Flying for Spring Break? Avoid These Sneaky Airplane Etiquette Mistakes
I’ve seen it all on airplanes. There was the man who blew his nose loudly and profusely, then left his used tissues scattered across the tray table (even after a flight attendant repeatedly asked him not to). On another flight, a woman sprinted down the aisle to the bathroom — barefoot. And I’ll never forget the adorable toddler who gleefully kicked the back of my seat for the entire flight.
After encountering so many frustrating (and sometimes comical) in-flight moments — and with spring break travel in full swing — I decided to reach out to etiquette expert Elaine Swann to find out exactly what's considered unacceptable behavior on a plane, and where travelers should extend a little more grace. Swann, who also happens to be a former flight attendant, broke down the top airplane etiquette mistakes she sees all too often. “To help your travel experience go smoothly, think about each step in advance,” Swann advises. “Shift, plan and be purposeful in everything you do, so you're not negatively impacting others.”
With that in mind, here are the airplane behaviors to avoid if you want to stay polite while flying the friendly skies.
Holding up the Security Line
Traveling is stressful enough, so it’s important to be ready to move through security as efficiently as possible. “When going through security, don’t just think about yourself — consider how you might affect others,” Swann says.
You can start preparing before you even join the line. Once you're inside the airport, pack away items like hats to lighten your load, and position your laptop near the top of your bag for easy access. If you're traveling with kids, let them carry their own bags when possible to help keep the line moving, depending on their ages.
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Not Greeting the Flight Crew
Good manners can go a long way — especially when flying. As soon as you board the plane, it’s common courtesy to greet the pilot or any flight attendants you pass on your way to your seat. “You don’t have to share your life story, but a pleasant ‘hello’ is a great way to connect,” Swann says. “If you end up needing that person during the flight, they’ll remember that you were kind and respectful when boarding the plane.”
Using the Wrong Overhead Bin
It might be tempting to stash your carry-on rows ahead of your seat if you're hoping to de-plane faster once you land. But this is a big no-no in certain cases, according to Swann. “The key is to place your bag as close to your seat as possible,” Swann says.
If overhead bin space is an issue in your seating area, it's best to ask a flight attendant to help you find a spot for your bag. “Because if your bag ends up having to be checked and stored under the aircraft, waiting at baggage claim is going to delay you even more,” Swann adds.
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Expecting a Flight Attendant to Lift Your Bag for You
Don’t expect flight attendants to hoist your luggage into the overhead bin — that’s your responsibility. “If you can’t lift it, check it,” Swann says. “If you can lift your bag over your head at home, then you’re good to go on the aircraft.”
Ignoring Seating "Rules"
There are a few unspoken rules when it comes to seating assignments. If you’re in the middle seat, you’re generally entitled to both armrests — but be aware that if you don’t claim them early, your seatmates might.
Also, if you have a middle or window seat and expect to get up frequently to use the bathroom, it’s courteous to give your seatmates a heads-up, since they’ll need to move each time you do.
Not Covering Your Mouth and Nose When Coughing or Sneezing
Whether it’s allergies or a cold, there are plenty of reasons someone might be coughing or sneezing — but it's important to be mindful of those around you, especially on a plane. “People look at you differently nowadays when you start coughing, so follow proper hygiene,” Swann says.
Wearing a mask is a good option, but at the very least, always cover your mouth and nose, and bring plenty of tissues with you.
Hogging the Window
Scored a window seat? Lucky you — but that doesn’t mean you own the view entirely. While you do have control over the window shade, it’s important to be considerate of your seatmates. “Don’t be so engrossed in what’s happening outside that you forget about the people next to you,” Swann says. “If you're landing and the view is beautiful, take a moment to check if your seatmate is trying to catch a glimpse too.”
Eating Food With Strong Smells
If you're traveling with young children or have dietary restrictions, packing your own food is a smart move. But that flavorful fish dish you make for yourself every Sunday? It’s better left at home.
“Be mindful of the types of food you bring so they don’t offend others,” Swann says. “Etiquette is about putting people at ease, so try to avoid anything with strong smells that could make fellow passengers uncomfortable.”
Wearing Overbearing Perfume
The same rule goes for fragrance. In a shared, enclosed space like an airplane, the last thing anyone wants is to be overwhelmed by a strong scent for hours. “Perfumes, body oils and scented lotions can be lovely, but in close quarters, they can quickly become offensive,” Swann says. So keep in mind that what smells great to you might be irritating — or even harmful — to someone else.
Doing Your Full Makeup Routine in the Bathroom
I get it — it’s nice to look polished when you land. But if your routine involves a full face of makeup, the airplane bathroom isn’t the ideal place to do it. “I understand that some things may need to be done mid-flight, but there’s almost always going to be a restroom near the gate once you exit the aircraft,” Swann says.
If you prefer to freshen up in your seat, just be mindful of your surroundings. “As long as everything is contained and doesn’t impact the person next to you, it’s perfectly acceptable,” adds Swann.
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Not Having a Plan to Keep Your Kids Entertained
Look, I'm a mom of two, so I get it — kids can be unpredictable! But that doesn't mean parents shouldn't try their best to keep them entertained during a flight. “Think about the length of the trip and bring multiple activities for the children to do — one just isn’t enough,” Swann says. This might mean straying from your usual at-home routine: A little extra screen time or a few more snacks than usual can go a long way on a long flight.
And if your child is still restless despite your best efforts? “At least give fellow passengers the appearance of concern,” Swann says. “People get really annoyed if it looks like you’re not doing anything at all. But if you look like you’re trying, they’re more likely to feel sympathy than anger.”
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