11 Things You Should Never Do on a Plane
We’ve all sat next to that person. The one who monopolizes the armrests, won’t stop talking to their friend across the aisle, or permanently leaves their seat in a reclined position. These annoying plane habits aren’t just irritating, but they can ruin the flight experience for everyone on board. With nearly 3 million passengers flying every day in and out of U.S. airports, it’s critical to know how to be a good airplane passenger. Here, we share what not to do on a plane to keep the skies friendly.
Why Airplane Etiquette Matters
Getting to your destination is the least fun part of any vacation. From tarmac delays to weather interruptions, an easy flight is hardly a guarantee. However, we can all do our part and mind our airplane manners to make for a smooth journey at 30,000 feet. Following proper flight etiquette rules makes travel more pleasant and safe for everyone on board.
Flying Tips and Tricks: 11 Things You Should Never Do on a Plane
These are the things flight attendants hate and what you should never do on a plane.
1. Forget headphones.
Whether you’re watching a movie or listening to a podcast, make sure to have your headphones plugged in. A major travel pet peeve is sitting near someone with their on-screen entertainment or music on full blast. While you might not notice the high volume, the background chatter and sound effects can be disruptive to other passengers.
2. Talk loudly.
Speaking of noise, engaging in light conversation with nearby passengers is fine, but keep volume to a minimum. Stick to appropriate conversation topics and pay attention to social cues when chatting.
3. Go barefoot.
Slipping off your socks and shoes during a flight is enticing. Unfortunately, it’s bad in-flight etiquette and can also be unhygienic and unsafe. In fact, some airlines, like American Airlines, even prohibit going barefoot. If you’re on a short flight or sitting in an exit row, your footwear needs to stay on. On long-haul flights over four hours, you can remove your shoes, but not your socks. Always remember to put your shoes back on when you leave your seat (especially to use the lavatory!).
4. Hog armrests.
Who gets the armrest? It’s an age-old question with conflicting answers. Some say one armrest per person. Others say the middle seat is entitled to both armrests in a three-seat row, while the window and aisle passengers get the nearest one. Either way, don’t be greedy. Armrests are a shared commodity, so take turns and be mindful of how much space you’re taking up.
5. Recline without consideration.
It’s okay to recline your seat—those few extra inches can make a big difference! However, you must be respectful about it. You should remain upright during takeoff and landing, and avoid reclining your seat during meal service. When you recline, do it slowly and gently and ensure the person behind you isn’t using a laptop or leaning on the tray table.
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6. Leave trash behind.
Even though airlines clean the planes, it’s important to clean up after yourself. A top airplane behavior tip: Throw away your trash when the flight attendants ask for it and double-check seatback pockets before deplaning. Headphones, tablets, and chargers tend to get left behind.
7. Get up as soon as the plane lands.
We all want to get off the plane ASAP, but standing up and running right to the front of the airplane is an annoying plane habit. Instead, stay seated and wait until the aisle has cleared and it’s your row’s turn to retrieve your belongings and exit.
8. Not keep an eye on your kids.
Flying isn’t the time to let your children run wild. Kids, like everyone else, should stay in their seats with their seatbelts fastened throughout the flight. Standing on the seat, running through the aisle, and kicking are not only safety hazards for them, but for other passengers, too. Let your kids burn off as much energy as possible before boarding and pack lots of snacks, games, and other items to keep them occupied.
9. Be rude to flight attendants.
Flight attendants are trained professionals with invaluable knowledge—and they deserve your respect. Greet them, say “please” and “thank you,” follow their instructions, and don’t take your frustrations out on them. Caring for and accommodating hundreds of people isn’t easy—so being kind is the least you can do. And you may get a seat upgrade or a free cocktail out of it!
10. Bring smelly food.
Leave your tuna sandwich and hard-boiled eggs at the gate. One of the worst airplane passenger behaviors, strong odors combined with small space and limited airflow isn’t a fun combination for anyone. Believe it or not, a recent survey showed that almost 40% of Americans believe that eating pungent or foul-smelling foods was one of the most annoying plane etiquette violations.
11. Ignore safety procedures or demos.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or first-time traveler, you need to tune in for the safety demonstration. Every airplane and airline is unique, so paying attention is non-negotiable. These briefings provide life-saving information you need to know in an emergency, like how to use an oxygen mask or where emergency exits are located.
Unlock More Travel Tips
Forgetting your headphones, eating stinky foods, hogging the armrests, and taking off your shoes and socks are just a few rude things people do on planes. But when you follow our airplane behavior tips and flight etiquette rules, the experience will be better for all.
Looking for more travel advice? Check out our article “Budget Travel Tips: Learn How to Travel for Cheap!” In it, we share the secrets to make your next adventure affordable and enjoyable.
Airplane Etiquette FAQs
Can I switch seats on a plane?
You may be able to switch seats on a plane, but you should ask the flight attendant and nearby passengers for permission first.
Is it okay to recline during a short flight?
While you can usually recline your seat on any flight, experts strongly discourage reclining on short flights and during meal service.
How many ounces can you take on a plane?
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), you can bring containers with liquids of 3.4 ounces or less in your carry-on luggage.
Can you bring snacks on a plane?
Yes, you can typically bring solid food items on a plane. However, avoid bringing strong-smelling snacks and foods that require refrigeration. Popular, TSA-approved airplane snacks include:
- Dried and fresh fruit
- Protein and granola bars
- Trail mix
- Jerky
- Popcorn
- Sandwiches
- Chips, pretzels, and crackers
Do you have to put your phone on airplane mode on a plane?
Yes, passengers should put their phones on airplane mode or disable cellular connection to avoid interference with aircraft systems.