12 Airplane Habits You Should Stop Doing Immediately
“Etiquette means behaving yourself a little better than is absolutely essential.” – Will Cuppy, an American humorist and literary critic.
While flying is an adventure, it’s also a shared experience, and etiquette plays a big role in ensuring everyone around you is comfortable. Considerate traveling can help make everyone’s journey better. These 12 airplane habits are irritating and should be avoided.
Skipping Personal Hygiene
You don’t want to sit next to someone who has neglected the basics. Global Agents Canada, a digital marketer of travel agents, conducted a survey in 2022 that showed that 48% of travelers are irritated by poor hygiene and strong colognes.
Shower before your flight. Don’t wear strong cologne or perfume. If you’re not feeling well, wear a mask and keep others safe. Good hygiene goes a long way.
Walking Barefoot
The plane isn’t the beach. Simply, it is gross and unsanitary to walk around barefoot and consider the germs in the bathroom.
Keeping your shoes on throughout the flight is actually wise to prevent any smelly situations. Do yourself and everyone else a favor and keep your shoes on.
Clogging the Aisle
The aisle isn’t your private hang-out. Rummaging through your bag or standing around chatting blocks others. Everyone is looking forward to sitting down and getting ready for the flight.
Also, when it is time to deplane, everyone just wants to get off the plane and move to the next step. Be mindful. Let people go and let things flow smoothly.
Reclining Without Warning
We get it. Airplane seats aren’t the comfiest. However, slamming the back of your seat without looking is inconsiderate.
“In a new survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of La-Z-Boy in October, 41% of American adults said they support a ban on reclining seats during domestic flights,” Kathleen Wong for USA Today. Just give a quick heads up, reach for your chair, and then recline. Little things mean a lot.
Playing Audio Out Loud
Watching a movie or listening to music? Great! However, no one else needs to hear it. Use headphones and make sure not to keep the volume too high to disturb your neighbors.
Some people prefer to fly in silence, while others have movies or music planned to accompany them throughout the flight. Always be considerate.
Bringing Smelly Food
That tuna sandwich might be delicious, but it’s not winning you any friends. Always know that all of you are confined in one space, and some people cannot tolerate intense smells.
Stick to neutral-smelling snacks. Just be patient, and you will get to eat the aromatic feast once you’re off the plane.
Hogging the Armrest
The middle seat is rough and, honestly, quite uncomfortable for most. “Nearly a third of passengers flying with UK airlines found armrest hogging to be one of the most annoying habits onboard, survey revealed.” – Jowena Riley.
Don’t take both armrests and make it worse. Share the space. Doing so is a small act of kindness — and it really does go a long way.
Overloading Overhead Bins
Overhead bins are shared space. Don’t take up all the space. Think of others and use the space responsibly. One great tip is to pack smart to avoid any inconvenience.
Always be aware that everyone has some luggage they would like to put in the overhead bins. Ensuring you leave space for others avoids inconveniencing other travelers, making the flight smooth for everyone.
Drinking Too Much
Airplanes and overindulgence don’t mix. 48 % of airline travelers consider drinking too much alcohol an annoying behavior.
As altitude elevates, so does the effect of alcohol, and no one really wants to sit next to a rowdy seatmate. Know your limits, and drink responsibly.
Forcing Conversations
Not everyone wants to chat at 30,000 feet. A quick hello is fine. If you find yourself initiating a conversation with a seatmate who isn’t interested, take the hint. Forcing conversations is disrespectful.
You don’t know what the next person is dealing with, therefore, allow them to enjoy some peace and silence. Most people simply want to relax.
Ignoring Crew Instructions
Flight attendants are there because they care about you. Listen to them. The law actually necessitates that passengers obey instructions from the airline crew.
If you continually ignore safety briefings or instructions, that’s going against the law, rude, and dangerous.
Leaving Window Shades Open
It’s nice to have natural light, but when everyone else wants to sleep, it can be irritating. If it’s rest time, close your shade during long flights. Let others snooze in peace.
During long flights, having a good rest is essential, so always think of others because the bright light coming through the window shade can be disruptive.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
You Might Also Like:
How To Stick To Your Holiday Budget and Avoid Debt: With the holiday season in full swing, many find themselves facing high expenses. The anticipation of gift-giving, coupled with the desire to create unforgettable moments, often leads to the common tradition of seasonal spending, with the average holiday budget reaching a considerable sum.
