Airline Drink Etiquette Sparks Outrage Among Passengers

URGENT UPDATE: Passengers are expressing growing frustration over the way flight attendants are serving drinks on airlines, with many considering the practice unsanitary. Reports from a recent flight to Dallas highlight concerns about hygiene as attendants are seen handling cups by their rims before handing them to travelers.

One passenger, writing to etiquette expert Miss Manners, noted the discomfort of receiving a soft drink in such a manner. “If this were a restaurant, you would never return,” they commented, emphasizing the unsatisfactory service. The passenger admitted they wanted to refuse the drink but couldn’t resist the accompanying pretzels.

Miss Manners responded, suggesting that the safety of preventing spills may take precedence over cup hygiene in flight attendant training. Despite her disapproval of the practice, she advised anxious passengers to avoid watching the serving process too closely if they still wished to enjoy their snacks.

In a separate yet equally concerning incident, another reader raised issues about a friend’s home environment during a recent visit. The friend’s two cats were allowed to roam freely, with litter boxes placed in common areas, including near the kitchen and dining room. The visitor described the situation as “nauseating” and ultimately left several days early due to discomfort.

Miss Manners suggested a more diplomatic approach could have been taken to address the issue, highlighting the importance of tact when discussing personal living conditions. “You can control how you react to it, however,” she advised, stressing that one cannot dictate how others maintain their homes.

As these etiquette dilemmas unfold, they shine a light on broader concerns regarding cleanliness and comfort in public and private spaces. Travelers and hosts alike are urged to consider how their actions affect the experiences of others.

With passengers increasingly vocal about their needs and expectations, it remains to be seen how airlines and individuals will adapt to these rising standards of etiquette and hygiene.