Looking around my gate (right now), I see a) International travelers speaking mainly Spanish, b) college kids off somewhere for the weekend, c) families looking like they are off to visit Grandma and Grandpa and d) Grandma and Grandpa.

Frank S – I agree this is valuable information. However, I have NEVER heard that information in the general safety briefing that is given by the airlines. I am not disagreeing with you that this is information that we should have, but rather pointing out that this is information that the airlines don’t give us under their current safety briefings.

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ROTATING the handle in the correct direction IS ON THE SAFETY CARD. Also, HOW AND WHERE TO PULL THE INFLATION HANDLE is, again, ON THE SAFETY CARD!!!!!
The information, we give you prior to take off, gives you a MENTAL NOTE if anything should happen.
in fact, in the safety briefing, we say, there’s a SAFETY CARD in the seat pocket in front of you, please review it.

As for cell phones…UGH!…My flight can be damned near ruined when I get a call from the cockpit asking me if someone has a cell phone on. It’s true that Pilots hear feedback in their headsets if a phone is sending or receiving a signal. Next time you see someone with their cell phone on when it’s not an approved time, please let the FA know. I prefer the pilots hear the tower clearly for altitude and heading instructions as well as traffic warnings. Sally Cell Phone sending text msgs while barreling down the runway simply does not know dangers involved.

I welcome a brainstorming session for increasing pax education. We are all aware the boneheads are the ones who will panic during an emergency and make evacuation more difficult. Let’s do it Cranky! PLEASE.

I was on a Northwest flight recently and one of the passengers didn’t take off his iPod on the first announcement as we went for landing. The FA told him again and waited to watch him turn it off and stow it. He effectively challenged her about it, asking how an iPod could interfere with landing. She gave a short explanation and also said she could levy a fine on him for using electronics at that point. It was a little aggressive, but I have to feel for her. People whipping out their cell phones is my bigger peeve (mentioned above), and I really hope cell phone use is never ever permitted in the sky… it’s hard enough finding a “quiet car” on Amtrak!!!

It is comforting to say my piece without feeling as though I am being too bitchy. And, sadly, I am sincere when I ask you all to help me with the traveling boneheads. I know you stood behind them in security as they argued with TSA about their liquids and gels and fumbled around for their boarding passes. Just like I know I broke in line in front of you, splashing my coffee and mumbling 4 letter words along the way. Cheers y’all.