`Air Rage' On The Rise

Veteran flight attendant Tim Kirkwood, who's been soaring the skies for 34 years, says it always pays to be kind to airplane staffers.

Thursday, May 20, 2010 1:34 GMT

According to veteran flight attendant Tim Kirkwood, today’s travelers are more disgruntled than ever due to all the annoying airline regulations.

Because they have to jump through hoops at the airport to even get on a flight, many passengers come aboard already “aggravated.”

They typically then lash out on their flight attendants, although Kirkwood notes that temper tantrums don’t fly nearly as much with the TSA watching.

Instead of taking out their “air rage” on staffers like Kirkwood, passengers should make nice with the crew.

The 34-year flying vet says those who are kind to flight attendants usually get VIP treatment including extra pillows, peanuts, and free headphones.

Also, if someone has a good attitude and is dressed nicely, Kirkwood says they’ll be the first ones upgraded to First Class.

Bribing flight attendants with candy bars doesn’t hurt either.