Essential Airplane Etiquette Everyone Should Know

We’re about to enter a heavy travel period, with the Sunday after Thanksgiving being the busiest flying day of the year. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a smooth experience? Air travel is more pleasant when everyone follows some basic airplane etiquette. According to Forbes, as many as 13% of American have never flown on an airplane before. And unfortunately, even many who have flown before aren’t aware of proper airplane etiquette.

I know if you’re already reading this blog, this post is like preaching to the choir. But even frequent flyers (like my kids!) can always use a reminder of these unwritten rules.

Boarding and Seating

• Board only when your group is called.
• Stay clear of the gate while you wait for your group to be called so that travelers in earlier boarding groups can get through (huge pet peeve of mine!).
• Have your boarding pass and ID (for international flights) ready to go so that you don’t hold up the line.
• Stow your smaller bag/backpack under the seat in front of you instead of the overhead bin to allow space for carry-on luggage. Don’t be an overhead bin hogger!
• Respect seating assignments and only switch if agreed upon with other passengers and flight attendants.

Personal Space/Seat Recline

• Keep your elbows, legs, and personal items within your space.
• Don’t recline your seat during drink/meal service. (Some will say don’t recline your seat at all, but I think that’s a bit extreme, especially on a long-haul flight).
• If you do recline your seat, recline slowly so that the passenger behind you can adjust items on their tray table.

Traveling with Animals

• Unless you’re traveling with a trained service animal, keep your pets inside their carriers.

Noise Levels

• Use headphones for all electronic devices. Yes, this applies to kids, too!
• Even when using headphones, be mindful of your volume.
• Keep conversations at a low volume and be aware of sleeping passengers around you.

Hygiene and Cleanliness

• Refrain from wearing strong perfumes or hand lotions.
• Avoid bringing on foods with strong odors.
• Don’t expose bare feet or use seatbacks/armrests as foot rests.
• Wear shoes to the restroom.

Interactions with Crew and Passengers

• Don’t yell or argue with your travel companions or anyone else.
• Follow crew instructions promptly and politely.
• Help others if they are struggling with luggage or need assistance.

Deplaning

• Keep your seatbelt on until the sign goes off.
• Wait for your row’s turn to deplane. Don’t rush up the aisle trying to beat others off the plane (this happens every time!)
• Allow passengers with tight connections or special needs to disembark first if they ask.

Do you disagree with any of these suggestions? What other airplane rules do you think should be followed? Which rules do you see broken the most?