Addressing passengers as 'guys'

[frequentflyer2]

I have the greatest respect for cabin crew and I certainly do not expect them to be obsequious or subservient in any way. Friendly and chatty is all I want and when travelling on the airlines where row one on the left hand side is directly opposite the cabin crew seats I enjoy having conversations with them when they sit down for the approach and landing.
However, I have noticed, especially on the two leading loco carriers a growing tendency for cabin crew members to address passengers as 'guys'. Mrs. FF and I returned on Sunday from a holiday to Italy which involved a total of five flights starting at BFS and ending at BHD. On at least one of those flights we were addressed on several occasions in this manner. I've noticed it on other flights as well. I don't like it and I suspect many passengers of our age (late 40's) and older don't like it either.
Incidently this does not mean we want to be called Sir and Madam but we really don't want to be called 'guys'. I don't think its appropriate.

[Ten West]

It's never bothered me (mid 40s), but then I don't like being called "Sir" anyway as it always reminds me of the police or the tax man!

What would you prefer as an alternative?

[AirborneSoon]

Well it's a case where everyone's different and what one person might object to another will prefer. So you really can't win either way unless you are psychic and 100% accurate all the time. Personally I can't stand being "sweetie" and "hon" in the workplace. I find that highly inappropriate especially when it comes out of the mouth of someone 15yrs younger than me. But I choose to ignore it and just get on with job. I've come to realise that people don't mean to be patronising by using this, it's just their way of creating some level of familiarity and breaking down barriers. I'm happy to go with what makes my working life easier and more enjoyable.

But if it's really important to you then just politely say to the crew "you can call us...." and I'm sure they'll comply. It's really quite difficult to find the right balance as crew, I have my own system for addressing passengers that works most of the time. But occassionally I'll hit the wrong note, unavoidable unfortunately.

I have discovered that most people respond better to casual familiarity than not, it seems to be a very acceptable way to address people these days. And many of my mature passengers respond well to it.

[boardingpass]

Well, I hate hearing Sir and Ma'am or worse, Madam. And I detest people calling me by my name (even Mr. BP) if we don't know each other / haven't been introduced. I would never say 'guys' on a PA, but to a group of students or young people, sure. However, in other languages, I use the equivalent of Sir and Madam all the time, because that's the cultural norm for those languages. I would not sweat the small stuff, but if it really bothers you, tell them to call you 'Your Royal Highness' or what ever it is you want... just don't expect the small talk to continue as they will be afraid of re-offending you.

[Ten West]

A mate of mine (Actually the mechanic who fixes my car) received a name-change kit from his girlfriend as a gift and changed his first name from "John" to "Sir John"

He's not a "Sir" in the least, but he tells me that he gets great service when he flies off on his holidays when the airport staff see the passport!

I've seen his driving licence. Does indeed say "Sir John"

[peterpallet]

"Ladies and Gentlemen" suits me fine

[apaddyinuk]

I think its a bit tacky alright! That or "bud" or I even heard a colleague trying to get the attention of a customer by going "yo yo"!!!!

Sir/Madam grand, its suitable, better then making some random gesture. If the person turns out to be chatty or particularly pleasant at every encounter then check his/her name on the manifest and remember it so you can refer to them by name. Always the most professional way if you ask me (obviously impossible to remember all customers names despite what my airline suggests! LOL)

[Pegasus747]

The only thing that concerned me about your post was that you were talking to the crew as they were sitting on their jumpseats in either preparation for takeoff or landing.

the crew should be performing a "silent" review of safety procedures during that time and should not be either conversing among themselves or with the self loading freight, as it is an unnecessary distraction.

As far as using the term "guys" or "sir or "madam" or the pax name or nothing at all...its all a matter of picking your mark. And that usually only comes with experience. At all time the object should be courtesy and that varies depending on cultures etc...

I note that you say that you have been flying with Low Cost Carriers? perhaps the "norm" is one of familiarity and less formality....

[Checkboard]

Sir, your post begs you state the airline, rather than tarnish the industry (or a sector of the industry)!

[Slickster]

Sometimes, early in the morning, I feel a little grouchy, when the security operative addresses me as "mate". I'm thinking, I don't you know you from Adam, you're not my mate, blah blah.....OTOH, he's probably just trying to be friendly, in the best way he knows.

In the same way, I may be flying with a colleague, and say something like, "you're getting a bit high, mate", even though I don't know him that well at all. Guess a lot of us are guilty of it - maybe we're just trying to run things smoothly. Best not to take offence, or if it really offends, say something.

[MrSydney]

I usually fly J and when they say 'Welcome aboard Mr XXXX' I say 'Thanks but you can call me XXXX' (first name)

I find being called 'Mate' at tad on the casual side. I am on a plane not in the Pub.

[flyinspanner]

Silent reviews only take 30secs...... CC are sitting strapped in by the customers, usually some minutes before T/off......and quite a few after.

Plenty of time to complete their silent review and chat to brighten up both their days (hopefully )

[Pegasus747]

Qantas Group Policy is no idle chit chat from the jumpseats......plenty of time to chat to the SLF during the flight. The only reason that the crew are there is for emergency situations and during taxi, take off, descent and landing are the "critical" phases of flight where "review" is imperative.

At Qantas you would be performance managed for engaging in chit chat to other crew or passengers when on the jumpseat during these critical phases.

its not about being friendly or unfriendly ...just professional

[TightSlot]

Back on topic please

[finding_nema]

Working for a charter airline, I would normally always address a customer as "sir" or "madam" and wouldn't think to address a couple in their forties as "guys." However, I do think when you've got a family of various ages including small children (perhaps not the older generation) or a big group of young people all going on holiday, that "guys" is acceptable. Our airline is almot exclusively taking people to or from their holidays, and hopefully they're in a holiday mood and want to have a familiar and friendly face in the cabin. This is definitely not the case with my last employer, a low-cost airline, who even though flying business routes, encouraged PAs beginning with "Hi/Good morning Folks ..." Cringy.

[boardingpass]

Pegasus, so you say,
'Sir, although it's highly unlikely, it's critical that I now prepare myself for a possible emergency situation, and I would ask that you not ask me any further questions but please feel free to study your safety card'
Get a grip, mate!

[Capetonian]

I'm very informal but I have to say that 'guys' makes me cringe, and as it's gender specific I would imagine that the fairer sex would find it particularly jarring. 'Folks' is better but too American,and if they want to keep the informality I would suggest that perhaps "hello everybody" might be used.

Kulula.com call everybody "Superheroes, boys and girls" which I hate, and ultimately I fear that the classic 'Ladies and Gentlemen' or 'ladies and gents' is the best option.

[galanjal]

oh no! I am so sorry but no! I would never refer to my passengers as 'guys' it will always 'Ladies and Gentlman' for me.

[S-crew'd]

It's hard to guage.. as someone said earlier it comes with experience. Obviously on a PA you would address the cabin as Ladies\Gentlemen.. You can usually read how someone would like to be addressed. If it was a late night charter flight then perhaps addressing a group of guys as "guys" is the best way to get their attention. Not recommending it but it does depend on the day and the type of flight\passenger profile.

At my airline we were trained not to use Sir\Madam unless necessary and only when an assertive approach is required.. i.e: Sir you need to go back to your seat etc..

Bigger problem sometimes is what passengers feel they can call us.. Mate, Princess (!?), Buddy, You, Mr, Blondie, Boyo, Hostie.. the list goes on

[5711N0205W]

At Qantas you would be performance managed for engaging in chit chat

Dear me what prime example of mba driven modern management bull crap that expression is