Planning summer vacationhas me thinking about stylish duffel bags and small rolling suitcases so much that I almost forgot about all the lack of airplane etiquette that comes with traveling. I've briefly mentioned an overzealous passenger who swore an overhead bin space belonged to him before, but that's not the only weird and downright inconsiderate behavior that can happen during a flight.
It's just a solid reminder that all the personal prep in the world can't keep other people from getting in the way. There's always at least one person who seems to think you want their feet propped up by you, and we can't forget about the person who's impatient to get to their seat as if there aren't other passengers on the plane. To avoid making the mistake of being inconsiderate or careless, I'm sharing a list of 9 offensive things to avoid while flying. And with that, welcome to Airplane Etiquette 101!
Airplane Etiquette Lessons:
Photo by Palu Malerba/PEXELS
1. Don't Complain That Someone Gets To Board Before You
When you're booking your flight, you usually can choose your seat assignments based on the ticket that you're purchasing. You're usually placed in different boarding groups as a result so please don't think someone is out to get you if you're placed in groups 4-6. All this means is that you purchased an Economy ticket that's placed you in a middle or aisle seat, or you may not have a boarding number.
Assuming someone shouldn't board before you based on their appearance or your annoyance isn't going to change what's on the ticket you purchased.
Image via Polina Zimmerman/Pexels
2. Don't Worry About Why Someone's Flying First Class
This one feels self-explanatory, but here goes: It's not anyone's business why someone is flying first class. Their job could've purchased the ticket, or they may have felt like splurging for once. It's not up to us to look at someone, judge their appearance, and say things like, "They just let anyone fly first class these days."
It's classist and — not to mention — childish.
Image via Lukas Souza/Unsplash
3. Just Cooperate With The Flight Attendants, OK?
We've all been on a flight where at least one person decides they're not going to listen to the flight attendants onboard. This usually looks like refusing to temporarily turn off their cell phones, having their headphones in during important demonstrations and announcements, or being told to calm down if there's ranting involved.
They want to make sure everyone will be safe, including you.
Image via Gustavo Fring/Pexels
4. Never Make Snide Comments About Parents Traveling With Kids
At the same time, being an asshole to parents who are traveling with kids just because you "really don't like kids" isn't going to earn you brownie points. This idea that children shouldn't be in public spaces when I'm sure someone travelled with us is wildly hypocritical and whiny.
A child may end up crying because their ears are popping or the plane is experiencing some turbulence. I highly doubt that they took one look at you and decided you were going to be the person they wanted to piss off.
Photo by Payton Butler/Dupe Photos
5. Please Stop Repeatedly Elbowing Your Seat Mate
Respecting someone's personal space is one of the greatest forms of respect in public. You could be waiting to board the plane or you can be sitting in your assigned seat or you can feel comfortable one you're sitting down. Whatever the case may, continuously elbowing the passenger next to you isn't going to go over well.
Photo by Jason Toevs/PEXELS
6. Don't Open The Window Cover If The Person Actually Sitting By It Closed It
This really boils down to respecting someone's personal space. If the person sitting by the window has it closed, ask them if they mind opening it. Please don't reach over them to open it yourself because it shows a disregard for their personal space and, possibly, their preference.
This used to happen to me all the time when I was younger until I finally asked someone what they were doing. It's amazing how startled people are when you ask them a simple question because some people genuinely don't believe they're doing anything wrong.
Photo by Rafly Alfaridzy/Unsplash
7. Stop Blowing Your Nose Loudly In Your Seat Mate's Ear
The first time I flew to California, I wondered how I was going to survive being on a plane for five hours. I figured I'd be okay with reading a couple of books and taking a nap. While I did read, the nap didn't happen thanks to the person sitting next to me.
This person blew their nose the entire flight and balled up their countless napkins before placing them near my elbow. I couldn't even use my armrest because they insisted on elbowing me throughout the flight. Take it from someone who's been subject to this, don't be this person. It's really aggravating.
The solution? Just make your way to the bathroom and blow your nose to your heart's content. That way, you're not bothering the people around you, plus there's a trash can right there for your leftover tissues!
Photo by Polina Zimmerman/PEXELS
8. Absolutely NO Burping Or Passing Gas — Especially Without Saying Excuse Me Afterwards
Sigh. Please, just don't. If your body has to release gas, the least you can do is say "Excuse me," when seating on a plane that contains over 200 people. It's not like you can open a window to get rid of the scent that may come along with your body's gas so people will be aware of it if it's particularly, well, smelly.
Much like the tissue situation, just take a trip to the bathroom and handle things alone, in a closed room, away from other people.
Photo by Suhyeon Choi/Unsplash
9. No More Rushing People When It's Time To Deplane
Again, there are other passengers on the plane, so everyone will have to wait to exit it. It'll eventually happen, but rushing other people isn't going to make you leave any quicker. You may actually get a few dirty looks or hear some choice words if you're not careful. Please just sit back, relax, and make your move when it's actually your turn.
What do you think are some offensive things people can do while flying? Let us know in the comments!
Lead image via Ashley Diego/Dupe Photos
