies for food service.

Final Tips For A Safe and Calm Flight

Observing Crew Behavior

Barbi assures that if the crew appears calm and continues their duties, there’s likely no issue. Always keep your seatbelt fastened when seated to avoid injury during unexpected turbulence.

Health Considerations

“If you are sick, do not fly,” states Barbi. The last thing you need is to be 35,000 feet above the ground, stuck in a metal tube with no way to get to a hospital if things worsen.

By understanding these signs and following these tips, passengers can feel more secure and better prepared to handle their next flight.

Quick Reference Table

Scenario	What To Look For	What To Do
Rapid Decompression	Loud booms, whoosh of air, oxygen masks	Follow crew instructions immediately
Sudden Changes in Altitude	Noticeable altitude shifts	Remain seated and stay calm
Unusual Noises	New or loud sounds	Observe, but don’t panic
Flight Attendant Behavior	Quick, purposeful movement, behavior changes	Stay in your seat and await instructions
Suspected Medical Emergency	Someone visibly ill or unconscious	Alert flight crew immediately