Volunteer to pitch in with an additional helping hand
The top guideline for airline manners is to not overlook those who might require assistance. Keep in mind that everyone shares the same confined environment en route to the same endpoint. Small acts of kindness and cooperation can significantly enhance the journey experience. As per Melanie Fish, from Expedia Group's PR division, "Should another passenger seem burdened, extend your help and find ways to ease their situation." This may involve helping them manage bulky bags or calming an agitated youngster.
Personally, since I’m often in an early boarding group and already settled in my seat, I’ll offer to help someone who is struggling to get their luggage into an overhead bin by simply saying, “Can I give you a hand with that?” That falls under what Claytor calls a basic etiquette principle Of "considering others before oneself." However, an essential point to remember: If someone declines your offer, you should not persist with the matter or press for acceptance further.
You may remove your shoes, however, keep your socks on.
I personally enjoy putting on a pair of airline socks when they're provided, and as per Sif Björnsdóttir, who is a senior flight attendant with the Icelandic airline Play, doing so is perfectly fine. However, if you’re curious about whether you can wear them, really Comfortably settle in and remove your socks (regardless if they're provided by the airline or yours), but think again. "It's best to keep your socks on!" Björnsdóttir advises. "Having bare feet might discomfort fellow travelers, plus it’s not particularly sanitary, especially within a communal area such as an aircraft." Every manners specialist I reached out to concurred with her viewpoint.
Moreover, walking around without shoes exposes you to risks on airplanes. Besides potential dangers like food items, trash, or metallic objects scattered on the floor during servicing, the surface is probably brimming with harmful microorganisms and pathogens.
Looking to remain comfortable and somewhat secure even when strolling about?Rachel Wagner, an etiquette authority and the creator of Rachel Wagner Etiquette and Protocol, offers valuable advice. travel hack "For long-haul and international flights, pack a pair of disposable slippers in your carry-on luggage to wear over your socks. It keeps your trip to the bathroom cleaner. As they collect garbage near the end of the flight, throw away the slippers in their trash bag and slide back into your shoes." Simple as that!
You can decline someone’s request to swap seats
There are myriad reasons someone might ask you to switch seats. A person might not be sitting with their family, need access to a special feature (such as the bassinets in the bulkhead seats), have a medical condition or need more physical space because of a physical impediment or a service animal. All that said, you can still say no. “If someone asks you to switch seats, you can certainly consider it,” Björnsdóttir says, “but you’re under no obligation to do so.”
Of course, keep your response polite. Etiquette expert Diane Gottsman, founder of the Protocol School of Texas, suggests saying something simple like: “No, thank you. I’d prefer to keep my seat.”
Is the request to change seats coming from you? It's perfectly fine to inquire politely, but be prepared for a "no" without pushing further. Additionally, remember this: your chances improve significantly when seeking a swap between nearly identical seats such as two windows or two aisles," according to Gottsman. "Asking to trade a middle seat for an aisle seat isn't likely to work out well."
Everything considered, it's advisable to handle your seat choice beforehand. If your flight allows open seating without assigned seats, try to board as early as possible. This convenience might come at an additional cost, yet numerous travelers find it worthwhile.
Give the armrests to the person in the middle seat
On a crowded flight, it’s important to be a good neighbor, especially when someone’s squished in that middle seat. And that means letting that person have the armrests. “In the middle seat, they’ve got nowhere to lean!” says Charles Briggs, a long-haul in-flight service manager for Air New Zealand. “There are no hard-and-fast rules, but you do have to feel for the passenger who ends up in the middle. Go on—let them use the armrest.”
Etiquette expert Tami Claytor agrees, adding that if there’s any question about who should get those middle-seat armrests , there should be a conversation.”Talk to each other nicely,” she says. “And don’t physically nudge!”
Be considerate in your entertainment options
I don’t make it a habit of looking at other people’s screens, but sometimes on a crowded flight, you can’t help noticing what your neighbors are watching. And sometimes, well, the content can come as a surprise! (That includes popular shows like Bridgerton Or perhaps something more intimate and, cough, candid.) Certainly, you may bring your own electronic devices and download anything you wish, but please consider others nearby. Additionally, notes Briggs, "Even if you believe you're out of sight, children might peek from between seats!" To put it differently: If you'd feel uncomfortable having a young child witness what you're viewing, then refrain from watching it during the flight.
What if your seatmate decides to watch content that is inappropriate? "You could politely request them to change their display if there's a young child nearby who might see it," explains Gottsman. "Should this material just be disturbing to you personally, turning your gaze elsewhere would suffice." She adds, "In more serious situations where you feel endangered by the viewing choice, informing a flight attendant may be necessary; however, such action isn’t warranted merely because someone else is enjoying age-restricted entertainment." It should also be noted that several airlines consider showing explicit materials visible to fellow passengers as sexual harassment. As a result, crew members reserve the right to intervene and stop this behavior.
Use headphones whenever you're operating devices that produce audio.
When discussing what you're into, whether it's TV shows or music, let me share something that bugs me: folks who loudly play games or watch programs sans headphones. Björnsdóttir concurs that this behavior is poor form on an aircraft: "Maintaining a moderate volume level is crucial to avoid bothering those nearby. If you're watching films or enjoying tunes, do yourself and everyone else a favor by using headphones."
You may (politely) tilt back your seat.
If someone leans back their chair completely, it might seem as though they're almost resting on your knees. This has occurred to me numerous occasions, leading me to frequently contemplate the appropriate behavior for such situations. According to guidelines, "Reclining your seat is acceptable," explains Björnsdóttir, "however, it's polite to do it gradually and ensure you aren't troubling the individual seated behind you, particularly when meals are being served." Additionally, one must put up your seat during takeoff and landing.
It’s worth noting that all of the etiquette experts I consulted said that you should never recline your seat without first informing the person behind you. “Some people think that since the chairs can Reclining your seat means you believe you have the right to push your seat back, but this goes against good manners," states Claytor. "Even if you're allowed to do something, it doesn't necessarily mean you ought to.
Moreover, Gottsman adds, "In case there's someone bigger seated behind you—with extended legs or facing any kind of discomfort—show empathy and avoid leaning back into their space. Additionally, check behind you to ensure they haven't placed a beverage on the fold-down tray table."
Take the foul-smelling food with you when leaving home.
“Yes, you can carry your meal onto the aircraft Björnsdóttir elaborates, "However, it's advisable to steer clear of items with potent odors or those prone to messiness, such as specific types of seafood, piping-hot dishes, or foods that can readily spill. Consider your co-passengers and choose snack and meal options that are not disruptive and simple to consume."
Remember, says Claytor, “you’re in an enclosed space with no fresh air coming in, so it’s not polite to bring something that will disturb your neighbors.” Gottsman adds that it’s also a good idea to stay away from common allergens such as peanuts or peanut butter—or at least be understanding if you pull out your PB&J and you seatmate tells you they are seriously allergic to nuts.
You can head to the galley and request some beverages and treats (provided the timings work out).
If you're on a flight where meals can be bought and you've missed the opportunity to order during regular service, feel free to approach the galley for purchasing drinks or food—provided that meal service has ended and the flight attendants have some downtime, according to Björnsdóttir. She also advises using the call button or waiting until they pass through the cabin again when things get hectic. Additionally, keep in mind that the area reserved for crew members is quite compact, so refrain from heading to the galley just to stretch out or practice yoga.
It's crucial to remember that the main duty of flight attendants is to ensure passenger safety, rather than serving you snacks whenever needed. Therefore, when the seatbelt sign is illuminated, kindly remain seated and allow them to carry out their responsibilities.
Don't hesitate to sound your call bell.
I've often pondered the proper protocol regarding the use of the call button on planes, wondering if it should only be employed during urgent situations. However, Briggs clarifies that it's perfectly fine to press it whenever you want to catch the attention of a flight attendant. "Feel free to ring it anytime; we're usually nearby," he explains. "If you require assistance with the in-flight entertainment system, need help reclining your chair, or simply have a query for us, our role is to assist."
Whenever you do interact with them, be sure to show flight attendants the highest level of politeness and respect. They are present to provide assistance whenever necessary, ensuring both comfort and safety during the flight," explains Wagner. "However, make certain your requests are sensible—such as needing a baby’s bottle heated up or requiring additional water." ask politely Instead of issuing a demand, "please" and "thank you" can take you far, so use them frequently."
Pay attention to the area surrounding you.
Sure, everyone has their stuff, and we require space for it. Additionally, our limbs need adequate room. However, on an airplane, this space is limited. Therefore, ensure the vicinity around you remains free from litter, store your belongings and footwear away from aisles and common areas, and "think about paying extra for a better seat if you believe you'll need additional legroom," advises Fish. A helpful hint: Look into upgrading your seating option. Legrooms for Google Flights Before making your reservation to locate those spacious seats with extra room.
When dealing with overhead compartments, things can get complicated as many travelers choose carry-ons to bypass baggage charges. However, the core idea remains unchanged: be thoughtful. Typically, it’s advisable to stow your bigger carry-on luggage in the compartment over your seat row. Yet, should you find yourself among the final passengers boarding and those spaces are occupied, consult a crew member who can assist you in finding an alternative storage spot closeby.
If you sense that someone is invading your personal space, kindly address them. "People often overlook that sharing spaces requires a subtle balancing act," explains Claytor. "If everyone considered this, public transit could become much more pleasant."
Avoid small talk if your neighbor isn't interested in talking.
I consider myself quite sociable, yet whenever I board an airplane, I usually prefer to shut off, catch a flick, or simply relish some peaceful moments aloft without being disturbed by notifications from my phone. To put it differently, engaging in conversation with someone sitting next to me isn't high on my list of priorities. At the same time, I aim not to come across as impolite. According to Gottsman, it’s perfectly fine to keep to yourself. She recommends putting in your headphones and closing your eyes, or getting some work done instead. You can still be courteous by responding briefly before excusing yourself—“Excuse me, I'm going to take a moment for relaxation/for working/(insert preference here).”
If you're seeking out a chat, make sure to pay attention to the other person's response. body language According to fashion designer and seasoned traveler Liz Lange, "Polite small talk doesn't bother me, but let your neighbor set the pace," she remarks. "Recognize when the individual beside you prefers to read, watch a film, or simply enjoy some solitude."
If you're not feeling well, take preventive measures.
A true account: Just five days following my latest overseas trip, I began experiencing headaches, a sore throat, and a high temperature—symptoms later diagnosed as COVID-19. Reflecting on the journey, vividly recall each cough and sneeze from the person seated directly behind me. The source of my infection seems quite evident now!
It’s understood that sometimes people only recognize their illness once they’re aboard an airplane, and at other times, flying might be unavoidable despite being unwell. However, it’s important to remain courteous. As Fish points out, "Even when traveling while under the weather, make sure not to spread your germs to those around you. Whenever feasible, tidy up after yourself, request a seat farther from neighboring travelers [when possible], and think about using a face mask. Everyone will value your actions towards maintaining communal health."
Drink in moderation
First, a quick science lesson: Being at a high altitude—whether that’s 10,000 feet at the top of a ski mountain or, yes, 36,000 feet up in a plane—lowers oxygen levels. And alcohol can disrupt the absorption of oxygen in the bloodstream, so drinking at a higher altitude may make you feel more tipsy faster since you’re technically slowing down the delivery of oxygen. So, while flying can be stressful and a glass of wine at 36,000 feet can certainly take the edge off, you should imbibe with caution. Especially when you’re in close quarters, moderation is key if you want to maintain proper flight etiquette. After all, as Lange notes, “watching a seatmate overindulge can be massively unpleasant.”
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Reader’s Digest Has shared countless travel narratives designed to guide readers in discovering the globe securely, effortlessly, and economically. Our coverage frequently includes insights into top destinations along with optimal visiting periods, strategies for swiftly navigating airport security, insider airline knowledge, smart hotel room tactics, among others. Committed to delivering superior quality material crafted by professionals seasoned in their respective domains, we collaborate closely with pertinent, certified specialists. Our sourcing strategy prioritizes credible main references like governmental bodies, recognized associations, educational establishments, alongside incorporating suitable firsthand accounts from our contributors. Regarding this piece on aviation manners, Melissa Klurman drew upon her extensive background as both a seasoned travel journalist and frequent flyer logging between 50,000 to 100,000 annual air miles. Subsequently, Jacqueline Whitmore—a leading authority on corporate conduct protocols, lodging advisor, founder of The Protocol School of Palm Beach, and ex-flight attendant—provided thorough scrutiny ensuring accuracy and providing the finest guidance available to our audience. Discover further details regarding our approach here. team , our contributors and ourselves editorial policies .
Sources:
- Tami Claytor, an etiquette specialist and proprietor of Always Appropriate Image & Etiquette Consulting ; phone interview, Oct. 14, 2024
- Diane Gottsman , etiquette expert, founder of the Protocol School of Texas and author of Contemporary Manners for a Improved Existence ; Email Interview, October 14, 2024
- Rachel Wagner, the etiquette authority and creator of Rachel Wagner Manners and Procedures ; Email Interview conducted on October 14, 2024
- Sif Björnsdóttir, the lead flight attendant for an Icelandic airline, Play ; email interview, Aug. 28, 2024
- Charles Briggs, who serves as the long-distance flight attendant supervisor for Air New Zealand ; Email Interview, August 29, 2024
- Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group public relations; email interview on August 30, 2024
- Liz Lange , who serves as both the CEO and creative director at Figue and also founded Liz Lange Maternity and Liz Lange for Target; participated in an email interview on August 30, 2024
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