How many times have you boarded a flight, taken your seat, and then listened to the inflight safety announcement — about seat belts, oxygen masks, and the nearest exits? That’s every flight you’re on, correct?

But what about the announcement that often follows — a sales pitch from the flight attendants hawking credit cards linked to their airlines’ mileage programs.

Are the flight attendants making these announcements willingly? After all, aren’t they on board just for your safety?

Here’s what you don’t know. The flight attendants are being paid a commission on each passenger they sign up for the cards. And now, one airline — American — is actually scoring the flight attendants on how well they are selling and their ability to sign passengers up for American’s cobranded card with Citibank.

And you are indeed a captive audience for this.

I think I may need an additional oxygen mask.