14 Essential Plane Etiquette Tips for a Smoother Flight
Volunteer to pitch in with an additional helping hand
The top guideline for being polite on an aircraft is not to overlook those who might require assistance. Keep in mind that everyone shares the experience equally—they're literally confined within the same tight quarters, bound for the same endpoint. Small acts of kindness and cooperation can significantly improve things. As per Melanie Fish, who leads public relations at Expedia Group, "Should another passenger seem overwhelmed, step forward to lend a hand and find ways to ease their burden." This may involve helping out with cumbersome bags or soothing a fussy kid.
Personally, as I frequently board quite early and am usually seated, I tend to assist others who might be having difficulty stowing their luggage in the overhead compartment by offering, "Need some help with that?" This aligns with what Claytor refers to. basic etiquette principle Of "considering others before yourself." However, it’s crucial to remember this: If someone declines your offer, you should not persist with the matter or press for acceptance.
You may remove your shoes, but keep your socks on.
Personally, I love to slip on a pair of airline socks if they’re offered to me, and according to Sif Björnsdóttir, a senior cabin crew member on Icelandic carrier Play, it is A-OK to do that. But if you’re wondering if you can get really Comfortably settle in and remove your socks (regardless if they're provided by the airline or yours), but you shouldn't. "It's best to keep your socks on!" Björnsdóttir advises. "Having bare feet can be uncomfortable for others and lacks hygiene, particularly in a communal area such as an aircraft." Every manners specialist I spoke with concurred with her viewpoint.
Moreover, walking around without shoes exposes you to risks on airplanes. Besides potential dangers like food particles, trash, or sharp objects on the floor, the surface is probably swarming with germs and pathogens too.
Looking to remain comfortable and somewhat secure even when strolling about?Rachel Wagner, an etiquette authority and the founder of Rachel Wagner Etiquette and Protocol, offers some valuable advice. travel hack "For extended journeys and flights across continents, pack a set of disposable slippers in your hand luggage to wear over your socks. It keeps those walks down the aisle to use the restroom cleaner. Near the flight’s conclusion when the cabin crew gathers rubbish, throw away the slippers with the garbage and slide back into your footwear." Simple as that!
You have the option to refuse someone's request to switch seats.
There are numerous reasons why someone could request you to change seats. They may wish to sit closer to their family, require use of a specific amenity like the bassinet-equipped bulkhead seats, suffer from a health issue, need extra legroom due to a disability, or travel with an assistance animal. Despite this, you always have the option to decline. As Björnsdóttir points out, "While you might want to think about switching seats when asked, remember that you're not required to agree."
Certainly, maintain your courtesy. As etiquette authority Diane Gottsman, who established the Protocol School of Texas, recommends, one could say politely, "No, thanks. I'd rather remain seated."
Is it you who wants to change seats? It’s fine to inquire politely, but be prepared for a refusal without pushing further. Additionally, remember this: your chances improve significantly when requesting a swap between similar seats such as two windows or both being aisles," according to Gottsman. "Avoid asking about switching from a middle seat to an aisle seat."
Everything considered, it's advisable to choose your seat ahead of time. If you're on a flight where boarding is unrestricted and seats aren’t assigned, try to get onboard as early as possible. This might come at an additional cost, yet for numerous travelers, it’s well worth the expense.
Provide the armrests for the individual in the center seat.
During busy flights, being considerate of your neighbors is crucial, particularly if someone finds themselves squeezed into the center seat. This often entails giving them access to both armrests. "When seated in the middle position, passengers essentially lose their leaning space!" explains Charles Briggs, an experienced long-distance inflight services supervisor at Air New Zealand. He adds, noting the lack of strict guidelines, "It's essential to empathize with those unfortunate enough to end up in the middle seat. So go ahead—allow them full usage of the armrest."
Etiquette specialist Tami Clayton concurs, noting that if there's any doubt regarding who should receive those items, middle-seat armrests There should be dialogue," she insists. "Speak kindly to one another. And absolutely no physical shoving!"
Show consideration with your choices of entertainment.
I typically avoid peeking at others' screens, but when seated next to someone on a packed flight, it's hard not to see what they're watching. Occasionally, the material might shock you! This applies even to hit series like Bridgerton Or perhaps something more intimate and, cough, candid. Indeed, feel free to bring along your personal gadgets and stream anything you wish; however, keep an eye on who’s nearby. Moreover, as Briggs points out, even when you believe you're hidden from sight, "children might peek through the gaps!" To put it differently: If there's content you'd rather not show a young child, refrain from viewing it during the flight.
What if your seatmate decides to watch content that might be inappropriate? "You could politely request that they change the display if you're traveling with a young child who can see," suggests Gottsman. "Should the material just make you uncomfortable, turning your gaze elsewhere would suffice." She adds, "Only if their choice of viewing makes you feel unsafe should you inform a flight attendant; however, this wouldn’t apply unless it were truly egregious—like hardcore porn rather than an R-rated film." It’s worth noting that several airlines consider showing explicit content visible to fellow passengers as sexual harassment, prompting flight attendants to intervene and stop such behavior when necessary.
Use headphones whenever you're operating devices that produce audio.
When discussing what you're enjoying in terms of entertainment, let me share something that annoys me: individuals who play games loudly or watch TV shows without using headphones. Björnsdóttir concurs that this behavior is poor airplane manners: "It's crucial to maintain an acceptable volume level to avoid bothering those nearby. If you're watching films or listening to music, kindly utilize headphones."
You can (politely) lean back your seat.
If someone tilts back their chair all the way, it might seem as though they're virtually resting on top of you. This has occurred far too many times for me to keep track, leading me frequently to ponder about proper flight manners regarding this issue. According to official guidelines, "Reclining your seat is acceptable," explains Björnsdóttir, "however, it's polite to do so gradually and solely at moments when it won't disturb the individual seated behind you, particularly during dining hours." Naturally, one must also raise your seat during takeoff and landing.
It's important to mention that every etiquette expert I spoke with agreed that you should always inform the person sitting behind you before leaning back your seat. "There are those who believe that because the seats can Reclining your seat means you believe you have the right to push your seat back, but this goes against good manners," states Claytor. "Just because an action is possible, it doesn't make it appropriate.
Moreover, Gottsman adds, "In case you're dealing with someone who has longer limbs or might be feeling uncomfortable, show empathy and avoid lowering your seatback towards them. Additionally, check behind you to ensure they haven’t placed a beverage on the fold-down tray table."
Take the foul-smelling food with you when leaving home.
“Yes, you can carry your meal onto the aircraft Björnsdóttir elaborates, "However, it's advisable to steer clear of items with potent odors or those prone to messiness, such as specific types of seafood, piping-hot dishes, or foods that can readily spill. Consider your co-passengers and choose snacks and meals that are unobtrusive and simple to consume."
As Claytor points out, "When you're in an enclosed area without access to fresh air, it's important to avoid bringing anything that might bother those around you." Additionally, Gottsman suggests steering clear of typical allergens like peanuts or peanut butter—or being considerate if you unpack your PB&J sandwich only to find out your neighbor has a severe nut allergy.
You can head to the galley and request some beverages and treats (provided the timings align correctly).
If you're on a flight where meals can be bought and you've missed the chance to order, it's perfectly acceptable to approach the kitchen area to request a beverage or buy some food—provided you wait until after all meal services have finished and the flight attendants aren't overwhelmed with tasks, according to Björnsdóttir. She also notes, "It's best during hectic periods to either press your call button or await our next visit down the aisle." Additionally, keep in mind that the staff work space is quite compact, so refrain from using the galley area for stretching or doing yoga exercises.
It's crucial to remember that the main duty of flight attendants is to ensure passenger safety, rather than serving snacks whenever you want. Therefore, when the seatbelt sign is illuminated, kindly remain seated and allow them to perform their duties effectively.
Don't hesitate to use your call button.
I've often pondered the proper protocol for using the call button on planes, wondering if it should only be reserved for real emergencies. However, Briggs assures that it's perfectly fine to ring it whenever you want to catch a flight attendant's eye. "Feel free to use it anytime; we're never too far away," he explains. "If you require assistance with the in-flight entertainment system, need help reclining your chair, or simply have a query for us, our role is to assist."
When you do interact with them, however, be sure to show flight attendants the highest level of politeness and respect. They are present to provide assistance whenever necessary, ensuring both comfort and safety during the flight," explains Wagner. "For instance, if you require something reasonable like having a baby’s bottle warmed up or needing additional water, then go ahead and ask." ask politely Instead of issuing a demand, "please" and "thank you" can take you far, so use them frequently."
Pay attention to the area surrounding you.
Sure, everyone has their luggage, and finding space for it can be tricky. Additionally, our legs require some breathing room too. However, planes have limited space available. Therefore, ensure that the area around you stays free from garbage, store your bags and footwear properly instead of leaving them in aisles or communal areas. As Fish suggests, "If stretching out during the flight seems necessary, perhaps consider paying an additional fee to get a larger seat." A helpful hint: Look into Legrooms for Google Flights Before you book, look for those spacious seats that offer extra room.
The overhead compartment can be challenging due to an increase in passengers choosing carry-ons to bypass baggage charges, yet the core idea remains unchanged: always show consideration. Typically, it’s advisable to store your bigger carry-on luggage in the overhead bin directly above your seat row. However, should you find yourself among the final boarding group and notice all available spaces are occupied, consult with a flight attendant who can assist you in finding another suitable spot elsewhere on the plane.
If you sense that someone is invading your personal space, address it politely. "Many overlook that sharing spaces requires a subtle negotiation," explains Claytor. "Were this remembered more often, public transit rides could become much smoother."
Avoid small talk if your neighbor isn't interested in conversing.
I consider myself quite sociable, yet whenever I board an airplane, I usually prefer to shut my eyes, catch a film, or simply relish some quiet time up in the clouds sans constant notifications from my phone. To put it differently, striking up a conversation with someone seated next to me isn't something I'm keen on. At the same time, I strive not to come off as impolite. According to Gottsman, it's perfectly fine not to interact. She advises, "Slip in your earphones and either rest your eyes or focus on your tasks." You can still be courteous by responding briefly before excusing yourself—"Excuse me, please; I intend to unwind/work/(insert preference here)."
If you're seeking out a conversation, keep in mind the other person's feelings. body language According to fashion designer and often-traveling Liz Lange, "Polite small talk doesn't bother me, but let your neighbor set the pace," she notes. "Recognize when the person beside you prefers to read, watch a movie, or simply enjoy some solitude."
If you're unwell, take preventive measures.
A true account: Just five days following my latest overseas trip, I began experiencing headaches, a sore throat, and a high temperature—symptoms later diagnosed as coronavirus. Reflecting on the journey, vividly remember each cough and sneeze from the individual seated directly behind me. The source of my infection seems quite evident now!
It’s understood that sometimes people only recognize their illness once they’re on the airplane, and at other times, flying might be unavoidable for them. However, being thoughtful goes a long way. According to Fish, "Even when you're unwell yet must travel, take steps not to spread your infection." Whenever feasible, make sure to tidy up after yourself, request to change seats so as not to sit near other travelers, and think about using a face mask. Everyone would value your initiative in safeguarding public health.
Drink in moderation
To start with, here’s a brief scientific explanation: At elevated altitudes—be it atop a ski slope at 10,000 feet or even aboard an aircraft cruising at 36,000 feet—the level of available oxygen decreases. Alcohol consumption can interfere with how well your blood absorbs this limited supply of oxygen, potentially making you feel intoxicated quicker than usual because your body processes the oxygen less efficiently under these conditions. Hence, although sipping a drink might help alleviate some stress during air travel, proceed carefully; particularly considering the confined space onboard where everyone shares common areas. It’s important to practice restraint for maintaining good behavior throughout the journey. As Lange points out, observing someone else consume too much could indeed spoil others' experience significantly.
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Reader’s Digest Has released numerous travel narratives designed to guide readers in discovering the globe securely, efficiently, and economically. Our articles frequently tackle subjects like ideal destinations for visits along with optimal timing, strategies for swiftly navigating airport security, insights from flight attendants, smart hotel room tactics, among others. We pledge to generate top-notch material crafted by professionals possessing both knowledge and practical experience within their domain, collaborating closely with pertinent, certified specialists. Our references come from reliable primary sources, such as governmental bodies, professional associations, educational establishments, supplemented by our contributors' firsthand encounters when suitable. In crafting this piece on airline manners, we leveraged Melissa Klurman’s extensive background as a seasoned travel journalist and frequent flyer logging between 50,000 to 100,000 miles annually. Subsequently, Jacqueline Whitmore—a distinguished authority in corporate etiquette and hospitality consultancy owner at The Protocol School of Palm Beach, formerly serving as a flight attendant—thoroughly reviewed it ensuring accuracy and providing the finest guidance available to our audience. Learn more about how we approach these stories here. team , our contributors and ourselves editorial policies .
Sources:
- Tami Claytor, the etiquette authority and founder of Consistently Suitable Imagery and Mannerism Advisory Services ; telephone interview, October 14, 2024
- Diane Gottsman etiquette authority, founder of the Protocol School of Texas and writer of Contemporary Manners for a Improved Existence ; Email Interview, October 14, 2024
- Rachel Wagner, the etiquette authority and creator of Rachel Wagner Manners and Procedures ; Email Interview, October 14, 2024
- Sif Björnsdóttir, the lead flight attendant at an Icelandic airline Play ; Email Interview conducted on August 28, 2024
- Charles Briggs, who serves as the long-distance flight attendant supervisor for Air New Zealand ; Email interview conducted on August 29, 2024
- Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group public relations; email interview on August 30, 2024
- Liz Lange CEO and Creative Director of Figue, as well as the Founder of Liz Lange Maternity and Liz Lange for Target; conducted via email interview on August 30, 2024.
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