This may be odd, but on all the flights I've been on, I've never used it and I've never seen anybody use it. On the trips I've taken, the attendants make rounds frequently enough that the buttons aren't really needed. But I will say that when there is severe turbulence and the attendents have to strap in, that is definitely not the time to use it to get a drink or a snack. An actual emergency would be the only reason for raising your finger to the ceiling.

I used it the first time I flew because I didn't know what it was and was just pressing buttons ... felt quite silly when the attendant appeared.

I once used it for something legitimate, but can't remember what it was.

I tend to be rather self-sufficient. I did use it once when I could not get the little nozzle of air to shut off, reduce level of air or redirect. It was just blasting my face and drying out my eyeballs. I got re-seated.

I'll ask for a drink if they haven't been around for a while, but usually it's not an issue as they've either been around, or I'm asleep. If for some reason I didn't get the blanket and pillow or headphones, I'll ask for them, or if I'm having a problem. I used it when my kid was little when they forgot to bring around the promised bassinette.

But it's pretty rare that I use it. And I don't think I ever have on domestic flights.

I guess I'd use it if there's something wrong with my seating area, or if I'm sick or something. If I wanted another coffee or soda, I'd probably just get up and ask the flight attendents, if they weren't otherwise occupied. But I like to get up and move around anyway.

When?

Can I get a Cab? No, no peanuts, thanks.

OK, Merlot. No, that's fine, anything red... I can't tell the distance at altitude anyway. Yeah. And can I get a cup of ice, too? Naw, just the ice. No rush, take your time. Great.

Perfect. Thanks. Hereyago... No, don't break it, keep it... I'll probably want another over the Rockies.

Yeah, makes my nose itch. Thanks again.

Also, please give me LauraGr's air. She's wasting it.

I was thinking of this today bc I was on flight out of Orlando and there were two people who really stunk (terrible body odor... Literally the great unwashed) and I was wondering if that was something you could complain about to the stewardess. Any thoughts? I got lucky and neither offender was seated close to me, but it made me wonder.

Lobster, that was me - just pushing buttons!

This didn't happen on a flight. I was in a casino on a business trip and wanted to see what all the fuss was about. So, I was playing the nickel slots just for "fun." (bored out of my mind really; but I was waiting for coworkers)

Well, anyway, there was this button marked "change." I wondered what it was going to change - the pictures on the wheels perhaps? maybe it would change the rate of spin? I didn't know so I pushed it. Nothing happened, at least nothing that I noticed.

Eventually a woman came over and asked what I needed. Gasp! The "change" button actually lit up a light on the top of your machine so an employee can come over to give you more change!

She seemed rather annoyed at coming over to me for nothing. Boy, was I red-faced.

Illness. Press the button if you even think you might use the air sickness bag. Because, if you use one, you'll probably need another - quite possibly before you have time to ask. I had this happen once when I got food poisoning between LA and Hawaii. Flight crew was more than happy to keep me stocked (and take the trash) for the return favor of my not leaving a horrible mess.

The only time I remember using one was (back in the day) when I found myself in the smoking section of the plane. The flight attendant kindly moved the smoking sign to the back of my seat vs. the row in front of me so I would be in the non-smoking section as my ticket stated.

If I'm in Center or Window and I want food or drink and they haven't been around in a while. You have to pay for food now on most domestic flights, so I don't feel bad about pressing it if the cart's not out. I'm about to give them $7-$10.

"I try to ask for it 'coffee with cream, no sugar,' etc. so they don't have to ask how I want it."

Great idea!

I once had to use an airsickness bag. As i sat there wondering what to do next I sheepishly realized the usefulness of the call button.

Fight attendant call button?

OK. I know it is there but I honestly cannot recall ever using it. However, I don't fly much and whenever possible I fly first class where the attendants have always treated me like a real person.

The only time I can think of using it was when two of us where assigned the same seat...We gave them a minute to happen by but then pressed the button. (and then I got re-assigned to a middle seat).