Barbara has also explained why she has to hide water
A flight attendant has revealed the surprising rukes she has to follow when in uniform. Barbara Bacilieri worked as a flight attendant for 14 years. Now a travel influencer, the 33-year-old revealed five things she’s banned from doing while wearing the airline’s colours.
Barbara said: “Kissing and public displays of affection are prohibited. We’re also banned from smoking, whether tobacco or vape pens.”
And for any cabin crew member who has recently quit smoking, they aren’t allowed to chew gum either. And that includes “blowing bubbles” with the gum, she said. Barbara said flight attendants have to be careful about where they drink tea or coffee.”
She said: “Drinking coffee at the boarding gate is also forbidden. And of course, alcohol is strictly prohibited”, she said, “but water isn’t denied to anyone.”
Barbara also revealed that flight attendants are sizing up the passengers from the moment they step on the plane. She said: “When you board the plane and we greet you with a smile, we’re actually assessing you in seconds.
“While we say ‘welcome’ or ‘hello’, we’re observing if you’re walking with any difficulty. We’re checking if you’re nervous or apparently under the influence of alcohol. Whether you’re travelling with babies or people who might need assistance.”
She added: “And also if you could be helpful in an emergency, for example, if you seem strong or have medical training.”
Barbara previously said she serves passengers water in secret to stop a “domino effect” on board the plane. She explained: “If a passenger asks for a glass of water, we give it to them secretly.”
Barbara explained that the sly trick isn’t part of formal airline training – it’s something flight attendants learn on the job. Even though it’s free and part of the basic service, Barbara said it can quickly get out of hand. “Water is contagious,” she said.
“If someone sees a flight attendant walk by with a cup in their hand, passengers in other seats immediately start asking for the same. That’s why, when we carry it, we hide it.
“This isn’t a strict policy or an airline mandate, but rather a trick learned through experience.”
Barbara explained that on longer flights, a wave of water requests can throw off the entire service flow, which is why discretion is key. She also urged passengers not to hit the call button for water – but to pop to the galley and ask quietly instead.
