Being on a plane is weird. Everyone’s personal space shrinks to the size of a cereal box, and while most people mean well, some people have habits that drive other passengers nuts.
We asked some frequent flyers what etiquette mistakes they see passengers constantly making on planes. Here are eleven of these mistakes. Which of these annoys you the most?
Boarding while blocking the aisle
Lots of people think that standing in the aisle is acceptable. They’ll dig through bags & take off their jackets, even search for snacks, while everyone else is trying to get through. Many passengers told us that they hate this.
They said it slows boarding to a crawl, and they’d rather people slide into their seats first and unpack later. It makes everything faster.
Overhead bins used for tiny items
Being polite also involves not being selfish. Several readers said they’ve seen other passengers throwing a purse or jacket into a full overhead bin, forcing other people to gate-check their bigger bags.
It’s a simple enough fix. Put the smaller stuff under your seat, and be a little more considerate about other people’s needs.
Window shade battles at odd hours
One thing many of our readers couldn’t agree on was whether or not to open the window shades. The morning flyers said they wanted the sunrise, while night travelers want pitch dark. What’s the solution?
Pretty much that you should ask your seatmates what they prefer & meet in the middle. Many readers said they think it’s rude to move the shades without asking.
Reclining during meal service
To recline or not to recline, that is the question. According to a few readers, reclining is the height of rudeness, especially when it’s during mealtimes. It’s certain to send drinks flying.
One of our readers told us they learned to wait until the flight attendants clear the meal trays before leaning back. Even then, they’ll always ask the people behind them first.
Hair draped over the seatback
You might think putting your hair over the seatback is okay. Most of the time, it isn’t. Several readers said they can’t stand it when people hang long hair over their seats because it feels like they’re violating their personal space. It’s plain rude. Tie your hair up or use a clip to keep things tidy & fair.
Bare feet on bulkheads or armrests
A surprising number of our readers claimed they’ve seen passengers rest their bare feet on walls or armrests. They hated it. You’re not at home, so why would you treat the plane like it’s your living room?
It’s so rude, and the floors aren’t exactly spotless either. There’s no benefit to stretching out in this way.
Spraying fragrances in the cabin
Nothing ruins a flight faster than someone spraying their perfume midair. At least, according to a few readers.
They complained about how the smell spreads rather quickly & affects anyone sensitive to smells. Instead, they suggested using wipes. Nobody wants to breathe your cologne, so be a little more respectful.
Playing audio on speaker or taking calls at the seat
Unfortunately, many readers said they’ve had to deal with other passengers watching a video in the middle of the flight with full volume on. Everyone else can hear every single word.
It’s just selfish and rather rude. Bring some earbuds or use the ones that the attendants provide. The solution is that simple.
Treating the lavatory as a changing room
You’ve probably seen someone walk into the airplane lavatory with a toiletry bag. They’ll come out ten minutes later, fully redressed. But there’s a line of people waiting the whole time.
Many readers told us they wished other people knew that airplane bathrooms aren’t built for long stays. Think about your fellow passengers.
Swapping seats without checking rules or fairness
It gets rather awkward when someone demands a premium or an exit row. It’s even more awkward when they offer nothing close in return.
One reader said passengers should make it a fair deal, aisle for aisle, window for window. It’s impolite to assume that you can take without giving, even on a plane.
Hogging armrests when you’re not in the middle
The majority of our readers agreed that the middle seat deserves both armrests. It’s probably the only benefit of being stuck there.
However, several aisle & window passengers sprawl out because they think it’s all theirs. The person in the middle is being inconvenienced by being sandwiched there. Surely they deserve at least one perk?
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