Flight Crews Have a Simple Request: Please Stop Touching Us

Flight attendants are speaking out about a persistent and unwelcome habit they encounter on nearly every flight: passengers grabbing, poking, or tapping them while they work. In a recent episode of the podcast "Jumpseat Chronicles," veteran flight attendant Michelle Montez, who has spent two decades in the industry, described how travelers routinely pinch, slap, and clutch at crew members as they move through the aisle. She’s not alone. Two colleagues, Joshua Boyd and Darion Foy, joined the conversation and shared similar frustrations. Foy noted that passengers have even grabbed his buttocks on multiple occasions. "You can talk to any flight attendant at any airline," he said. "They’ll all tell you the same thing. We absolutely hate it." The crew members suspect some travelers mistake their role for that of a waiter or bartender, leading them to think physical contact is acceptable. The solution, they say, is simple: use words. "You don’t need to touch me to get what you want," Boyd explained. "I just want to hear your voice. A polite 'excuse me' works perfectly." Some attendants have started wearing pins that read "Do Not Touch" as a gentle reminder. The message is clear—keep your hands to yourself, and your flight crew will thank you.