What are the biggest air travel don’ts?

Security Snafus

Without question, airport security can be the most stressful and frustrating part of flying – and it’s even worse if the person in front of you doesn’t notice (or disregards) the clear rules about liquids, what can stay in your bag, and what needs to be taken out. According to Jo, it’s just basic good manners to ensure you’re organized as you approach airport security.

“Know where your electronics are, have your liquids bagged and ready, and clear your pockets in advance,” she says. “Don’t hold everyone up by rummaging through your bag, hunting for your tablet, or setting off the detectors with your belt. The rules are clear, so plan ahead and stick to them.”

Cheers or No Cheers?

Having a drink or two before take-off is a standard part of the travel experience for many, but it’s never fun for anyone when a passenger has had too many drinks before boarding.

“A glass or two in departures is fine, but attempting to board if you are worse-for-wear is disrespectful to other passengers and the crew,” Jo explains. “You risk feeling ill on the flight, being unsteady as you move along the cabin, irritating fellow passengers, or, worse of all, even being denied boarding.”

Boarding Blues

Some travelers loiter at the gate to ensure they’re at the front of the boarding line, while others linger at a distance since “we’re all going to get there, so why rush?” As Jo explains, this don’t is more vague because it boils down to personal travel style. 

“Some people like to be in the [line] promptly before the gate opens, whereas others like to board the plane later on,” she notes. “It’s really a matter of personal preference but, either way, [line up] in an orderly fashion, respect other people’s personal space, and when it comes to flying, holding up the whole plane by boarding last is never going to cut it as being ‘fashionably late.’“

Seat Swapping

You didn’t want to pay extra for a specific seat, so you took your chances and got stuck in the middle. Many travelers in this position try to negotiate a trade with their neighbors (who likely did cough up the extra cash to be in a window or aisle seat). In addition, just because a seat is empty when you board, that doesn’t mean you can take it.

“Simply not liking where you are sitting isn’t a good enough reason to move – you need to validate your request,” Jo says. “For example, if there is a spare bulkhead seat and you are very tall, you could point this out. If it isn’t possible to swap or move, don’t get angry or rude; simply accept it’s a no-go with a smile and good grace.”

Shoes On or Off?

Nobody likes to see (or smell) dirty bare feet, but sadly, that doesn’t stop some travelers from removing their shoes at take-off. According to Jo, keeping shoes on is certainly better manners, but removing them may be acceptable for longer flights. However, there are still “rules” that should always apply.

“Be sure that your feet are suitable for public viewing (or in socks) and are completely odor free,” she says. “Keep them to yourself, never put them on the seat, or, worst of all, rest them on the armrest of the seat in front.”

Aroma Adventures

Everyone has food preferences, but there’s nothing worse than being trapped on a plane when the person next to you (or nearby) pulls out a tuna sandwich or something equally odorous.

“The confines of the cabin, combined with limited airflow, make smelly food a definite no,” Jo says. “If the meals served by the airline are particularly strong smelling, then that is out of passengers’ control, but bringing stinky sandwiches or fast food onboard is inconsiderate and selfish.”

Let’s Talk About Talking

Some travelers are naturally chatty and consider “meeting new people” an important part of traveling; others just want to get where they’re going without making new friends. So, is talking to your neighbor “just being friendly” or a legitimate “don’t?”

“It is good manners to acknowledge the person next to you but read their body language carefully,” Jo advises. “It is usually pretty clear whether someone wants to chat or keep to themselves. Be helpful and willing (pass trays/drinks, get up to let them out etc.), but be respectful of their personal space and levels of sociability.”  

Recline Rules

Another very divisive air travel don’t is reclining. Everyone knows planes aren’t excessively roomy (except for premium class seats), so having the person in front of you recline into your space can be very frustrating. Nevertheless, airplane seats recline for a reason, so who is reasonable to expect the person in front of you can’t do it? And if so, does that mean you’re not reclining yourself? 

“It is difficult to ask the person in front of you not to recline their seat – they have every right to do so and, on a long flight, will need the comfort,” Jo explains. “There are some considerations, however. Don’t recline immediately after take-off, and don’t recline during drink/mealtimes. It’s best to wait to press the button until the cabin lights have been dimmed and the quiet time of the flight is underway. When things start to get busy again – a pre-landing meal, preparation for arrival etc. – then move back to a more upright position to give everyone behind you enough space.”

Another piece of advice: Look before you recline. A quick glance over your shoulder will let you know if the person behind you has a drink, snack, or laptop on their tray table that may be disrupted (or even potentially damaged) if you recline your seat quickly.

To Clap or Not to Clap

It seems clapping or cheering on a plane is one of the biggest air travel don’ts – but not for the reason you may think.

“Applause is not necessary after a landing and is rude to the pilots,” Jo explains. “If the landing is good, clapping suggests surprise at such skill; if the landing is bad, applause would be insultingly sarcastic.”

Disembarkation Dash

Just like waiting to board, some rush to be the first off a plane, while others are happy to stay in their seats and wait for the rush to pass. 

“The rule is simple: wait your turn but be ready,” Jo says. “Have your things packed up and help others who are trying to reach for bags in the overhead lockers. When it’s time to get off, let people out from some of the rows immediately in front of you as you move down the plane.”

Although anxious flyers usually can’t wait to get off the plane, Jo points out they shouldn’t make that anyone else’s problem. The solution? Spend the extra money for a seat near the door rather than pushing your way down the aisle, Jo suggests.

The one exception? If you have a very tight connection and may miss your next flight, it’s reasonable to ask a flight attendant if they can allow you to disembark first.

About Jo Bryant

Jo Bryant has been an etiquette expert for over ten years, has edited 15 books on etiquette and modern manners, and has taught British etiquette to groups and individuals worldwide.