Airplane Etiquette: How to Fly Smart and Stay Polite

Flying can be exciting, but let’s be honest—being confined in a metal tube with strangers for hours can also be stressful. The good news? A little courtesy goes a long way! Whether you're flying internationally or just hopping to the next state, these airplane etiquette rules will make the skies friendlier for everyone. 🛫

Let’s dive into these 13 fun but essential tips so you can breeze through your next flight like a pro!

1. Recline Responsibly

Reclining your seat is your right—but timing is everything! If you’re awake during meal service, put your seat upright 🪑 to give your seatmate space to eat. If you're sleeping, it's okay to stay reclined, but otherwise, try to be considerate!

2. Keep Your Belongings in Your Space

Your seat space = your stuff. 🎒 No one likes tripping over bags, jackets, or laptops that sneak into neighboring areas. If you brought a lot, make sure it fits under your seat or in the overhead bin—but don’t hog the space (more on that later).

3. Stay Out of the Aisle

Your arms, feet, and elbows don’t belong in the aisle! 🦵 Not only is it annoying to passing passengers, but you’re also asking to be bumped by a food cart. Keep your limbs tucked in to avoid awkward encounters with flight attendants and other travelers.

4. Give the Middle Seat Both Armrests

Let’s be real: The middle seat is the worst. If you’ve scored the aisle or window seat, give the poor soul in the middle both armrests as a small consolation prize. They deserve it.

5. Light on the Cologne, Please

Fragrances can be overwhelming in confined spaces. 🚫 Stick to neutral smells—your favorite cologne or perfume might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Also, avoid over-spraying before boarding, for the sake of sensitive noses. 👃

6. Shoes On (Or Socks at Minimum)

Flying is not an excuse to get too cozy! 👣 If you must take off your shoes, keep your socks on—no one wants to see or smell bare feet. If you're tempted to walk to the bathroom without shoes, trust us: just don't.

7. Share the Overhead Bin Space

Overhead bins are shared property. 🎒 Pack smart and stow only what fits directly above your seat. If you have multiple bags, place the smaller one under the seat in front of you to save space for other travelers.

8. Wait Your Turn to Deplane

When the plane lands, it’s not a race to the exit. 🏁 Deplane row by row, starting from the front. Shoving past people only slows things down. Take a deep breath—everyone will get off eventually!

9. No Seat Kicking

Whether you’re restless or trying to stretch, avoid kicking the seat in front of you. 🚫🦵 Even gentle taps can drive someone crazy over time. This is especially important if you’re traveling with kids—help them find other ways to entertain themselves.

10. Control Your Headphone Volume

🎧 We get it—music makes flying more bearable. But not everyone shares your taste in playlists or podcasts. Keep your headphone volume low to avoid annoying nearby passengers with noise leakage.

11. Be Mindful of the Window Shade

If you’re lucky enough to have a window seat, consider those around you before opening or closing the window shade. 🌞 If people are sleeping or watching a movie, they probably don't want a sudden blast of sunlight!

12. Ask Nicely for Seat Swaps

Want to sit next to your friend or family? 💺 Ask politely if someone is willing to swap seats, but don’t expect them to say yes. If they decline, take it gracefully—no hard feelings.

13. Respect Bathroom Boundaries

Need to get to the bathroom, but someone is asleep in the aisle seat? 💤 Try gently waking them or squeezing by without disturbing them too much. And when you're waiting for the lavatory, avoid lingering in the aisle—it’s not a hangout spot. 🚪