There is a particular question you should avoid asking a flight attendant, as one passenger found out when they inadvertently caused a security alert on a plane.
Airports and airlines are known for their stringent security measures, especially since the events of 9/11. Consequently, making jokes about having a bomb or hijacking a plane is likely to result in serious consequences with the authorities.
Recently, a Reddit user shared an instance that revealed another type of inquiry that could alarm cabin crew members.
The discussion took place on the Delta Reddit page, where a traveler described how a fellow passenger raised a security concern during a late-night flight from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale.
The passenger in seat 1B approached a flight attendant and asked: “Hey totally random question, but on my last couple flights I noticed the [flight attendants] did not block access to the galley when the pilot used the lavatory. Is this a new procedure for you guys?”
The Redditor, seated in 2B, observed the encounter as the flight attendant chose not to answer but responded, “Hmm, that’s news to me.” The crew member then spoke with the cabin manager, evidently flagging the conversation as concerning.
The manager soon returned to address the situation with the passenger in seat 1B.
“I understand you were inquiring on access procedures for the flight deck?”, the manager reportedly inquired, to which the passenger laughed and replied, “Oh yeah, I was just curious.”
The flight leader informed the passenger that such information is not ‘something I can discuss with you.’
The passenger, seemingly unaware of the implications, asked, “Oh excuse me, I didn’t realize I wasn’t able to ask questions.”
The staff member clarified, “I can answer most questions, but I cannot answer questions related to the security of the aircraft.”
When the passenger pushed for a reason, the cabin manager reportedly retorted, “Seriously? You know why. Don’t you remember 9/11? We cannot talk about that stuff. So thank you for letting us know what you observed on your prior flights.”
Later, when the plane was airborne and the pilot took a restroom break, the Redditor noted that cabin crew members escorted the pilot and blocked the galley, with one crew member closely watching seat 1B.
The Redditor added, “Unbelievable this guy can’t understand why it might be suspicious for the passenger seated in one of the two closest possible seats to the flight deck door to ask about galley obstructions procedures.”
Several people in the comments humorously speculated that the passenger is ‘definitely on a list now’ while others acknowledged his keen observation skills.
One commenter noted, “Actually, this dude is probably the one person who will realise when something is out of the ordinary on the flight and speak up or will survive in a crash as he pays attention…”
Another agreed, saying, “For real. Doesn’t this guy seem like he would be the most curious about galley obstruction procedures because he is the most proximal to them? Wouldn’t it be f***** up if someone came up from 28E and started talking about galley obstruction protocol?”