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Traveling has never been as easy as it is now. And, for better or for worse, flying remains one of the top means of transport (the number of flights in 2021 was estimated at 22.2 million). And it makes sense, as it's so convenient, especially if we're talking transcontinental. It would take 7 nights to sail from Southampton, UK, to New York, US, if you boarded the Queen Mary (but I'm sure the voyage would be delightful), whereas the same flight would only take 11 hours, 30 minutes.
Some people love it, some hate it, but many still choose flying. And no matter how many flight hours some people collect, there are always folks who act like it's their first time on the plane, based on their flight etiquette. And while the journey on the plane sounds easy at first, the hassle that comes before and after it can be annoying.
That's why Bored Panda decided to compile a list of airport hacks, flight etiquette that people seem to forget, and other tips and tricks that will make your journey as light as possible. Make sure to upvote your favorites, share any other tips down below, and fly safe!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
At baggage claim: DON'T stand right up against the conveyor belt the whole time. Stand a few feet back, and when you see your bag, walk up, grab it and move on
Chintan Shah 2 years ago
This needs to be way higher! Standing up against the conveyor belt isn't going to bring your bags any faster.. But you may get your legs smashed by another passenger taking a bag off.. Not to mention how inconsiderate it is
#2
Arriving early and being bored for 2 hours is *way* better than being on time and stressed out.
#3
If you are in Copenhagen Airport and have an invisible issue (disability, disorder, or anything), go to the service desk and get a sunflower pin. The staff will know you have some issues (wont ask what) and be more accomdating.
#4
If I have my headphones on don’t talk to me.
StrangeOne 2 years ago
Some people aren't even listening to anything. They're just using them to muffle out sounds that are too loud for them. Treat it like sunglasses on a blind person. No touchy.
#5
Keep your limbs in your designated seating area (feet not stretched out into another person's bubble, leaning or sleeping on others) Man or woman no draping your hair over the back of your chair. No creepy groping or unwanted conversation
#6
Always pee BEFORE you board.
StrangeOne 2 years ago
I can go before I board, but it doesn't mean I'll end up not having to go during the flight. Especially a long flight.
#7
Don’t put your hair over the back of the seat.
Pizzagirl 91 1 year ago
Why not just knit or knot it? It's not as illegal, but also annoying.
Load More Replies... StrangeOne 2 years ago
Whether plane, train, bus STOP THIS. And don't be surprised, if you do this, when your hair is covered in something. Accidentally or on purpose.
3 Owls In A Coat 2 years ago
When I was 13 I used to chew gum at recess - if I forgot to spit it out, I’d wrap it in paper and put it at the corner of my desk to throw out. Once a girl sitting in front of me would NOT stop doing this and flipping her hair all over the work I was trying to do. I guess I didn’t wrap the gum up very well in the paper because a bit of gum was exposed and suddenly her hair got stuck to it. She didn’t notice for 20 mins and when she finally did I feigned ignorance 🤷♀️
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Iva Kazalova 2 years ago
This is getting pulled or dunked in tea or decorated with a spat out chewing gum only because scissors aren’t allowed on the plane!
Pirette Russell 1 year ago
A scissor sound on your phone, played in their ear, is fun!
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What's being said today 2 years ago
I'd close the table and trap it! Not my fault your draping your hair into my space
Moya Satterwhite 2 years ago
No one really does that, they’d end up with kicky seat child yanking on it!
Belle Miles 2 years ago
I would be the most evil person to do that to. Something bad would happen. Probably permanent damage. It wouldn't end in a "good hair day", that's for sure.
ItsJess 2 years ago
I would have "accidentally" gotten it caught in my watch.
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Bridgit Gilmore 1 year ago
Sixty years old here and been doing international travel for 40 of them: NEVER SEEEN THIS!
Steven Meyer 1 year ago
I would just remove my drink from the tray very quietly put the tree up and lock it into position. That way, when that idiot tries to get up, she’ll get a neck snap and a half!
Bergman Oswell 2 years ago
I reserve the right to braid your hair if you do this. And maybe include the latch for the tray table in the braid… 🤣
Richard Keel 2 years ago
If someone did that to me, they're getting their hair dipped in a variety of beverages and condiments
Exotic Butters 2 years ago
I think that the person doing that really just loves their hair and thinks they are doing you a favor. Or they just think it makes them enviable.
Sue Denham 2 years ago
But if you must, do it with the knowledge that I may practice my macrame skills or do a little snipping if I feel so inclined.
Remi (He/Him) 2 years ago
If you have long hair, don't put it in a ponytail for flights etc. You can't recline comfortably without your hair ending up like this.
Fourchette 2 years ago
Ohh... now I understang why they even confiscate small scissors... what a pity - soo tempting... ;-)
#8
The person in the middle gets 2 arm rests.
#9
Do not start engaging other people on the plane in small talk. especially if you see them reading, sleeping or listening to music.
Don't talk non-stop. If you absolutely must run your mouth the entire flight, use your inside voice.
Don't the be the b**ch who sat behind me once and changed her baby's sh**ty diaper on the tray. She sprayed perfume to cover it up.
Teach your children not to kick the seat of the person in front of them.
Maggie Fulton 2 years ago
Especially the part about letting your kid kick the seat of the person in front. Teach the little brat some respect for others.
#10
After the security check, when the x-ray conveyer belt delivers the tray containing your coat, wallet, belt, shoes, bag, laptop, etc...
For the love of god take your tray the 5 or so feet to the benches and tables set aside for you to repack at. Don't just stand in front of the line slowly getting dressed and making everyone else wait on you
Kristy Marion 2 years ago
Omg. This. As a flight attendant it drives me mental when people repack next to the X-ray machine. Move down!
#11
Bring something to entertain your children in long flights. If that something had sound, make sure they're wearing headphones. You might be used to little Billy's screams and Paw Patrol, but the rest of the plane doesn't want to hear it.
#14
Its better to be 3 hours early than 3 minutes late, airport food is cheaper than paying to book another flight
StrangeOne 2 years ago
I'm glad I went early. So early there was no one else around at the security check point, so the security people were chill and everything went way smooth.
#15
I'll probably get down voted here.. But please, for the love of God, wear shoes that require socks when you go through security. It just turns my stomach all the barefoot people standing in the EXACT SAME SPOT as the last guy with the crusty fungus
Megan Swann-Carlton 2 years ago
CLEAN socks should be a requirement in an airport like wear your crocs but throw on some socks
#16
Don’t just trust the gate number on your phone app, always double check with the airport screens.
#17
Never leave your bags unattended, never leave it with someone, I know it’s good to be human and be helpful but never carry anyone’s luggage for them. You don’t know who’s carrying contrabands or not and can easily put you in a jam.
The other-other David Wong 2 years ago
I learned this from the announcement that says this every 3.5 minutes at every airport ever. Ever.
#18
No speakerphone. No reheated fish. No feet on my arm rest. Don’t use the headrest in front of you to help you get out of your seat. It turns the persons seat into a catapult
#19
If Tom Hanks is in the flight, get out!
#20
I used to board 2-4 flights every week before COVID. Here are a few things:
1. If you can then arrive early.
2. Have 2 bags. The backpack should contain all the stuff you would like to be available at moment's notice during the flight. The bigger trolley should only be opened once you have deboarded
3. Stay away from the line that contains old people, kids, families. Queue up behind business travelers. There is an excellent scene in Up in The Air where Clooney profiles different kind of fliers. All of it is true.
4. Flight attendants have heard every single excuse for an upgrade. You can try but good luck. However, if you do get one than stop bragging about it. It might get them into trouble.
5. Flight attendants also like small gift like little bags of treats. If you are on a longer flight this is always an option to cheer someone up and make their day.
6. If you are frequent flier get a pair of noise canceling headphones.
7. Always check in as soon the window for check in opens. Usually 24 hours before the flight.
8. A small powerbank can make a world of difference.
9. The lounge is worth the money if you have a long layover or you are a frequent flier.
10. Always keep a small bag full of regular OTC medication you may need.
#21
Bathing and tooth brushing before a flight is a good start
Jordi Sharpe 2 years ago
These should be mandatory. No excuses, if you can afford to fly, you can afford a shower and mints.
#22
If you know you’re a frequent restroom user please don’t take the window seat :)
#23
This is an awesome airport hack for the UK, not sure about other countries...
Order any toiletries/meds etc for 'click and collect' from one of the airport stores like Boots or Superdrug. You don't need to worry about them being under 100ml since you collect them after security, and you don't pay crazy airport prices either.
#24
Always try to book an early flight. My father-in-law used to travel a lot and worked in an industry connected with the airlines. He said that the schedule board usually resets between 3 and 6 in the morning, so if there are late or cancelled flights causing a chain reaction in other areas that all tends to drop out of the system when it starts fresh the next day. I’ve never had a flight that left before 8 am that was noticeably late or canceled unless it just wasn’t safe to fly.
#25
if you get bumped from a flight because the airline overbooked and you have to wait more than two hours then you are entitled to up to 4x your fare. Certain restrictions apply but point is dont let them take advantage of you
#26
At the security line, put all your things (phone, wallet, watch, belt, etc) that will need to be removed in your carry-on. It makes it much more efficient rather than taking each individual article and placing it into the bin.
Bring an empty water bottle and fill it at the fountains. Air travel dehydrates you and most of us don't drink enough fluids anyway.
Just_for_this 2 years ago
This in itself sounds fine, until the security staff tell you to do something different. Recently came through Miami Airport and 3 different staff were saying different things to us just standing in line waiting for the scanners. shoes off, shoes on, devices out of bag, devices in bag... considering its their primary job you'd think they'd all be on the same hymn sheet.
#27
I just got TSA precheck and I can’t stop talking about how amazing it is.
Camilla Koutsos 2 years ago
What is this? I understand the words in that sentence, but not the sentence itself.
#28
When they tell you not to put your winter coat in the overhead until everyone else has boarded, DON'T PUT YOUR COAT IN THE OVERHEAD!
ThatG 2 years ago
Don’t put your winter coat in the overhead until after you’ve taken off. It’s nice not to freeze in the event of an emergency evacuation on the runway. Also… on international flights, keep your passport with you at all times in case of an emergency landing in another country.
#30
Airports are lawless wastelands, like Fallout 3. There are no rules, all social miscues you’ve been taught to avoid are no more. Want to sit on the floor? F*****g do it. Pizza and beer for breakfast? F*****g do it. Fasting walking past old people to get in line faster? F*****g do it. Survive.
What do you think ?
ThatG 2 years ago
If you’re checking in a bag, pack a change of clothes and underwear into your carry-on just in case your check-in bag gets lost and arrives a day or so later.
Richard Wallace 2 years ago
A hack is anything useful, so use your brain pan.
Load More Replies...
Kenny Kulbiski 2 years ago
Note to airlines. Perhaps if you'd treat passengers like people instead of cattle/ sardines you'd get more courteous passengers. By the time I get wedged into those seats from hell I'm pretty much mad at the world. I don't act out on it but don't expect me to be a ray of sunshine either.
Mike Cassino 2 years ago
Was recently flying from Paris to Cairo and the amount of perfume/cologne in the air was so bad I could taste it. Please be mindful that this is irritating to others, especially in a tin can at 35,000 feet.
OmBoyGanesh 2 years ago
My major pet peeve: when the FAs ask you to put your window shades down or up, do it! Nothing is worse than a 10+ hour flight, cabin is dark & everyone is either sleeping or watching a movie and someone opens a shade, flooding the cabin with piercing light. There are usually lamps overhead and there’s absolutely nothing worthwhile to see over the North Pacific or Atlantic. Even nice eye masks can’t prevent the inundation of light blinding those of us trying to rest.
Lace Neil 2 years ago
Don't be a Karen and demand that someone swap seats with you so you can sit next to your kids. If that's so important to you, then suck it up and pay the extra so that you can book a specific seat. People who book specific seats normally have a reason for this, may it be fear of flying, weak bladder, disability etc, or simply a preference for a certain seat. If you don't prebook and end up sitting apart during the flight, then so be it. You'll still be together and the end of the flight.
Hypoxia Smurf 2 years ago
Last time I flew (it has been a while) all luggage was scanned by sniffing dogs at Central American airports. ProTip: Be nice to the doggies.
David A Paterson 2 years ago
Worst ever Airport experience was Miami. I'd dressed for a 35 C summer day in Jamaica, only to find that the Miami airport air conditioner was set for about 5 C, and I had three hours to wait. I nearly died (no joke) from hypothermia. There's only so long you can jog on the spot before collapsing.
Donna Peluda 2 years ago
If I wanted a comfortable seat to work on my laptop I would check to see what gate had no flights coming up. I normally wore a shirt with company logo and I´d put a lanyard on from the last show I´d been to, plug in my laptop and phone hang a network cable like I was connected to the system and get my work done, or just go online. I made sure I had a program with code scrolling in case some one asked. In 20 years. I've only been ask once by security.
ThatG 2 years ago
If you’re checking in a bag, pack a change of clothes and underwear into your carry-on just in case your check-in bag gets lost and arrives a day or so later.
Richard Wallace 2 years ago
A hack is anything useful, so use your brain pan.
Load More Replies... Kenny Kulbiski 2 years ago
Note to airlines. Perhaps if you'd treat passengers like people instead of cattle/ sardines you'd get more courteous passengers. By the time I get wedged into those seats from hell I'm pretty much mad at the world. I don't act out on it but don't expect me to be a ray of sunshine either.
Mike Cassino 2 years ago
Was recently flying from Paris to Cairo and the amount of perfume/cologne in the air was so bad I could taste it. Please be mindful that this is irritating to others, especially in a tin can at 35,000 feet.
OmBoyGanesh 2 years ago
My major pet peeve: when the FAs ask you to put your window shades down or up, do it! Nothing is worse than a 10+ hour flight, cabin is dark & everyone is either sleeping or watching a movie and someone opens a shade, flooding the cabin with piercing light. There are usually lamps overhead and there’s absolutely nothing worthwhile to see over the North Pacific or Atlantic. Even nice eye masks can’t prevent the inundation of light blinding those of us trying to rest.
Lace Neil 2 years ago
Don't be a Karen and demand that someone swap seats with you so you can sit next to your kids. If that's so important to you, then suck it up and pay the extra so that you can book a specific seat. People who book specific seats normally have a reason for this, may it be fear of flying, weak bladder, disability etc, or simply a preference for a certain seat. If you don't prebook and end up sitting apart during the flight, then so be it. You'll still be together and the end of the flight.
Hypoxia Smurf 2 years ago
Last time I flew (it has been a while) all luggage was scanned by sniffing dogs at Central American airports. ProTip: Be nice to the doggies.
David A Paterson 2 years ago
Worst ever Airport experience was Miami. I'd dressed for a 35 C summer day in Jamaica, only to find that the Miami airport air conditioner was set for about 5 C, and I had three hours to wait. I nearly died (no joke) from hypothermia. There's only so long you can jog on the spot before collapsing.
Donna Peluda 2 years ago
If I wanted a comfortable seat to work on my laptop I would check to see what gate had no flights coming up. I normally wore a shirt with company logo and I´d put a lanyard on from the last show I´d been to, plug in my laptop and phone hang a network cable like I was connected to the system and get my work done, or just go online. I made sure I had a program with code scrolling in case some one asked. In 20 years. I've only been ask once by security.
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