Stop Making These Mistakes On A Plane

We’ve all been there! Squeezed into a middle seat, battling jet lag, and wondering why we didn’t bring snacks.

Air travel can be exciting, but let’s be honest, it can also be a series of small disasters if you’re not prepared.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or someone who still gets excited about free airline pretzels, avoiding these common mistakes will make your flight smoother, more comfortable, and way less stressful.

1. Reclining Your Seat Without Checking

Ah, the great recline debate, the move that can turn a peaceful flight into a passive-aggressive battle of knees and seatbacks. Sure, that little button is there for a reason, but slamming your seat back without a glance behind you?

That’s a guaranteed way to make enemies at 30,000 feet. A little courtesy goes a long way! Try turning around, make eye contact, or even give a quick, polite heads-up can help avoid midair tension.

Timing matters, too. Reclining during meals? Bad move. The person behind you is already fighting against those impossibly tiny tray tables. If you must recline, do it slowly. No one wants a surprise soda spill in their lap.

2. Hogging The Armrests

The unspoken war of economy class: Who gets the armrests? In the etiquette playbook, there’s a simple rule—middle-seat passengers win this round.

Since they’re already stuck in the worst spot, giving them both armrests is the least we can do. Aisle and window passengers? You get one each! Be grateful for the legroom or the view.

But let’s talk about the real offenders: the spreaders. The ones who claim both armrests and a little extra, elbowing their way into your space like they paid for two seats. Frustrating, right?

3. Taking Off Your Shoes (And Worse, Your Socks)

Long-haul flights are all about comfort, but let’s not turn the cabin into a personal living room. Kicking off your shoes? Fine, if your feet are fresh.

But stripping down to bare toes and stretching them into someone else’s space? That’s a crime against decency. No one wants an unexpected game of footsie at cruising altitude.

And then there’s the dreaded foot-on-armrest move. That moment when a stranger’s toes creep into your peripheral vision. So not ideal!

If the idea of someone’s bare feet near your seat grosses you out, you’re not alone. The golden rule? If you wouldn’t do it in a shared office or a café, don’t do it on a plane!

4. Ignoring Personal Hygiene In Close Quarters

Airplanes are basically flying sardine cans, which means smells, good and bad, travel fast. A spritz of perfume before takeoff? Fine.

But dousing yourself in an entire bottle? Now the whole cabin is trapped in a cloud of floral warfare. The same goes for skipping deodorant. Nobody wants to marinate in someone else’s “natural aroma” for a six-hour flight.

Brushing your teeth, a quick freshen-up in the lavatory… These little things matter, especially on long flights!

5. Bringing Overly Pungent Food Onboard

Plane food isn’t gourmet, so it’s tempting to bring your own snacks. But let’s be real, some foods just don’t belong in a confined space.

Tuna sandwiches, hard-boiled eggs, and anything loaded with garlic? That smell isn’t going anywhere fast. The moment you unwrap that pungent meal, the entire row becomes an unwilling participant in your dining experience.

Opt for something neutral! Something like sandwiches, fruit, or nuts won’t have your seatmates gasping for fresh air. And if you’re packing something homemade, test the smell test at home first. If it fills your kitchen with an aggressive aroma, it’s probably not airplane-friendly.

6. Rushing To Deplane Before It’s Your Turn

The plane lands, the seatbelt sign dings off, and suddenly, it’s a free-for-all. People jump up like they’ve been catapulted, shoving their way into the aisle as if the exit door is going to vanish.

But here’s the thing: no one’s getting off until the rows ahead clear, so why the mad dash?

Good etiquette means patience! Wait your turn, let those in front of you exit first, and don’t block the aisle for people grabbing their bags. Doesn’t sound so difficult, right?

If you have a tight connection, politely ask for help instead of elbowing your way through like an action movie escape scene. A little order makes deplaning faster for everyone.

7. Loud Conversations And Excessive Noise

Planes aren’t libraries, but they’re not nightclubs, either. If your voice carries across multiple rows, it might be time to dial it down.

Loud talkers, speakerphone users, and those who treat a plane like their personal podcast studio? They’re the reason noise-canceling headphones are worth every penny.

If you forgot your headphones, either read a book or embrace silence. Not every sound needs to be shared at 35,000 feet.