Travelling alone can be stressful, especially when leaving your comfort zone for an extended period or flying a long distance. While you fly, being mindful of yourself and others is essential. Flying is not a solo experience; it is a shared one. Practising simple etiquette can significantly improve the journey for you and your fellow passengers.
This article highlights 10 essential flight etiquette you should adopt when you travel.
Why Flight Etiquette Is Important
You have probably heard people say that once they have paid for a service, especially in transportation, they feel entitled to behave however they like. There is often this mindset — “I can do whatever I want, after all I paid with my money.”
You have indeed paid, which should come with a degree of freedom. But the real question we should ask is this: at what cost? To ourselves, to the environment, and other passengers?
According to a report by Statista, the global airline industry boarded over 4.5 billion passengers. This means that, for better or worse, passenger behaviour on planes can affect everyone’s travel experience.
Below are some of the things you should bear in mind as a traveller.
- Do not ignore basic air travel manners.
- Practising simple travel etiquette helps make the skies friendlier and more enjoyable.
Tiffany Does, a luxury global hotel expert, shared her opinion on travel etiquette, which she wishes people would observe while flying.
Travel etiquette I wish people would adhere to:
▪️ Use headphones when watching videos or on the phone.
▪️ Keep feet off bulkhead walls and seats / no bare feet
▪️ Stow your carryon above your own seat (when possible)
▪️ Be respectful of each person’s space on the airplane.
— Tiffany Dowd (@LuxeTiffany) December 29, 2022Important Flight Etiquettes for Every Traveller
You might be wondering, especially if it is your first time boarding a flight, whether there are any written passenger dos and don’ts you should follow. Well, there are basic aeroplane etiquette rules from the airline. There are also some flight behaviour tips, not only from my personal experience but also from seasoned travellers. These are practices you should adopt.
I will discuss how to behave on a plane in the next paragraphs. Follow through.
- Dress appropriately for air travel.
It is essential to understand how to dress appropriately for a flight. Below are some clothing tips to help you stay comfortable and hygienic throughout your journey.
- Resist the urge to fly in shorts, as aeroplane seats can harbour germs that may come into direct contact with your skin.
According to an insight shared by flight attendant Tommy Cimato, as reported by The Economic Times, you never know how clean the airplane seats can be.
- Opt for trousers and breathable but covering clothing to stay comfortable and protected.
- Consider bringing your blanket instead of relying on airline-provided ones. They may often not be adequately cleaned due to the high turnover.
- Wear comfortable footwear
What are the best shoes for flying? Below are some footwear tips.
- Avoid rigid or uncomfortable shoes that can cause your legs to swell during a long flight.
- Opt for slip-ons or comfortable, hotel-style slippers. You can always change into more suitable shoes after landing.
- Avoid being barefoot on the plane, as you could soil your feet with the filth on the cabin floor. Some passengers also find this irritating.
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- Respect personal space
Respecting personal space on a plane is very important. These simple aeroplane manners will help ensure a comfortable experience for you and your fellow passengers.
- Keep your arms and legs within your designated seat area.
- Avoid hogging the shared armrest.
- Recline your seat respectfully, ensuring it does not inconvenience others.
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- Buckle your seatbelt properly
Buckling your seatbelt is a key aeroplane turbulence safety rule to remember. Below are seatbelt safety in planes rules to keep in mind.
- Always wear your seatbelt correctly across your lap. Fastening it around your knees or loosely can lead to injuries during turbulence.
According to a report by the World Economic Forum, between 2009 and 2024, about 37 passengers and 146 crew members were injured due to turbulence.
- Pay close attention to the safety demonstration by the flight attendant if you are unsure how to fasten your seatbelt.
- Listen to cabin crew instructions
Below are essential aeroplane safety instructions you should follow.
- Listening to flight attendants is essential. They provide crucial aeroplane safety instructions needed for a safe journey. Do not ignore cabin crew instructions.
- Avoid throwing tantrums at cabin crew members; they are there to help ensure your safety.
Marco Jose, a former cabin crew member, advises travellers to listen to the cabin crew, as there is a reason behind every instruction, especially during landing and take-off.
Random thought: If you are going to board an airplane, please listen to your cabin crew. There’s a reason why we want you to upright your seat, fasten your seatbealt, stow your baggage in the overhead bin, open the window shades, and more especially during take-off and landing.
— Marco Jose (@SiMarcoJoseAko) August 14, 2020- Use glasses instead of contact lenses
What should you wear for glasses vs. contact lenses on a flight? Find the tip below.
- It is advisable to wear glasses when flying. The cabin air is dry and can irritate your eyes if you wear contact lenses, particularly on a long-haul flight.
In a discussion on wearing contacts while flying, Dan Christiansen, a contributor on Quora, stated that although it is okay to wear contact lenses, he does not recommend them for long flights, especially overnight ones.
- Stretch during long flights
Cramps and deep vein thrombosis are common issues on flights. The tip below will help you.
- Take short walks, stand, and stretch during the flight. Do not stay seated for the entire journey. This helps to avoid DVT on flights.
- Dim the light when It’s landing time
You might wonder why airlines dim cabin lights. When this happens, it often indicates an emergency or is part of landing procedures during take-off or landing. It helps pre-adjust passengers’ vision to darkness to locate the exits more efficiently, especially at night.
- Minimise bright phone screens during this time.
- Respect the crew’s instructions about the lightning as well.
A quote from Patrick Smith, a pilot, travel blogger, and the author of Ask the Pilot, sheds more light on this:
The image below shows dimmed lights inside an aeroplane cabin, creating a calm and relaxed atmosphere for passengers.
Image Source: Freepik
- Stay alert when landing
Landing can be stressful, and pressure changes may affect your ears. Follow the cabin pressure relief tips below.
- Stay awake before take-off and during landing; these are often considered the most delicate phases of a flight.
- Yawn, chew gum or swallow to equalise the pressure and protect your ears during flight landing.
- Keep your area clean and quiet
Below are some aeroplane noise etiquette and clean flying habits you should adopt.
- Use headphones while watching movies or listening to music.
- Avoid littering your seat area.
- Use sanitiser and disinfectant wipes to clean the surfaces around you.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to make flying chaotic or uncomfortable for everyone and you. Understanding and practising good flight etiquette can make a huge difference for you and others on board. Etiquettes such as dressing appropriately, wearing comfortable footwear, respecting personal space, listening to the cabin crew members and other tips I shared in the blog all contribute to a more pleasant journey.
When you apply these flight behaviour tips, you’ll be well prepared to handle all your journeys with ease and comfort. Don’t just read this; let it make a difference in your next journey, and be a thoughtful and respectful traveller. If you have any questions about travelling, flight bookings and other travel plans, contact Travelradio.live.
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