What Flight Attendants Won’t Tell You—Plus Pro Tips for a Comfier Flight

9. The captain's helpers, not wait staff

Many believe flight attendants are mainly there to serve food and tidy up, but their most vital responsibility is to serve as the captain’s eyes and ears. The captain leads the aircraft, handling emergencies and ensuring everyone’s safety. Flight attendants play a key part in this system. They monitor assigned areas and are trained to react swiftly in urgent situations. To keep things running smoothly, they must check in with pilots at least once every hour. Their constant vigilance helps keep everyone safe, letting travelers enjoy a more comfortable journey.