Traveling by plane can be a bit stressful, and it can become even more unpleasant if you have a seatmate or fellow passenger who doesn't follow the unwritten rules of airplane behavior. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that there were over 2,000 incidents of unruly passengers in 2023 alone. If you want to have a smooth flight, make sure you're not making these common airplane etiquette mistakes – our new ultimate travel guide has got you covered. So let's not waste any more time and get right to it!
So… What should you actually do to avoid being THAT passenger?
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Don't cut in front of the security line
Unless you're about to miss your flight, don't be the person who cuts to the front of the line, annoying the other travelers who have been patiently waiting for their turn to go through the security checks. If you're worried about the time, politely let a security officer know, and they can help you get to the front of the line. Even better, consider signing up for a Trusted Traveler Program like TSA PreCheck before your next flight. These programs often have shorter lines and don't require you to remove your shoes and laptop.
Don't ask others to watch your belongings
It's not allowed to leave your bags alone in an airport because of safety reasons. Many people traveling alone might ask strangers to watch their things while they go get food or use the bathroom. This seems like a simple request, but it can be a hassle for the other passenger. They may not want to be responsible for your stuff, or they might also need to get something before their flight. If you can, take your items with you. If you're having trouble, ask the airport staff for help.
Don't request to change seats
Sometimes, you may not be seated with your travel companions. Unless you're a parent separated from your child, try not to ask to change seats unless it's really necessary. Before booking your flight, you can check a helpful website from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to see which airlines guarantee seats for children 13 and under with an adult at no extra cost.
There may be other situations where you want to ask to switch seats. For example, you may want to provide emotional support to a nervous flier. Or if it's a very long flight, you might not want to be separated from your partner. If you do want to ask, make sure your offer is fair (like a window seat for a window seat) or even better. And if the other person politely says no, respect their decision – they likely have their own reasons for choosing that seat.
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Don't be an inconsiderate seatmate
When you've finally reached your seat and settled in for the flight, be careful not to commit these travel etiquette mistakes that might annoy your fellow passengers:
- Not using headphones. Forgot your headphones at home? Many airlines offer reusable earbuds during the flight for a small fee, or you can ask a flight attendant for a pair. Don't be the person who plays their music out loud or lets their children watch shows at high volumes. This is especially rude if people are trying to sleep on an early morning or overnight flight.
- Reclining your seat. Reclining your seat is always a debated topic, especially with the tight spaces in economy-class these days. However, airplane seats are (usually) designed to recline, so each passenger has the right to do so. But, according to travel experts, being polite and considerate goes a long way. Take a look behind you to see if the passenger has a drink or laptop on their tray table before you recline, or you may want to let them know that you plan to do so. Keep in mind: some passengers (especially taller ones) may not appreciate your seat encroaching on their space, so try to limit your recline if possible.
- Personal grooming. This should be obvious, but personal grooming should be done at home or in your hotel room. Even on a long flight, doing your makeup or nails is not hygienic, and brushing your hair or flossing your teeth will definitely bother the passengers around you. Another way to gross out your fellow passengers is by removing your shoes or socks during the flight. The plane floor is not clean, and your feet will likely start to smell after a long day of travel.
- Not sharing the armrests. Airplane armrests are another topic that people disagree about. While there are no set rules on which passengers – window, middle, or aisle – can use the armrests, experts suggest being considerate toward the passenger in the middle seat. Window and aisle passengers have more space on their sides, so it's a good idea to let the middle seat passenger use both armrests. If you want to use the armrest, try to strike up a friendly conversation with your seatmate first – they may be more willing to share their space if you make the effort.
Don't be rude to airport staff
Lastly, it's important to always show respect for the people who work hard to ensure you have a safe and comfortable travel experience. This includes the flight attendants who serve you snacks and follow important safety protocols, the check-in agents who help with your luggage, and the airport employees who answer your questions while maintaining a friendly demeanor. These individuals often have demanding jobs and don't receive the appreciation they deserve, so a little kindness from you can make a big difference.
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While you're busy mastering the art of being a considerate traveler, don't overlook a pre-flight decision that can save you time, money, and stress: choosing the right parking option. On-site airport parking is notoriously expensive, with fees often exceeding the cost of your flight itself. Plus, circling for a spot adds another layer of frustration to your travel day.
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