I've been a flight attendant for 9 years. Here are 4 things I want travelers to know before their next flight.

• I've been a flight attendant for nine years, and there are a few things passengers should know.
• Many early career flight attendants don't have set schedules and may have to rush to the airport.
• We appreciate passengers with good manners, and "please" and "thank you" go a long way.

I've been a flight attendant for almost 10 years, so I've heard manymisconceptions about this career.

Plus, more people are joining the field, with the employment rate of flight attendantsexpected torise over the next few years.

Whether you're interested in joining the crew, here are things I wish people knew aboutbeing a flight attendantthat could help them be better, more empathetic passengers.

If you see a flight attendant rushing to get to a flight, it might not be their fault

Being a flight attendant requires flexibility, especially when starting out. Many new flight attendants are placed on reserve, which means they only receive assignments when planes need coverage.

If another flight attendant calls in sick or can't make it to the airport in time for their trip, the reserve employee takes their place.

When on reserve, I'd have to come to the airport with as little as two hours' notice. If you've ever seen a flight attendant running to the gate or showing up right before boarding, they may be on reserve.

We prioritize maintaining a safe environment, not serving drinks

Being a flight attendant is more than serving sodas and taking food orders. We're thoroughly trained to maintain a safe environment on board.

During training, flight attendants must learn how to respond in scenario-based cabin-safety exercises. We know how to evacuate an airplane efficiently, respond to turbulence, and give CPR.

We love providing great customer service and a relaxing atmosphere, but safety is our No. 1 priority.

We appreciate good manners more than you'd think

Though it may seem like a small gesture, I wish passengers knew how much flight attendants appreciate good manners.

Many people I've served don't use a simple "please" or "thank you," but hearing these words and interacting with polite passengers instantly brightens my workday.

Delays annoy flight attendants just as much as passengers

Some passengers believe flight attendants aren't concerned about delayed flights, but we want to reach the destination just as badly as they do.

Contrary to popular belief, most flight attendants aren't paid as soon as we clock in for work. Hourly pay begins when the aircraft door closes and stops once we land and the boarding door reopens.

Flight attendants can be on duty for 13 hours and get paid for only six or seven, depending on the length of the journey and the time between flights. So, just like passengers, we want flights to be on time, too.

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