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Following flying etiquette is important because it ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone on board. By focusing on little things like respecting each other's personal space and keeping noise levels down, passengers can make a big difference in creating a pleasant atmosphere, which also allows the crew to be more efficient and might even help prevent certain delays. However, common courtesy is not always that common. So in an attempt to facilitate it, we at Bored Panda dug around Reddit and put together a list of rules that frequent flyers believe every traveler should know.
Continue scrolling to check them out and don't miss the talk we had with travel writer and photographer Jon Miksis, who shares his adventures on the blog My Global Viewpoint.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
If your kid kicks my seat one more god dam time I'm going to turn around and tell him Santa's not real.
Control your sh** bags.
Traveler Jon Miksis has an alternative expression for the term flying etiquette and he calls it "the art of not being a complete jerk while flying."
"You know what I'm talking about, that person who reclines their seat all the way back, leaving you with no legroom? And let's not forget the person who insists on talking to you for the entire flight, even though you've clearly put on your noise-canceling headphones and have your eyes closed," Miksis told Bored Panda.
"Flying etiquette is all about making the experience comfortable for everyone. This includes respecting the flight crew's rules and instructions, being mindful about your personal space, and not being disruptive to other passengers," he explained. "One scenario (that is all too common) is when people hog the overhead bins — bringing their entire house with them as carry-on luggage and leaving no room for the rest of us. I've been on multiple flights where I've had to put my carry-on under the seat in front of me even though I paid for an overhead bin. Not fun when you're 6′4."
#2
If you're sick, wear a mask. - It may not be 100% helpful, but it does 2 things: 1) prevents you from sneezing and coughing on anyone/thing. 2) It lets everyone around you know that you're making a very serious attempt to prevent your germs from getting spread and that means you at least have some basic common courtesy.
#3
Keep your hair, feet, hands to your effing self.
2021 was the worst year on record for unruly airplane passenger behavior in the United States, according to data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). A total of 5,981 reports of unruly passengers were logged by the organization, with 4,290, or nearly 72%, being related to mask incidents.
However, the unruly passenger incident rate has dropped since then, with 1,973 reports logged during the first nine months of 2022. Despite this, the FAA has stated that "there remains more work to do."
Although the overall number of reported incidents has decreased, the number of cases in which enforcement action was initiated has increased, with 468 cases being recorded during January-September 2022, compared to 350 in 2021.
#4
Minimize your cologne/perfume usage. Believe it or not, not everybody wants to smell a cheap french hooker for a long flight.
#5
Former flight attendant here:
Don’t bring your massive bag of leftovers and then throw it away in the plane, we have very limited space for trash on board while in flight.
Don’t come into the galley in the middle of the flight to make conversation. We’re interacting with hundreds of you at a time and we’d like to relax for a few minutes and not interact with other humans. Please let us decompress.
When we tell you you can’t do something, must have your seat up for takeoff/landing it’s not because we are thirsty for power and authority, it’s the FAA. If I don’t tell you to do that or you don’t comply I could lose my job. Don’t shoot the messenger, be a sport and just play along.
Your flight attendant is there for your safety, not pleasure, so don’t be rude. We are trying our best.
Serendipity911 1 year ago
Except when I fly business class somehow the flight attendants are so much nicer and accommodating, had to go to the bathroom didn't realise seat belt sign was on and they were so nice about it. Same airlines, similar issue, but in economy they screamed at me. Flight attendants deserve respect and kindness but lets not pretend there isn't a discrepancy in how they treat passengers.
Besides all the misconduct, overall airline behavior can be a lot to handle as well. Recently, Upgraded Points asked 500 Americans to rank airline pet peeves based on how annoying they are the worst ones turned out to be:
- Having the back of your seat kicked;
- Cutting in line;
- Being rude to the airport staff;
- People standing in walkways, blocking others' paths;
- Crowding the gate before the flight is ready to board;
- Someone asking to change seats with you;
- People forcing small talk with you.
The study also found that Americans would rather sit next to a crying baby than a fighting couple. However, if given the choice, they would rather pick a seat next to a dog than a baby. Plus, they would prefer to be seatmates with someone who talks non-stop rather than someone with bad body odor.
#6
Do. Not. Change. Your. Baby's. Diaper. Anywhere. But. The. Bathroom.
Seems like this outta go without saying, but some parents are just honeybadgers and they just don't care.
#7
This one is pretty general, but from experience I guess it still needs saying: If a person has headphones on, earbuds in, whatever, don't try to make small talk. It's nothing personal, but some people have really long days at airports (Can't tell you how many red-eyes I've caught after waiting standby all day) and just don't want to talk.
Follow-up, for the flip side of this instance: If you're listening to music, be reasonable about the volume. The people around you shouldn't be able to hear your tunes.
"I've witnessed my fair share of unruly passengers on flights, and let me tell you, it's never a good time," Jon Miksis, the man behind the travel blog Global View Point, said. "I've seen people get in fights over reclining seats, flight attendants cutting passengers off from alcohol, and everything in between."
"The reality is that you'll be stuck in a metal tube with these people for hours. So, it's always better to stay calm and avoid getting into any arguments on a plane. If a passenger is being extremely disruptive, however, it's a good idea to be proactive and ask a flight attendant for help. You don't have to address the situation in front of the person either — you can do so discreetly by pretending to go to the bathroom and speaking with a flight attendant instead."
"Lastly, if all else fails, you can always take the 'I'll see you in court' approach and secretly document the person's behavior with your phone (just in case you need to use it as evidence in the event of a lawsuit). Just kidding, please don't sue anyone over bad behavior on a flight, it's not worth it," the traveler said.
#8
If you forgot headphones, you are not entitled to playing your movie out loud during an overnight flight while I am trying to sleep. I hated that seat neighbor, I was going insane.
Phasmainmachina 1 year ago
Always carry good silicon industrial hearing protection. Not the little foam ones, longer triple-f****e ones. Moisten them first, then pull the back of each ear back and out while inserting the protector into the ear. Should give a nice, snug fit. They’re what I used while operating a big paper folding machine, which ran at 96dB continuously, far higher that an airplane movie soundtrack!
#9
Be respectful of the person sitting next to you. Don't yell at the lady with the screaming baby, I promise you she wants it to shut up too.
#10
No children at the baggage carousel. Space is tight and bags are flying. My bag WILL smack your kid in the skull, and I will not apologize.
Toni Kay 1 year ago
No reason for the whole family needs to be close to carousel. One adult stays close, one adult and kids stands back, when 1 adult grabs a bag, family member grabs it and goes back to rest of family with it. If you are alone with a child don’t let child out of sight and in front of you by carousel too, to easy to kidnap at an airport.
As cliché as it sounds, a pleasant flight starts with us. It is important to remember that flying is a shared experience and we all have a role to play in making it at least bearable.
"When flying, it's always a good idea to be mindful of your personal space and how your actions and behaviors affect those around you," Miksis highlighted. "For instance, if you're going to recline your seat, make sure to do it slowly and check to see if anyone behind you is affected. And remember not to hog the overhead bin with your carry-on, as we all have to share that space. If you want to put your jackets and small bags up there, it should fit on top of your carry-on rather than filling the space next to your bigger bag."
"Lastly, it's important to be considerate of your fellow passengers by taking a shower and/or using deodorant shortly before a flight. Your row-mates will thank you for it," he added.
#12
Do what the flight attendants say.
David 1 year ago
You would think this doesn't need to be said but many news stories suggest otherwise. If nothing else, you'd think knowing you could be deplaned and/or arrested, go to jail would be enough to make folks shut up and grit their teeth. But some people "know their rights!" and insist on poking the bear.
#13
Wash yourself.
Lotsaa1 added:
Deodorant.
#14
For the love of god, if everyone could learn that people should get out of their seat by alternating rows, de-boarding would be so much easier.
#15
Do not eat egg salad. We aren’t able to crack windows. I’m begging.
#16
I’ve flown over a million miles so hopefully, this helps. Make sure to check behind you before you throw your seat back when reclining.
30_Helens_Agree 1 year ago
Last flight I was on a guy reclined aggressively during dinner service without looking and the poor woman behind him had her wine and food go all over the floor.
#17
Make sure that your carry-on can EASILY fit in the overhead. Don't be the guy who delays everybody boarding behind you by trying to squeeze a steamer trunk into the overhead bin.
Miss Frankfurter 1 year ago (edited)
I think the size of “carry ons ” needs to be smaller and stringently enforced. I know it makes it faster to get out of the airport, but some turbulence can be bad enough that the flimsy closures on the storage doors can allow for them to fall open. A) If the bag is heavy enough, it’s going to force that door open easier and B) When it comes flying out, it could injure whoever it hits. They’re overhead storage compartments, not the luggage compartment.
#18
The middle seat gets both armrests.
ObsidianAce_ 1 year ago
I didn’t get either on a recent flight but didn’t want to bother anyone- my back hurt so bad after and it was only a 2 hour flight lmao
#19
Don’t clap when the plane lands. Just don’t.
#20
Before you get on the plane, have what you want for the flight ready so you can stow your bag and get out of the aisle asap.
#21
Buy two seats if you need it.
LH25 1 year ago
We did this on our last flight. We bought three seats so we'd have the whole row and not squish any poor person who was between us. SO much more comfortable and cheaper then flying first class. Someone asked us how we lucked out, told him we planned ahead and bought the seat. He said he'd try it next time.
#23
Don't swarm the conveyor belt at the baggage claim area. Is the belt moving so fast that you can't walk over and grab your bag when you see it instead of blocking everyone's view of the belt?
#24
While queueing at security, take your belt, keys, change etc. and place them in the front pocket of your carry-on. You'll sail through the scanners and can reload your pockets when you get to a quiet spot
Miss Frankfurter 1 year ago
We all know by now that we have to do this. Why wear a belt to have to take off and put back on again? We know our shoes are coming off. Wear ones easy to remove and put back on.
#25
Have your boarding pass on hand before you approach the gate.
oktopus 1 year ago
I made my flying life sooooo much easier by aquiring a document case thing which has a transparent window in the front which is just the right size for storing my boarding pass and passport so they're visible (no worrying about where I put the damn things) and easy to take out when needed.
#26
You're taking an international flight and will likely have your own tv screen behind the headrest in front of you. It's not necessary to stab at the screen to make selections. Respect that someone is sitting in that seat in front of you.
#27
When you got to stand up, don't latch onto the seat in front of you and use it for leverage. I am sleeping in that seat and you are waking me up. Just use your legs. I believe in you and your abilities.
#28
When they start the boarding process, you don't have to stand up and queue. It usually takes a long time and you have a seat assigned to you anyway, so relax a bit more before your flight.
Dianellian 1 year ago
Sometimes it’s about making sure you have access to overhead luggage space. But, read the room.
#29
Don't force conversation, but by all means be friendly and talk to the person you're sitting with. Things like destination, job, etc. If they aren't willing to talk don't force it.
Kathryn Baylis 1 year ago
And alert the flight attendants if their conversation crosses the line or they make any kind of unacceptable move or gesture. FFS people, don’t be a perv on a flight, unless you want to be jumped by the Air Marshall, the flight attendants, maybe the Captain or First Officer, and all the other passengers—-then gagged and duct taped to a seat next to the Air Marshall. The tolerance for pervs is so low nowadays it’s underground, and people are not going to put up with it.
#30
American here. Please, for the love of all that is holy, learn how to go through airport security! I mean, how long has the TSA required 3 oz liquid items ONLY in a carry on? The amount of time wasted waiting on people who somehow in 2015 STILL don't understand how to get through the security here is astounding!
What do you think ?
Jay Cox 1 year ago
Most these could be solved if the airliners put actual elbow room on the planes. Used to be a chartered experience now we have to make rules as peasants to accommodate other peasants
Mega Karen 1 year ago
Something I would like to add: I am not lending my personal electronics to some stranger's child. Keeping your little angel entertained isn't my responsibility
Lemaire 1 year ago
There are two types of people. People who read the following recommendations and say, yes, I agree, let's be considerate of each other. And, unempathetic a--holes. A--holes will either simply not read these because they don't care, or will read them and ignore them because they are a--holes. My super power would be to be able to shake empathy into people.
Deborah THE Band 1 year ago
Give it your best shot, dear. You're stronger than you know.
Load More Replies...
Bon Jour 1 year ago
I am going to add.... Don't be the person that insists on talking loud on your cell phone. It is so annoying. Either they are chatting it up with some long list friend or it is some really important business person discussing all things corporate. Stop. No one wants to hear your conversation and it can wait. In fact, how about making that call prior to boarding.
Will Cable 1 year ago
Fifth Element flight scene, get in your own little area, flight staff press a button and you go to sleep.
Beruthiel45 1 year ago
I wish I hadn't read this. It made me mad all over again. Now I need some cute animal pics. 🐈⬛🐈🐘🐾
Tiana Spencer 1 year ago
What about the person who insists on getting their hourly steps in so whenever the seat belt sign is off just paces up and down the aisle.
Maria Mandjik 1 year ago
About 6 years ago I flew from Toronto to New York,I was seated on outside seat of 2 seats row.when I got to my seat I tried to put my carryon on the overhead compartment but it was full. I had to put it under the seat in front of me I had no room for my legs, no man beside me looked like being in his middle thirties he never looked or acknowledged me, when we got to LaGuardia he stands and takes the 2 bags in the overhead compartment and takes off really fast, I was so pissed he was a rude entitled man.
Laura Settlemire 1 year ago
Whenever I fly, not often (maybe once/year) I love to pass out pink uni-ball 207 Retractable Gel pens that also benefits Breast Cancer Awareness to all the flight attendants. They all appreciated it just as I appreciated them.
Connie Richardson 1 year ago
Why do some people think that their feet dont stink? I have always thought that planes were filthy and they are.
Jodi Rinker 1 year ago
Flight in the middle of the day and less than 3 hours? Don't lean the bloody seat back. There's not enough room anyway, I don't need you encroaching into it so I can't even put the tray fully down. I'm not fat, there's just not room.
30_Helens_Agree 1 year ago
If I’m going to be cramped on a flight for 10 hours I’m going to be comfortable as possible. I don’t see how anyone else’s clothing has any affect on you.
Load More Replies...
Jay Cox 1 year ago
Most these could be solved if the airliners put actual elbow room on the planes. Used to be a chartered experience now we have to make rules as peasants to accommodate other peasants
Mega Karen 1 year ago
Something I would like to add: I am not lending my personal electronics to some stranger's child. Keeping your little angel entertained isn't my responsibility
Lemaire 1 year ago
There are two types of people. People who read the following recommendations and say, yes, I agree, let's be considerate of each other. And, unempathetic a--holes. A--holes will either simply not read these because they don't care, or will read them and ignore them because they are a--holes. My super power would be to be able to shake empathy into people.
Deborah THE Band 1 year ago
Give it your best shot, dear. You're stronger than you know.
Load More Replies... Bon Jour 1 year ago
I am going to add.... Don't be the person that insists on talking loud on your cell phone. It is so annoying. Either they are chatting it up with some long list friend or it is some really important business person discussing all things corporate. Stop. No one wants to hear your conversation and it can wait. In fact, how about making that call prior to boarding.
Will Cable 1 year ago
Fifth Element flight scene, get in your own little area, flight staff press a button and you go to sleep.
Beruthiel45 1 year ago
I wish I hadn't read this. It made me mad all over again. Now I need some cute animal pics. 🐈⬛🐈🐘🐾
Tiana Spencer 1 year ago
What about the person who insists on getting their hourly steps in so whenever the seat belt sign is off just paces up and down the aisle.
Maria Mandjik 1 year ago
About 6 years ago I flew from Toronto to New York,I was seated on outside seat of 2 seats row.when I got to my seat I tried to put my carryon on the overhead compartment but it was full. I had to put it under the seat in front of me I had no room for my legs, no man beside me looked like being in his middle thirties he never looked or acknowledged me, when we got to LaGuardia he stands and takes the 2 bags in the overhead compartment and takes off really fast, I was so pissed he was a rude entitled man.
Laura Settlemire 1 year ago
Whenever I fly, not often (maybe once/year) I love to pass out pink uni-ball 207 Retractable Gel pens that also benefits Breast Cancer Awareness to all the flight attendants. They all appreciated it just as I appreciated them.
Connie Richardson 1 year ago
Why do some people think that their feet dont stink? I have always thought that planes were filthy and they are.
Jodi Rinker 1 year ago
Flight in the middle of the day and less than 3 hours? Don't lean the bloody seat back. There's not enough room anyway, I don't need you encroaching into it so I can't even put the tray fully down. I'm not fat, there's just not room.
30_Helens_Agree 1 year ago
If I’m going to be cramped on a flight for 10 hours I’m going to be comfortable as possible. I don’t see how anyone else’s clothing has any affect on you.
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