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.

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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.

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KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY

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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:

• Best airline credit cards
• Best frequent flyer programs for US travelers
• How to choose an airline credit card
• Best ways to earn airline miles