Be The Favorite Passenger
How you behave onboard can dramatically affect your journey—for better or worse. Check out what makes your flight neighbors remember you fondly and what will land you in a Reddit story.
Respecting The Limited Space—Embrace
Nobody enjoys feeling cramped, especially on a long flight. Refrain from leaning into others' seats and invading legroom. Acknowledging the limited space everyone has can prevent unnecessary tension and earn you the appreciation of your seatmates.
Ignoring Personal Hygiene—Avoid
Poor hygiene can make a flight hellish. Whether it's body odor, dirty clothing, or an unkempt appearance, neglecting basic cleanliness is disrespectful to those seated near you. Even if you're busy, use the airport's amenities and freshen up before going on the plane.
Following Crew Instructions—Embrace
Flight attendants work hard to ensure safety and comfort. Listening attentively to their directions shows respect and makes their job easier—especially if you're a first-time flyer. Passengers who cooperate seamlessly are valued by both the crew and fellow travelers.
Kicking Or Bumping Seats—Avoid
We know that legroom can be limited, especially in Economy class. But rarely is anything more irritating than someone kicking the back of your seat or bumping it when standing up. It disrupts others' comfort. And it's worse on long-haul flights.
Sharing Armrests Fairly—Embrace
Economy travelers sometimes feel cramped in their limited space. Armrest disputes can be a major source of tension, but a good rule of thumb is to let the person in the middle seat have at least one armrest since they have the least personal space.
Overcrowding The Overhead Bin—Avoid
Taking up more than your fair share of overhead storage with oversized bags or multiple items inconveniences others. Follow airline policies on carry-on luggage to ensure everyone has enough space. Consider checking in your extra belongings if you have too many items.
Keeping Noise Levels Low—Embrace
Airplanes are not the place for loud conversations and disruptive phone calls. Using headphones and keeping your voice down contributes to the calm environment that everyone looks forward to. It also gives you time to chill.
Letting Kids Run Wild—Avoid
Children can make travel challenging, but allowing them to kick seats or scream while roaming freely without supervision can and will frustrate those sitting nearby. Keeping them occupied and respectful will earn you much more goodwill. Some people might even offer to help.
Yaroslav Astakhov, Shutterstock
Helping Others When Possible—Embrace
Seeing someone struggling with their carry-on? Assisting someone struggling with their bag in the overhead bin or offering to swap seats for a family turns you into the flight's unsung hero. It's not obligatory, but small acts of kindness are pleasant.
Taking Off Shoes With Poor Hygiene—Avoid
While it's fine to make yourself comfortable, removing shoes that emit unpleasant odors is a quick way to offend those nearby. If you must take off your shoes, at least make sure your socks are clean and odor-free.
Being Patient During Boarding And Deplaning—Embrace
Rushing to the aisle as soon as the seatbelt sign turns off is a surefire way to frustrate others. Wait for your turn to exit and respect the boarding process, as this demonstrates patience and consideration.
Dealing Rudely With The Crew—Avoid
You know this already. Flight attendants work hard to ensure safety and comfort. Yelling at them or making unreasonable demands not only stresses the crew but also disturbs other passengers. Politeness goes a long way in maintaining peace on the flight.
Cleaning Up After Yourself—Embrace
Yes, some people are paid to clean, but leaving your seat tidy and properly disposing of trash is a simple way to show respect for the crew and the next traveler. A clean space reduces stress for everyone.
Getting Drunk And Rowdy—Avoid
Excessive alcohol consumption might seem tempting to pass the time, but being loud and argumentative can ruin the flight for everyone. Such behavior can even result in being reprimanded by the crew or, worse, being reported upon landing.
Being Mindful Of Reclining Your Seat—Embrace
Airline seats are designed to be reclined for comfort, but reclining your seat too far or too abruptly can disrupt the person behind you. Think of this happening during meals or when space is already tight. So, check behind you and adjust your seat slowly.
Blocking The Aisle Unnecessarily—Avoid
Lingering in the aisle while organizing your carry-on or standing aimlessly during boarding or deplaning can delay others and cause frustration. Move quickly and efficiently to keep the process smooth for everyone. Remember that everyone also has somewhere they need to go to.
Going Easy On Perfumes—Embrace
Overpowering fragrance can make a confined space unbearable, especially if someone is allergic or pregnant. Freshen up before the flight, but skip heavy perfumes and colognes. Your seatmates will appreciate your effort to keep the air pleasant without overdoing it.
Using The Seatback As A Handle—Avoid
Yanking on the seatback in front of you to stand up or steady yourself is not only inconsiderate but also jolts the person sitting there. Use the armrests or other stable surfaces to avoid disturbing others, and apologize when necessary.
Using The Restroom Considerately—Embrace
Long lines for airplane restrooms can test anyone's patience. Use the facilities quickly and clean up after yourself so others can use them without delay or discomfort. A little mindfulness here will keep everyone at ease.
Being Too Chatty Or Intrusive—Avoid
Not everyone wants to engage in conversation during a flight. Constantly talking to your seatmate or prying into their personal business can make them uncomfortable. Respect their space and cues—if they're wearing headphones or giving short answers, it's a sign to back off.
Staying Calm During Delays Or Turbulence—Embrace
Do you know that your attitude during air turbulence can greatly impact your neighbors? Staying composed and polite helps maintain a positive atmosphere. Expressing frustration to the crew or other passengers only adds stress to an already challenging situation.
Blocking The Window View—Avoid
If you're sitting in the window seat, keeping the shade down during scenic moments like takeoff, landing, or flying over landmarks can annoy travelers hoping for a glimpse outside. Act thoughtfully and consider the preferences of those around you.
Song_about_summer, Shutterstock
Offering A Smile Or Friendly Greeting—Embrace
A simple smile or "hello" to your seatmate or crew can set a positive tone for the flight. While not every interaction needs to be extensive, a little friendliness goes a long way in creating a welcoming environment that everyone appreciates.
Eating Smelly Or Messy Food—Avoid
Although some airlines allow you to bring your own food, pungent choices like fish or overly fragrant meals onboard can fill the cabin with unpleasant smells. Messy foods that spill or leave crumbs can also irritate nearby passengers and create a hassle for the crew to clean.
