5 Ways To Get What You Want (Nicely)

We’re All For Selflessness, But Sometimes You Need To Take Action To Drive Toward Change. Learn To Do It Without Making Enemies.

- Jerisha Parker Gordon

1 Make eye contact.

People are so attached to their devices that we on the flight crew have no interaction with them until they have a problem. If someone actually says hello and looks me in the eyes while they board the plane, it’s a big deal, and I will remember that person—where they’re seated, what they’re drinking. It makes me want to go out of my way for them. And if I see a passenger helping another passenger, I’m like, “Extra snack for you!” If an issue arises with someone’s seat or connecting flight, I’m more motivated to go above and beyond for someone who was kind and polite to me and their fellow passengers.

HEATHER POOLE IS THE AUTHOR OF CRUISING ATTITUDE: TALES OF CRASHPADS, CREW DRAMA, AND CRAZY PASSENGERS AT 35,000 FEET. SHE LIVES IN LOS ANGELES.

2 Know the rules.