A flight attendant explains how on every flight a passenger is secretly selected for a vital issue

Though air travel remains the safest form of transportation, many passengers still feel uneasy in the skies.

Many former and veteran flight attendants have shared with their followers secrets of the trade, giving us a closer look into the parts of the job that we don’t often see as passengers. Though air travel remains the safest form of transportation, many passengers still feel uneasy in the skies. Hopefully, this insider knowledge will make you feel more comfortable as it shows that there is a lot more going on between the welcome by the flight crew, the safety demonstration, and takeoff.

As you board a plane—regardless of its size—there’s always a flight attendant ready to greet you. While this may seem like a simple gesture to make passengers feel welcome, there are also more practical reasons behind it.

Whether we realize it or not, flight attendants are constantly observing passengers. Former industry employee Kat Kamalani explained that they scan the cabin to identify individuals who might be able to assist in an emergency or help manage unruly behavior.

They look for signs of nervousness or intoxication—perhaps from a few pre-flight drinks at the airport bar. They’re also on the lookout for anyone who appears too sick to fly.

Just as importantly, they’re identifying passengers who might be able to assist in an emergency. As they walk the aisles before takeoff, they assess who is on board and who might need extra help, such as families with young children or individuals with limited mobility.

If you’ve ever sat in an emergency exit row, you’ll know that not just anyone can sit there, despite the extra legroom. Children, for example, are typically not allowed in these seats because they may not have the strength to open the emergency door. Most airlines require a verbal confirmation from passengers in these rows that they’re willing and able to assist in the unlikely event of an emergency.

Every detail matters

Amy Caris, another veteran flight attendant, told Reader’s Digest that she was trained to pay attention to passengers’ footwear. “I always look at what kind of shoes a customer is wearing to determine whether they can run quickly and easily in them,” she explained. If someone is wearing high heels, Caris makes a mental note to include a reminder to remove them in an emergency. These seemingly small details can make a big difference when seconds count.

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