Flight Etiquette 101
So, you've gone through security, found your gate, and boarded your plane. What now? While the answer might be "sit back and relax," there are still commonplace rules you must follow to ensure a smooth, pleasant experience for everyone onboard. From going barefoot to ignoring the seatbelt sign, here are 20 things you should never do on a flight.
1. Go Barefoot
While you might want to take your shoes off as you get comfortable in your seat, you never want to take both your footwear and socks off. Going barefoot in the cabin is something that would likely either get you kicked out—as some airlines prohibit it—or have you contracting harmful germs and bacteria. Be respectful of the space and people around you and keep your toes in your socks.
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2. Recline Your Seat During Meal Time
Your seat should always be set back to its original position during meal times so the person behind you has enough space to open their tray table and sit comfortably as they eat. You should also avoid reclining your seat as soon as you finish eating; the person behind you might not be done yet, and the sudden movement could cause spills and accidents.
3. Take Up All the Seat Space
No matter what seat you're assigned to, don't lift the armrests and claim the entire row as yours. Sitting in economy can be cramped and uncomfortable for everyone, but you still need to honor the personal space of others around you.
4. Stick Your Legs Out in the Aisle
While it's understandable that you want to stretch your legs out, avoid doing it in the aisle, especially when you're thinking of sleeping. Leaving your feet sticking out will trip others going up and down the narrow aisle, and you might get hurt as well. You also want to ensure you don't do this when the flight attendants are coming around with their trolleys.
5. Blast Your Music
Listening to music can make a flight much more enjoyable, but make sure you bring your own headphones along before blasting your playlist. No one else in the cabin wants to hear your tunes, just as you probably wouldn't appreciate someone else blaring their favorite songs.
6. Talk Loudly
Just as you wouldn't (and shouldn't) talk loudly on a bus or train, your conversations shouldn't sound like shouting matches on the plane, either. Be considerate of the other passengers around you and keep your voice at a respectable volume.
7. Belittle the Flight Attendants
The flight attendants are there to help you and ensure you have a pleasant onboard experience; what they're not there for is for you to treat them like your personal servants. Be kind when you ask them for something, and be understanding when they can't honor every favor.
8. Take Up All the Overhead Space
The overhead bins are for everyone. While it's understandable that you might be carrying more belongings than others, that doesn't mean you're entitled to the space. If you can fit some of your items in the seat in front of you instead, do so. Don't hog.
9. Get Drunk
Sure, you might enjoy a drink or two on the plane, but don't go overboard and exceed your limit. Nobody—not your seatmates, flight attendants, or other passengers—wants to fly with someone who's severely inebriated. So, make sure you keep count and pace yourself.
10. Steal Someone Else's Seat
What's worse than getting irrationally upset when someone doesn't want to swap seats with you? Stealing their spot without permission. Just because you don't like the seat you were assigned does not mean you get to budge into someone else's. Next time, make sure to check in early to secure your first choice.
11. Hang Your Hair Over Your Seat
Those entertainment screens you see on the back of the seat in front of you? How would you feel if the person sitting there decided to hang their hair over the display so you couldn't see or do anything? Exactly. Never, ever put your hair over the seat, especially if you have long locks.
12. Put Your Feet Up
What could possibly be worse than going barefoot in the cabin? Taking off your shoes and socks and putting your feet up. Even if you just had a shower and deem your hooves clean, the passenger in front of you will absolutely not appreciate your toes over their head or in their face. Do everyone a favor and sit properly.
13. Leave Airplane Mode Off
While forgetting to turn airplane mode on or leaving it off might not cause a huge ruckus, it's still better to switch it on when you're instructed to. There is a small chance that the signal coming from your device can interfere with the instruments used by the pilots, and you don't want to potentially cause any problems, even if the possibility is minuscule.
14. Forget to Hydrate
The air in the cabin can be arid and stuffy, so it's important to hydrate as much and as often as you can, even if that means you'll be making frequent trips to the bathroom. You should also remember to keep your skin moisturized so it doesn't dry out.
15. Spray Too Much Cologne or Perfume
You might think dousing yourself in cologne or perfume is a good idea, but other people might not appreciate you smelling like a walking department store. Others may have extremely sensitive noses, and the excessive fragrance could irritate them or trigger an allergic reaction.
16. Ignore the Seatbelt Sign
Never, ever ignore the seatbelt sign when it's on. In fact, even when it's off, you should be buckled in whenever you're seated to ensure your safety. Turbulence can come unexpectedly, and you never want to be caught off guard when it happens.
17. Kick the Seat in Front of You
Just as you shouldn't put your feet up, don't kick the seat in front of you. It's extremely inconsiderate, annoying, and disrespectful. If you want to get comfortable before you sleep, do so in a way that doesn't intrude on the spaces of other passengers.
18. Make Inappropriate Jokes
While you might think it'd be funny to make inappropriate jokes about highly sensitive topics on a flight, such as implying you have a weapon or a threat to the plane, it's absolutely nothing to laugh about. When you're in the air, these comments could lead to serious consequences. Save them for when you're on the ground—and even then, you might want to think twice.
19. Dump Your Trash on the Floor
There's a pocket in the seat in front of you for a reason; slip your garbage in there temporarily until the flight attendants come around to collect it. What you shouldn't do is just toss it on the floor like it's your own house.
20. Take Up Someone Else's Leg Room
If your leg room is clogged up because of your personal belongings, that's on you—don't shove your feet into someone else's space without first asking if it's okay. Similarly, don't store your bags underneath your seatmate's just because you brought too many things with you.
