Are our flight expectations unrealistic?
A recent survey of cabin crew conducted by Virgin Atlantic has revealed that passengers can at times have expectations of their flight which are more outrageous than your average viewing of Little Britain. Crew have told researchers a number of stories about their passengers which illustrate the lack of knowledge which many travellers have when they first embark upon a flight, whether they are going long-haul or staying closer to home. The research surveyed three thousand cabin crew from Virgin Atlantic to find out more about the types of queries and requests the staff encountered as they jetted off with their plane full of passengers.
Some of the more unbelievable anecdotes have shown that passengers have boarded the Virgin flights in full expectation of experiencing something akin to a day at the mall, with people enquiring where the McDonalds restaurant is on board, and how they can gain access to the nearest massage parlour.
Other stories tell of people who have embarked on their journey are reported to have complained that they are unable to open the windows to get some air circulating around the cabin, and have asked bemused cabin crew if they could turn down the noise of the engines to support them in getting a good rest before they arrive at their chosen destination. Many others complained about the cabin being pressurised, seemingly unaware of the benefits of this system, and made requests to speak to the Captain, in an effort to get the weather to calm down and reduce the amount of turbulence which was felt mid-flight.
Among some of the more laughable enquiries involved people requesting to use the shower before arriving at their destination, and one shameless passenger asking if their Barbie Doll could get a massage before landing. Flight attendants are also regularly asked to support passengers with more outlandish requests such as helping out in locating a glass eye which had gone amiss, and having to explain that there was no playroom onboard for bored and tetchy smaller passengers.
The relationship manger for customers of Virgin Atlantic, Caroline Lynam, commented: “Virgin Atlantic crew will always go that extra mile to offer our customers the best possible service but there are some requests that even we find somewhat challenging."
