Onboard Flirting 101

Being a flight attendant unfortunately comes with a very big stereotype. When “civilians” hear of what you do for a living they always raise one eyebrow and tilt their head, like they just found out your dirty little secret. Most don’t realize that not everyone is an “air mattress” and doesn’t have a lover in each city. Don’t get me wrong, some do, but it’s not the mentality of everyone in the position. I mean, come on, ask any one of us and we do this job because we love people and like to travel! The majority of the flight attendants I know are happily married, in serious relationships, have a domestic partner or are single but relationship minded.

I believe that if you’re dating, you can turn the stereotype around and use it to your advantage. You’re single, ready to mingle and where else do you have the opportunity to meet 600 different people a day. Albeit not everyone is the gender you’re interested in, but figure half would be.

The acronym “IFB” comes to mind. Your IFB or InFlight Boyfriend is usually selected at boarding, right after your ABP (able bodied person). You saw him get on, and you tried to be the first person to say “Good morning! How are you?” just to be able to speak with him. You follow him through the cabin waiting for the chance to help with something and to say “if you need anything, let me know” throw in a little wink and you head to the back galley to tell the others who you spotted.

Things really get interesting when someone bites. It usually happens when he gets up to use the lav and there’s that awkward silence while he’s waiting in line. You chit chat about his day, what he does, why he’s traveling, etc.. you add how lavish your JFK layover last night was (even though you were near the airport in Jamaica, Queens) and the plans you have for Los Angeles when you get there (also near the airport so dinner consists of Taco Bell). He enters the lav, and the waiting game begins.

Usually, if he comes out and talks more.. you’ve got someone interested. If he returns to his seat immediately, he can’t be bothered.

Some like to play the game further by using eye contact in the aisle. Now that you’ve talked and gotten to know each other a little the intrigue is there to know more and pay more attention to you. As you walk down the aisle you notice your IFB starring at you from the window seat, with a smile. You smile back, and as Pam Ann says, you look busy.. so busy. The eye contact continues for a prolonged time until you finally stop and ask “can I get you anything? is everything okay?” Then you’ve opened the flood gates, yet again.

Various things can happen here from “Yep, everything is fine thanks how about you?” to his witty remark to see how you handle: “can you show me where the power outlets are?” — now is your true time to shine. If you can’t think of a joke to explain where the “power outlets are” you don’t deserve your IFB, move on and wait for Hugh Downs to board your next flight and try again. He’s obviously throwing you a bone to be funny, charming and do a little onboard flirting.

So you make the joke that you can’t show him where the outlets are because you work for a low cost carrier and there is an extra fee involved and add in that, just like you mentioned in your announcements earlier, a quick reference guide is in his seat back pocket. He laughs along with you, because he knows damn well where the outlets are, then asks “so then where do I find your number?” JACKPOT!

Mission Accomplished. You’ve successfully accomplished onboard flirting and the aquisition of an IFB. The true task is turining your IFB into a “real life boyfriend” but hey, if he gives you a call — you have better plans than Taco Bell for your Los Angeles layover!