20 Tips For Flirting With Your Flight Seatmate Without Being Creepy
Seated Next To A Cutie?
Have you ever shuffled down a plane aisle to your seat only to find that your neighbor is totally your type? There's something so romantic about meeting your one true love on a flight, but it's also a tricky dynamic to navigate, as you don't want to bother them, come off too intense, or miss your chance. To help you on your path to an in-flight love story, here are 20 tips for successfully flirting with your seatmate.
1. Read Their Cues
The first step to opening any kind of conversation with your seatmate is reading their signals. Watch for signs they're not interested, like a lack of eye contact, short answers, or turning their body away.
2. Use Humor
No matter where you are, flirting with humor is always a nice touch. Having a good sense of humor is an attractive quality and helps break the ice without seeming creepy.
3. Keep It Light & Casual
Because most flights last several hours, it's especially important to keep things light and casual, as neither of you can just walk off. Coming off too intensely might quickly make the other person uncomfortable, which would make for an awkward plane ride.
4. Don't Ask Them Out Right Away
Whatever you do, don't ask them out or ask for their contact information soon into your conversation. Wait until the end of the flight, after the two of you have had a chance to chat, if it seems appropriate.
5. Don't Compliment Their Looks
Avoid making comments about their looks as this can come off as too superficial and may make them uncomfortable. Instead of saying "you have a beautiful smile," try, "you seem very intelligent; what do you do for a living?"
6. Offer Help Politely
Offering to help with their luggage or tray tables is a kind gesture that can break the ice and make them notice you. It's nice without being outwardly flirtatious.
7. Share A Snack Or Drink
Offer to share your snack or get them a drink. Offering a treat is a friendly and casual gesture that's kind and thoughtful without being over the top.
8. Don't Overdo Physical Contact
Rarely is physical touch appropriate. Only attempt being playfully affectionate if it seems wanted and appropriate. Remember that you're in close quarters, and it can easily come off the wrong way if improperly done.
9. Don't Be Intrusive
Flirting with someone sitting next to you on a plane is a completely different game from chatting up someone next to you at a bar. Respect their personal space and boundaries, and don't be intrusive.
10. Be Attentive
Being attentive to their needs is a great way to demonstrate that you're interested in them and are a caring person without coming on too strong. Take note of all the small things, like if their glass is empty, or if it looks like they need a blanket.
11. Start With Small Talk
It's always a good idea to start with small talk on a plane. What's more, it's easy as there are a lot of topics to choose from. Ask them what the purpose of their trip is, what they do for a living, where they live, etc.
12. Ask Questions
Asking good questions isn't only a great flirtation technique—it's the key to being a great conversationalist. Focus on open-ended questions that allow them to reply with an expansive and thoughtful answer.
13. Exit Gracefully
If they seem uninterested in chatting, respect this. Don't be pushy; simply smile and mind your own business for the rest of the flight, unless their body language changes at some point.
14. Respect Personal Space
A plane is by definition cramped, and you have no choice but to sit in your assigned seat. This is why it's so important to immediately respect the other person's boundaries if they put them up.
15. Keep Your Expectations In Check
They may not be interested, and that's okay. Don't be discouraged, or it's your mission to make them infatuated with you by the end of the flight, as this could easily backfire and make you seem annoying.
16. Respect Their "Me Time."
If they put in earbuds or start reading, give them their space, but don't lose hope either. They may just need a break to do other things—it doesn't mean they have no interest.
17. Avoid Pick-Up Lines
Cheesy pick-up lines have their place in a bar or club setting, but not on a plane. It can immediately make the other person feel uncomfortable and make the duration of the flight awkward.
18. Give Genuine Compliments
While you should be mindful not to overdo it on the compliments, slipping in a genuine one now and then is flattering and tasteful. Consider what you actually like about this person, whether it's their conversation skills, humor, style, or intelligence.
19. Use Open Body Language
Your body can communicate what words can't. Where it might be inappropriate to say, "Hi, I like you, let's get to know each other," just turning towards them, giving a warm smile, or a glance can do the trick.
20. Offer Your Number
Towards the end of the flight, instead of asking for their number, give them yours on a napkin or slip of paper. It's a no-pressure approach that puts the ball in their court.
