Flying Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts of Air Travel

When you are in a social setting, it is expected of you that you abide by certain etiquette. Flying is no exception to this. While air travel can be stressful in itself (what with altitude change, moving across time zones, air sickness, etc.) the in-flight behavior of certain passengers can add to the uneasiness on a plane and put you in a bad mood. Here are certain do’s and don’ts of air travel that ensure the flight journey is as comfortable and trouble-free as possible for both yourself and your fellow passengers. Remember, practicing flying etiquette is key to a pleasant experience.

DO Dress Up in Layers

The temperature inside the air cabin is freezing cold one moment and sweltering hot the other moment. The best way to deal with cabin temperature fluctuations is to dress yourself up in layers. And when you choose your layers, do opt for buttoned or zip-up clothes so that it is easy for you to put them on or pull them off without causing trouble to the passenger next to you unlike crewnecks and pullovers (removing which you could unintentionally wake up the sleeping passenger sitting beside you).

Also Read: Practical Airport Outfit Ideas to Fly in Style and Comfort

DON’T Block the Aisle when Boarding

In their anxiety to find their seat and enough space for their carry-on luggage, most passengers tend to block the aisle, causing inconvenience to other passengers. Following proper flying etiquette can make boarding smoother for everyone. Stay relaxed and wait patiently until your zone is called for boarding, and when you find your seat, don’t fuss over luggage while still standing in the aisle. Get seated and help others get to their seat. Once everyone is seated, you can then adjust your luggage and take out the things that you want.

DO Stretch and Move Around on a Plane

This is important, especially when you are traveling long distances, say on a long-haul flight from the USA to India. Practicing good flying etiquette means taking care of your health without inconveniencing others. Prolonged sitting during long flights can impact your well-being, so stretch in your seat or take a brief walk every hour. Remember, being considerate of fellow passengers doesn’t mean neglecting your own comfort.

DON’T Hog the Armrest

There is limited space for each passenger on the plane when you are flying in economy class. So, try to make yourself comfortable in the available space and also give space to the flier adjacent to you. Don’t recline your seat without intimating the passenger behind you. As for armrests, let the person adjusting herself/himself in the middle seat between two people use the armrest.

DO Drink Lots of Water

You must drink as much water as possible throughout your plane journey as flying can dehydrate you. Although this doesn’t exactly fall in the category of dos and don’ts of flying and is more of an air travel health hack, always make sure that your body is hydrated. This can also save you from the lightheadedness that you tend to feel on flights. At the same time, keep alcohol intake to a minimum on planes as it can lead to dehydration.

DON’T Pack Pungent Food Items

If you are carrying your own food when flying, try to avoid packing food items with a pungent smell. The strong odor of such food spreads around in the small cabin in no time and this cabin air infused with various kinds of smells clearly doesn’t help the ones already struggling to deal with motion sickness in the mid-air.

DO Utilize Your Own Overhead and Underseat Space

One of the important flying etiquettes is not barging into others’ space. Not only the legroom or armrests, but the space for carry-on baggage in the compartment overhead and under the seat too. Don’t place your baggage on the overhead space of an empty seat and don’t occupy even a small portion of other passengers’ overhead compartments (especially when sitting in the front or backside of the plane). Keep all your necessities like a phone charger, book, headphones, etc. in your smaller carry-on so you don’t have to rummage through your luggage every time.

DON’T Rush When Deboarding

And finally, practicing good flying etiquette means being patient when deboarding. Let the passengers in the front rows exit first and avoid rushing to the aisle. Seated at the rear? Stay put until the seatbelt light goes off. Let passengers ahead disembark before grabbing your bags and deboarding calmly.

How many of these dos and don’ts of air travel do you follow? Tell us what in-flight behavior of passengers irritates you the most in the comments section.

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FAQs

What is the most important flying etiquette tip for first-time flyers? 

Stay calm, follow crew instructions, avoid blocking aisles, and respect others’ space.

Can I recline my seat during a flight?

Yes, but check with the passenger behind you first, especially during meals.

How do I handle noisy passengers or crying babies?

Use noise-canceling headphones or earplugs and practice patience with crying babies. 

Is it okay to bring my own food on a flight? 

Yes, but avoid strong-smelling foods to respect others.

Should I share armrests with other passengers?

Middle seat gets both armrests; otherwise, share politely.