Airplane Etiquette 101
Why is having proper airplane etiquette important?
Well, people are already on edge, anxious, and irritated while traveling. So don't add to their stress or yours! Here's how to be polite, assertive, and not step on people's toes (figuratively and literally) while traveling.
Disclaimer: Keep in mind, these are simply a few tips and tricks I've observed, practiced, and find helpful while traveling. This being said, that is all they are. Tips and tricks. Take what you like, leave what you don't.
1. Exiting the plane
The front of the plane is almost always the first to get off. Kindly let the row in front of you clear out before you walk down the aisle to disembark off a plane.
When choosing your seat is an option, pick a seat in the front when you want to get off the plane quicker. This may not be as important to you and if that's the case, sit towards the back - there tends to be more room in the back on the emptier flights (which means more possibility to snag a window or aisle seat).
Exceptions to this suggested rule: You can ignore this rule when you need to make a connecting flight within 20 to 30 minutes of landing. Usually the flight attendant will do you and the other connecting passengers a solid and announce that there are people late for connections and that other passengers should let them get off the plane first. This is a wonderful thing, because it saves you from receiving dirty looks and unforgiving aisle blockings because everyone knows you got somewhere to be and soon! And if you do still get the cold shoulder, as you will from time to time, give that person a smile, quickly let them know that you have a connecting flight, and be sure to use your please and thank yous when you squeeze on by.
2. Walking down the aisle and storing luggage
This is one tip I always forget about and end up bothering the poor aisle-seat passengers I pass.
Know the size of your backpack, purse, luggage, whatever. The aisle is tight and you're probably bumping and bothering more people than you realize (as do I ALL the time unfortunately). Just remember to be mindful of yourself and others while walking in tight airplane spaces, and you'll avoid handing out accidental bumps and bruises.
Be equally, if not more careful when putting up that backpack or carry-on luggage into the overhead bin. I cannot tell you how many times a water bottle has fallen out of the side pocket or I didn't have as much of a grip as I thought I did on my suitcase causing it to almost slip. Luckily nothing's ever hit anyone on the head (knock on wood), but there's a reason for the "items may have shifted during fight" blurb you hear on every airplane. So watch opening the bins after take off and landing too! Things tend to fall from above when people aren't being careful.
Just be cautious and ask for help with the heavy lifting or while trying to reach the tall overhead bin. (Short girls like me, I'm talking to you!) A flight attendant or fellow passenger will be more than happy to help, so don't sweat it!
I'd like to take a quick moment to formally apologize to all those travelers I've knocked into with my oversized backpack... my bad! I am very clumsy and very sorry.
3. The armrest dance
Avoid the dreaded armrest dance with these few simple tips...
Middle is allowed both armrests (they are already in the worst seat after all), window gets window armrest, and aisle gets the one in the aisle. If it's been 10 minutes after take off and someone hasn't claimed their designated armrest, it's up for grabs!
Or if you're like me, you'll want to avoid this mess all together and just get cozy tucking or folding your arms into your person. It saves me from the awkward elbow bumps during tight flights.
4. In-flight conversations
Traveling with your best friend or giggly siblings? That's awesome and so much fun! But when you are laughing and talking about whatever random thing comes to mind, just remember to be quiet and respectful.
Even when talking softly, the 9 closest passengers to you (3 in front, 3 in back, 3 to your side), can hear you loud and clear. Where you may be enjoying your pleasant conversation and silly jokes, they may just be trying to catch some sleep on their long journey.
Sometimes it's helpful to hit pause on the friendly exchanges and spend some time reading, listening to music in your headphones, or sleeping yourself to ensure you, your airplane buddy, and everyone else around you has a peaceful flight. Everyone will appreciate it!
5. Food: What's okay to pack
I eat on planes, like all the time! And we all know airplane food isn't a fan favorite. So save the stomach trouble, and opt into bringing on your own meals and snacks.
I've had very little problem with this one. Only a few times has an announcement been made that someone on board is deathly allergic to peanuts which is when I would just store that PB&J until later, but other than that, the same rules apply for eating at a restaurant or even at your house.
Keep messes to a minimum, chew quietly, and no one will be upset or probably even notice you're eating a full-on meal that wasn't provided in your seat! Maybe also avoid eating smelly seafood on a plane, but that one's kind of a given.
Helpful tip: Just keep in mind that if you are bringing a liquid through security, keep it under 3oz. And yes, unfortunately peanut butter does need to follow the 3oz rule too.
I once tried to bring a jar of peanut butter with me from Arizona to Greece (hey, I like peanut butter, okay?), and it made it through the first security checkpoint but not the second so it kind of depends on your city's airport security with what food items you can bring through.
6. Most Importantly: How early should you plan to get to the airport for your flight?
The answer? It depends. Typically 2-3 hours before boarding time. 2 for domestic flights. 3 for international.
The goal: Get through security with an hour or an hour and a half to spare. This will account for long lines throughout the process, randomly being selected by the TSA agent for a thorough check, or any other unaccounted for inconveniences that may pop up in between leaving your house or hotel and getting on the plane.
Also notice how I said before your flight's boarding time, not take off. That's very important because sometimes airlines will shut the doors well before take off to make sure everyone is ready and in position, which means too bad for you if you don't make it before those doors shut.
How does this tie into airplane etiquette? Easy. If you're that person trying to cut someone in the security line because your flight leaves in 10 minutes, it's really difficult to have sympathy for you. While there are exceptions (ex. connecting flight from international to domestic and visa versa), all that's going through people's heads is that you should have left your house way sooner if you're just now getting to security with 10 minutes to spare. Odds are there are several other people in the security line pushing it to make their flight too, so why should someone else receive special treatment?
Avoid the stress of being that person, and simply give yourself way more time than you think you need before your boarding time.
There you have it! My 6 now-spoken rules for proper airplane etiquette! Take them or leave them, but like I said, they keep me from literally stepping on other peoples toes and make airplane travel a whole lot more comfortable for everyone involved. I hope these tips have been helpful!
As per request, I have some more travel-related blog posts coming your way about capsule (or compact) packing, jet lag, and tips for comfort on international flights. If you have any other ideas for travel topics to cover, I'd love to hear them! I want to make sure my blog is serving you, the reader, so be sure to email me with what you want to read next.
Happy travels!
