We’ve all been on that flight with the annoying passenger. The one who won’t stop talking to you, even as you try to do something else. Or the passenger who takes up all the overhead bin space because they didn’t put their carry on in right. Let’s share these 7 tips on airplane etiquette in hopes of making the airline travel world a better place for you and for me. And if you have pet peeves or ideas you would add, post them in the comments below.

Personal Hygiene is Vital for Airplane Etiquette

I’ve had the “pleasure” of sitting next to someone who had some serious body odor issues. Or they smelt like an ashtray. While there isn’t anything you can really do if you find yourself in that situation, you can at least prevent you from being “that person.”

If you’re plans include really long flights or some serious layovers, or even international travel, pack some deodorant and a toothbrush in your carry-on. If you have a few minutes between flights, use it as a chance to freshen up.

The deodorant and toothbrush are also a plus if you have any flight delays.

Carry-on Luggage Goes Wheels First

Have you seen that video of the airplane passenger fighting to get his bag in the overhead bin? After a while, a flight attendant steps in, adjust the bag to be wheels first and it slips in like a puzzle piece. It’s a simple concept, but one I see missed time and time again.

Be courteous to other passengers who need the overhead space, too. Place your bag in wheels first.

Avoid Strong-smelling Foods

My go-to travel snacks are Cheese-Its, peanut M&Ms, and beef jerky. Despite my love for these snacks, I’m nice enough to NEVER open the beef jerky on the airplane. It’s a potent smell and one that I don’t think other passengers would enjoy.

Have you sat next to someone who ate something aromatic? Like a tuna fish sandwich from home? Or maybe some haggis? 😉 Be courteous and think about smells as you prepare for your flight.

Beyond foods that smell, avoid soaking in perfume or cologne before taking a flight.

Who Gets the Arm Rest?

If you’re traveling with family or friends, you can play a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors to see who gets the armrest. But if you’re seated next to a complete stranger, who gets the armrest?

The short answer: The person in the middle seat.

The reason: The person in the window seat gets the window and can lean up against the bulkhead to rest. The person in the aisle seat can often stretch their legs out into the aisle on occasion. The person in the middle seat needs someone, so letting them have the armrest is only fair.

To Talk, or Not to Talk: That is the Question

I enjoy a good conversation with someone, but I also like to have my own private time on the plane. I enjoy watching a new movie, taking a nap, or sometimes reading a book. Sitting next to someone who can’t take the cues that I am not interested in talking during the entire flight.

If someone is engaged in an activity, let them do that activity. If they’re working on their laptop, let them work. If they’re watching a movie, let them watch. If they’re taking a nap, let them nap. But if they’re snoring, nudge them a little. 😉

If you have headphones in and need to talk to the flight attendant, only pull out one earbud, letting others around you know that you have every intention of resuming your personal time once you finish your brief conversation.

When You Land, Don’t Crowd the Aisle

I’m guilty of this last one, but find it funny as well. The moment the fasten seat belt light goes off when the plane pulls up to the gate, EVERYONE stands up and grabs their spot in the aisle. Even if they are in the back of the plane and will be standing for a while.

Here’s a new concept: Stay seated until the people a few rows ahead of you are moving up the aisle. If you don’t have a connecting flight or can spare a few minutes on the plane, let those who have tight connecting flights go ahead of you. I’ve been in those tight connection situations and it’s always appreciated when I can get off the plane more quickly because others are patient,

How to Leave Your Seat Mid-flight

On long flights, it’s inevitable that you or a fellow passenger will need to use the bathroom. But the question remains: Do you make your way in front of your row-mates with your front side or backside facing them?

While I’ve heard arguments both ways, I think going front side toward fellow passengers is better than backside. Your body can bend a little better to keep your distance from the people you’re walking on front of on your way out. If your backside is to them, the buttocks tends to stick out a little and can sometimes come a little too close for comfort.

But the best advice: Be courteous to your fellow passengers, and sometimes you just need to be patient. No sense in getting mad and taking it out on fellow passengers or the flight crew.

Safe – and pleasant – travels!

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