The allure of exploring a new and beautiful destination is nothing short of enchanting. However, the journey itself occasionally lacks the same charm. With crowded security lines, delayed flights, and unruly passengers, air travel has understandably become more stressful in recent years. Despite these challenges, it’s crucial to maintain your personal etiquette while flying.
Etiquette expert Dan Post Senning of the Emily Post Institute acknowledges the inherent stress airplanes and airports can provoke. Senning says, “Airports are busy places. They’re places where people are often out of their element trying to get stuff done or making transitions in life. Whether it’s for fun or not, these can be potentially difficult or awkward times.”
Still, Senning also emphasizes that being mindful of one’s own behaviors can make all the difference while traveling. He further adds, “Be prepared with patience and a smile—it’s going to go a long way.”
Forgetting your manners in the airport lines.
We can all agree that waiting in lines at security or the gate isn’t the highlight of anyone’s day. Yet, it’s essential to remember mutual respect and attentiveness during these moments. The situation can be more bearable for everyone if you extend patience to fellow travelers and a commitment to being as efficient as possible, particularly during security checks.
Unfortunately, this simple etiquette often gets overlooked as people become easily disgruntled towards other passengers or dedicated airport employees who are simply fulfilling their duties. Senning says,”It’s important to be ready and patient with others, but also ready to do your own part as well as you can to keep things moving.”
Not thinking about your attire—or hygiene.
There may not be an official dress code when it comes to air travel, but it’s important to think about your attire and how it may impact the overall experience of others when in such close proximity. This doesn’t at all mean you need to wear a tuxedo or ball gown on your next flight. However, Senning notes balancing your comfort with clothes that are functional for that space can make traveling a bit easier.
“If you want to impact your day of travel in a positive way, putting in a little bit of effort and attention to how you dress and how you present yourself, I think can go a long way,” says Senning.
The etiquette expert goes on further adding personal grooming and hygiene is another thing to keep in mind while flying too. Avoid spraying or wearing any strong fragrances while on the flight as others may have a sensitivity to certain scents.
Eating bananas—and other fragrant food—on the plane.
When it comes to air travel, it’s not just perfumes you should think about; the food you bring on board can impact everyone’s journey too. The scent of fragrant foods can often persist, leading to an unpleasant aroma in the cabin. Additionally, remember that some passengers may have food allergies and could react even to the smell.
Interestingly, Senning points out that bananas are one item that often draws complaints due to their strong odor when eaten on a plane. Senning adds, “Having worked in etiquette for 15 years, I’ve heard multiple times about bananas on planes. Of all the things!”
Not respecting your seatmate’s boundaries.
Deciding if you should chat with your seatmate during a flight usually depends on the situation. Giving a friendly hello as you settle into your seats is always a good idea. But, don’t assume this means you’re obligated to keep a conversation going for the whole trip. It’s crucial to remember that everyone has their own comfort levels and personal space that need to be respected, especially while flying.
“You’re not obligated to strike up a conversation with a stranger just because you happen to be sitting next to each other,” says Senning. “It’s okay to give nonverbal cues that you aren’t interested like looking at your own magazine, book, or somewhere else.”
Senning goes on to say if an overly chatty seatmate is not picking up on your nonverbal cues, it is fine to politely tell them that you want to keep to yourself during the duration of the flight. He says, “You’re not trying to define for them what they should do. It’s about telling them what your boundaries are.”
Reclining before asking.
The question of whether or not to recline your seat in the economy cabin is indeed a hot topic in air travel. While it’s within everyone’s rights to recline their seat, there’s a simple etiquette rule to follow: Rather than abruptly reclining, it’s always a good idea to be mindful of your surroundings first.
“I actually think having some awareness of who’s behind you is a good part of making that decision a courtesy decision,” explains Senning. “If you’re talking about someone that just really tall and does not have a lot of room, you might decide it’s a courtesy that you’re not going to recline your seat. Or maybe it’s a little three year old who, aside from kicking your seat, the reclining seat doesn’t bother at all.”
Also, bear in mind the general mood and activities of the flight. If meals or beverages are being distributed, it’s best to avoid reclining as the person seated behind you likely has their tray table down. Similarly, if you notice a tranquil, dimly lit cabin, it might suggest that it’s an appropriate time to put up your tray and recline your seat.
If you’re still uncertain, there’s no harm in politely asking the person behind you if they mind if you recline your seat. It’s a simple gesture that can enhance the flight experience for everyone. Senning says, “There’s nothing impolite about asking if you’re prepared to accept any answer.”
Taking your shoes off—even if you are in first class.
If it’s a long flight, you may feel the urge to remove your shoes to feel more comfortable, but Senning is quick to advise against that. Senning says, “If you’re in a shared space with other people, you keep your shoes or some sort of footwear on.”
The only exception to this rule is if you happen to find yourself in a luxury suite where you can close the door. Otherwise, plan to at least wear a pair of slippers for the duration of the flight, even if you are flying first class.
Hogging the armrest the entire flight.
While there isn’t an official rule to armrest distribution, it’s important to think about your fellow seatmates in the middle seat who may be already cramped for space. Senning explains, “I think it’s a courtesy for the people who are windows and aisles to think about that space as maybe being necessary for someone in a crowded middle seat.”
Otherwise, if find yourself in a row with only two seats, Senning encourages people to simply share the middle armrest with their neighbor.
Cutting people when getting off the plane.
We all know the sweet feeling of finally landing after a long flight—but that doesn’t mean you should rush to the front of the plane to get off as soon as the seat belt light is off. Most planes deboard in an orderly fashion from front to back, so patiently wait until it is your row’s turn to go. The only exception is if you have a tight connection that you are worried you are going to miss. In that case, simply explain the situation and ask the people in front of you if it is okay if you go ahead of them.
Senning also adds that if you notice someone struggling to get their luggage out of the overhead bin, don’t be afraid to ask if they need assistance. Not only will you likely put a smile on their face, but it will also help things move along.