Flight attendant reveals which class of passengers is the ‘most demanding' — and it's not who you think

Yahoo

06-02-2025

They're just plane rude.
A wise Real Housewife once sang: 'Money can't buy you class.'
And now, a flight attendant is singing a similar tune about this obnoxiously 'demanding' class of frequent flyers.
'Most passengers are delightful, so it's hard to pick one class that is more difficult,' Paula Gahan, a cabin crew member of 10 years, told The Telegraph. 'But if I had to pick one, it would be premium economy.'
It's the folks flying in a little bit of luxury, but with a whole bunch of attitude.
Only slightly superior to travelers in basic economy, premium economy status — for which seats are a bit more expensive than the lowest fares — often affords trippers on domestic flights priority boarding, a little extra legroom and maybe a snack.
And on international flights, premium passengers are typically treated to better meals, fewer seats per row, dedicated lavatories and a 'welcome aboard' drink.
But, according to Gahan, those cut-above cloud-cruisers let the perks go to their heads.
'Premium economy passengers are stuck in a bit of a quandary,' she said. 'They can't quite afford business but feel they are a little too good for economy.'
'Wedged between two worlds, glimpsing life beyond the business class curtain, they're in a state of turmoil,' added Gahan, based in the UK.
The veteran flight attendant went on to praise economy flyers as the most 'easy-going' passengers.
She, too, hailed first-class customers for being mild-mannered — mostly because fewer and fewer folks can afford flying in the plane's swankiest section these days, making it less likely for flight attendants to encounter a bad apples in the bunch.
And the jet-setters of business class, a privileged position that ranks just below first-class, are 'used to' being pampered at 30,000 feet, says Gahan, so they're courteous rather than condescending.
But she claims that the wannabe elitists in premium economy aren't as debonair.
'These people tend to complain the most, demand everything they can get, and have their fingers glued to the call bell,' Gahan groaned. 'There must be a metaphor for life in there somewhere.'
Unfortunately, however, for Gahan and her colleagues, the 'most difficult' troublemakers — regardless of where they're seated on an airbus — are often social media tastemakers, per ex-Virgin Atlantic worker Skye Taylor.
'I think if you're looking at superstars and people who can afford their tickets, they generally were lovely people and very respectful,' the 49-year-old previously stated.
'The main problems lie in the routes like Dubai and Vegas where you get the influencer type that maybe hasn't paid full price,' said Taylor, adding that influencers with penchants towards flying while under the influence of drugs and alcohol are the worst.
'You never can tell what's going to cause somebody to, you know, act out of character,' she said, 'and it's very hard to assess what they've taken.'
Here is Gahan's breakdown of aircraft classes.
This class is the cheapest option for flyers.
Limited services are offered to passengers in this cabin and they sit in standard seats.
This is a step up from economy.
Passengers are often given wider and more comfortable seats with better leg room.
Meal options are more varied than in the lower cabin.
This cabin offers much more comfortable seating and sometimes reclining seats that can turn into a bed.
Passengers here are given more privacy, better food, and more hands on service.
This is the most premium class of flying with tickets often setting people back tens of thousands of pounds.
Passengers are offered chef-like dining, expensive drinks, and more attentive care.
Fully reclining seats and even private seats can be expected.
Some airlines make Wi-Fi and showers available for these passengers.