The 'notable' way flight attendants show their gratitude to frequent flyers
As we were preparing to land at Orlando International Airport (MCO) during a recent Delta Air Lines flight, a friendly attendant handed me and a few other passengers a card with a handwritten thank-you note on the back. I had never received such a note, nor had I known they existed. I immediately texted my trusted co-worker and fellow frequent flyer Clint Henderson for some insight.
He told me that receiving a handwritten thank-you note from the flight attendants is rare and that I should hang on to it as a souvenir. I was already feeling lucky after my newly earned SkyMiles Silver Medalion status scored me a last-minute complimentary upgrade to Comfort+ for the two-hour flight to Orlando. But I really felt like a VIP after receiving this sweet note.
The reporter in me immediately wanted to learn more about these elusive notes. Here's what I found out.
Going the extra SkyMile
When I asked my co-workers and TPG Lounge Facebook group members, I received dozens of responses from fellow travelers who had 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 perk for flying in business- or first-class cabins.
Several people who responded said the notes they received thanked them for being an elite member. Whether they were upgraded like I was or they paid outright (using cash or miles), most also said they were sitting in a premium cabin when notes were bestowed upon them. On the day I received mine, I only saw the flight attendants handing out notes to passengers in first-class or Comfort+ seats.
Some passengers found notes waiting for them in their seats when they boarded, but others, like me, received their notes near the end of the flight. In my case, we experienced turbulence, so there was no inflight service. Though it's pure speculation, I guessed the flight attendants used the extra time to craft a few thank-you notes.
Related: Best domestic first-class airline: Delta, United or American?
One flight attendant responded to the post that he prefers thanking travelers in person versus passing them a handwritten note; several flyers said they have also encountered this. One traveler who has been a Delta SkyMiles member for more than 40 years and has flown over 2 million miles shared that flight attendants occasionally stop by his seat to thank him.
Whether a note or a friendly "thank you" and a handshake, most of the people who responded said they've only received this kindness a handful of times. If you ever find yourself among them, know it's a rare treasure.
It's not all about elite status
While it's nice to be recognized for your loyalty to a particular airline, that is far from the only reason a flight attendant might recognize you during a flight.
After mentioning how much she loved rice crackers while chatting with a flight attendant in the galley of a Japan Airlines flight, TPG Senior Writer Katie Genter received the note and gift pictured below. The flight attendant took the time to draw an adorable picture of Katie and her husband and gift them with — what else — a selection of rice crackers and snack mixes from the flight.
TPG Senior Director Gabe Travers received a note from a flight attendant for a very different — and far less lighthearted — reason. After dealing with a lengthy delay on the outbound leg of an international trip, he had an apology note waiting in his seat when he boarded his return flight to the U.S. Flight delays and cancellations happen, but it lessens the sting when you know the airline empathizes with your situation.
Others have received a note from a flight attendant when they flew on their birthday, anniversary or other special occasion. Some even received a bottle of wine or other gift along with their note. A few responses were even more unexpected.
Related: Tips for overcoming a fear of flying
One woman, an admitted nervous flyer, shared that she always introduces herself to the crew members and visits them on the flight deck before takeoff to calm her nerves. Because they naturally get to know her during their conversations, she and her husband have received the occasional note over the years and even Champagne on their anniversary.
Several respondents in the Facebook group said they regularly bring snacks or Starbucks gift cards for the flight crew and will occasionally receive a thank-you note in response.
But my advice is to not expect to be on the receiving end of this rare gesture. Thoughtful acts like this are special because they are a surprise. When you begin to expect random acts of kindness, you lose the very thing that makes them special.
Bottom line
When a flight attendant takes the time to recognize you for your loyalty or to mark a momentous occasion, it makes your trip feel even more special. Whether I receive a handwritten note or not, I always thank flight attendants for their hard work and kindness, and I hope you do too.
Related reading:
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.