20 Things You Should Never Do on a Plane
1. Recline Your Seat Abruptly
When you’re settling into your flight, reclining your seat might seem like the first step to comfort. But before you lean back, think about the person behind you. Your sudden move could send their drink flying or jolt them awake from a nap. It’s all about respect and taking a moment to glance back and give a gentle warning could save the day.
2. Talk Loudly
When you’re up in the air, your voice can really carry! If you’re sharing stories or catching up with a friend, remember that others might be trying to rest or read. Keeping your voice down is just one way to be a courteous traveler. That way, everyone can enjoy their time above the clouds.
3. Ignore Flight Attendants
Flight attendants are your go-to helpers in the sky, and ignoring them is definitely not a good move. These pros are trained to keep you safe, so when they ask for your attention, it’s wise to listen up. Ignoring them means missing out on useful advice and can even slow down service for everyone on board.
4. Take Off Shoes
When you’re gliding through the skies, it’s tempting to slip off your shoes and wiggle your toes. But before you do, consider the reasons to keep them on. Your feet can swell during a flight, making it tricky to put shoes back on if needed quickly. Plus, in the unlikely event of an emergency, you’ll want to be ready to move without stepping over any surprises on the cabin floor.
5. Bring Smelly Food
When you’re packing snacks for your flight, you might want to leave out foods that have strong scents. Smelly foods can be a real bother in the close space of an airplane cabin. Imagine opening a container of tuna salad; that aroma will fill the air fast! Your fellow flyers might not enjoy the powerful smell of your lunch.
6. Argue with Crew
When you’re up in the air, remember that the flight crew are experts at keeping things smooth. If something irks you, take a deep breath before you speak. Chatting politely with a flight attendant can often fix any snags better than a blustery debate. After all, a smile and a calm question can go a long way when you’re both cruising at 30,000 feet!
7. Drink Excessively
When you’re up in the skies, sipping on drinks can seem like a fun way to kick back. But drinking too much can lead to some not-so-great side effects. Your heart really doesn’t love it when you’re in the clouds tossing back beverages. In fact, some research suggests that alcohol can have a stronger effect on your heart rate and blood oxygen levels when you’re flying compared to being on the ground.
Plus, let’s not forget the ultimate party crasher—altitude can mess with how alcohol affects you, meaning one drink in the air could feel like two on land. So, keep it light if you want to step off the plane feeling fresh.
8. Blocking the Aisle
Ever found yourself squeezing past someone’s legs or bag while walking to your seat? When on a plane, it’s super important to keep the aisle clear. Make it a breeze for others by popping your bag in the overhead compartment swiftly, and then scooch into your seat.
9. Monopolize Overhead Bin
When boarding a plane, finding space for your carry-on can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. It’s tempting to claim a spot for your bag right away. But let’s remember, the overhead bins are there for everyone to share. Put up just one piece of luggage and keep the under-seat space for smaller items. This way, everyone has a chance to stow their gear without playing Tetris.
10. Bring Unrestrained Kids
When you’re soaring high in the sky, keeping your little ones seated can be a handful. It’s essential for safety to keep your kiddos buckled up. Think safety first. Your child roaming free might bump into cabin crew or other passengers. Plus, when the plane hits turbulence, you want to make sure they’re snug in their seats, not bouncing around.
11. Play Loud Music
When you’re high up in the sky, sharing a space with others, remember to keep your tunes to yourself. Loud music can transform a calm flight into a noisy ordeal. Everyone loves a good beat, but on a plane, not so much; a pair of headphones goes a long way in keeping the peace.
12. Hijack Armrest
When you’re flying high in the sky, there’s a little battle that happens right in your row — the tussle for the armrest. Sharing is caring, and this applies at 30,000 feet too. It’s all about balance, and everyone deserves their own small slice of comfort.
13. Clip Nails
It’s super tempting to give yourself a mini-manicure when you finally sit down after rushing to catch your flight. You might not realize it, but those little clippings can spring up and become unexpected flying objects for the person next to you. It’s also a bit of a no-no because it’s not the cleanest habit in such a close space.
14. Do Loud Exercises
While flying, it’s tempting to stay active, but starting a boisterous workout session isn’t the way to go. Planes are close quarters where everyone’s trying to relax or catch some sleep. Remember that exercising silently can be beneficial for your circulation and comfort, like some discreet neck rolls or ankle circles, without ruffling any feathers.
15. Use Strong Perfume
When you’re flying, the air in the cabin isn’t just for you—it’s shared with everyone on the plane. Using strong perfume might seem like a good idea to keep yourself smelling fresh, but not everyone might enjoy your favorite scent as much as you do.
Close quarters in the plane’s cabin mean that your fragrance can become overpowering for others, which isn’t very considerate. Remember, what’s a delightful aroma to you could be a nuisance to someone else.
16. Lean on Stranger
We’ve all been there: you’re snuggled in your plane seat, the hum of the engines lulls you, and suddenly, you’re dozing off. But remember, the person next to you isn’t a pillow! Leaning on a stranger might make you the subject of not-so-fond stories when they reach their destination.
17. Open Emergency Exit
Have you ever been curious about the emergency exit on planes? Opening one mid-flight is a huge no-no! These exits are there for your safety, so they’re only used when the crew says it’s necessary. Opening one without a real emergency would not only scare your fellow passengers but could also land you in a world of trouble.
18. Board Before Row Called
Airplane boarding feels a bit like a game, doesn’t it? You might be tempted to sneak onto the plane when a different zone or row is called—don’t do it! Airlines have a system in place for a smooth takeoff, and if you jump the line, you might mess up their flow.
19. Bring Unruly Pets
When you’re flying high with your furry friend, it’s important to keep in mind that not everyone is a fan of unexpected antics. Pets are adorable, but an unruly one can cause a bit of a stir. Being in a confined space 30,000 feet in the air makes calm behavior a necessity.
20. Sleep on Tray Table
Trying to catch some Z’s on a plane can be quite the puzzle, but you might want to think twice before snoozing on the tray table. These fold-down trays are handy for snacks and crosswords, but they’re not your pillow’s replacement. It’s a common spot for germs; lots of hands – and coughs – pass by this area. Plus, it’s not stable or large enough to support a refreshing nap.
