Flying can be stressful for many passengers. Studies suggest that up to 40% of people feel anxious when boarding a plane.
Cabin crew aren’t just trained in safety—they also help passengers feel calm and comfortable. A friendly greeting as you board is part of that effort.
Flight attendants are known for welcoming passengers and helping them find their seats. But there’s more behind that simple “hello” than most travelers realize.
A TikTok video by Wizz Air flight attendant Iona Iachim explains that passenger responses to greetings are very important.
One reason is safety: flight attendants use the greeting to spot passengers who may be intoxicated, unwell, or otherwise unfit to fly.
They also scan for able-bodied passengers who could assist during emergencies. Being friendly helps crew quickly identify people likely to help if needed.
While it may seem like just politeness, the greeting serves multiple purposes: comfort, safety, and emergency preparedness.
Passengers have reacted with surprise online, saying they never realized such a small interaction could have such an important role on flights.
