During a recent Delta Air Lines flight as we prepared to land at Orlando International Airport (MCO), a friendly attendant handed me and several other passengers a card with a handwritten thank-you note on the back. I never found such a note, nor did I know it existed. I immediately texted my trusted colleague and fellow frequent flyer Clint Henderson for some insight.
He told me that it was rare to receive a handwritten thank-you note from flight attendants and that I should hang it up as a souvenir. I was already feeling lucky after my newly acquired SkyMiles Silver Medallion status got me a complimentary last-minute upgrade to Comfort+ for the two-hour flight to Orlando. me too indeed I felt like a VIP after receiving this sweet note.
The reporter in me immediately wanted to know more about these elusive notes. Here’s what I found out.
Going extra SkyMile
When I asked my colleagues and TPG Lounge Facebook group members, I received Dozens of responses From fellow travelers who have received handwritten notes from flight attendants over the years. Often, flight attendants use these notes to recognize customers for their loyalty to the airline or as a benefit for flying in the business- or first-class cabin.
Some who responded said the notes they received thanked them for being an elite member. Whether they upgraded like me or paid in full (using cash or miles), most also said they were sitting in a premium cabin when they were given the notes. The day I found mine, I only saw flight attendants handing out notes to passengers in first-class or Comfort+ seats.
Some passengers found notes waiting for them at their seats when they boarded, but others like me found their notes near the end of the flight. In my case, we experienced turbulence, so there was no flight service. Although it’s pure guesswork, I guess the flight attendants used the extra time to make a few thank-you notes.
Related: Best domestic first-class airline: Delta, United or American?
A flight attendant responded to the post saying she prefers to thank travelers in person versus passing a handwritten note; Some flyers said that they too have faced this. A traveler who has been a Delta SkyMiles member for more than 40 years and has flown more than 2 million miles shares that flight attendants occasionally stop in their seats to thank them.
Whether it’s a note or a friendly “thank you” and a handshake, most respondents said they received this kindness only a few times. If you ever find yourself among them, know that they are a rare treasure.
Daily newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily Newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for the latest news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts
It’s not all about elite status
While it’s nice to be recognized for your loyalty to a particular airline, it’s far from the only reason a flight attendant can recognize you during a flight.
After mentioning how much she loved rice crackers while chatting with a flight attendant in the galley A Japan Airlines flight, TPG senior writer Katie Genter received the note and gift pictured below. The flight attendant took the time to draw a cute picture of Katie and her husband and gave them – what else – a choice of rice crackers and snack mix from the flight.
1 No 2
Katie Genter/The Points Guy
Gabe Travers, a senior director at TPG, received a note from a flight attendant for a very different — and much less light — reason. After facing long delays on the outbound leg of an international trip, they have an apology letter waiting at their seat when they experience US flight delays and cancellations, but it lessens the sting when you know the airline is sympathetic. . with your situation.
Received a note from a flight attendant when others flew on their birthday, anniversary or other special occasion. Some also received a bottle of wine or other gift with their note. A few responses were even more unexpected.
Related: Tips to Overcome the Fear of Flying
One woman, an admittedly nervous flyer, shared that she always introduces herself to crew members and visits them on the flight deck before takeoff to calm her nerves. Because they naturally recognize her during their conversations, she and her husband have received the occasional note over the years and even champagne on their anniversary.
Several respondents to the Facebook group said they regularly bring snacks or Starbucks gift cards for flight crews and will occasionally receive a thank-you note in response.
But my advice is don’t expect to be on the receiving end of this rare gesture. Thoughtful acts like this are special because they are surprising. When you start expecting random acts of kindness, you lose what makes them special.
Bottom line
Related Reading: