Airplane travel can be a stressful experience, but following some basic etiquette rules can make the journey more pleasant for everyone on board. From boarding the plane to settling into your seat, there are several things you can do to be a courteous and considerate passenger.

The Elbow and Armrest Dilemma 

One common source of frustration on airplanes is the question of who gets to use the armrests. If you’re sitting in the middle seat, you have the right to use both interior armrests, as the window and aisle seats each have their own armrests¹. If someone tries to take your armrest, feel free to politely remind them of this rule.

Place Your Bag Over Your Seat 

When boarding the plane, it’s important to place your carry-on bag in the overhead bin above your seat. Some passengers may try to store their bag one row ahead of where they’re sitting, but this can cause problems for other passengers who then have to search for a free spot elsewhere on the plane¹. To avoid this issue, make sure to place your bag directly above your seat.

Keep Out of the Aisle 

Once you’ve boarded the plane, try to sit down in your seat as quickly as possible. It can be frustrating for other passengers if you stand in the aisle rummaging through your bag while everyone else is waiting to board¹. To avoid this, make sure to pack everything you’ll need for the flight in a small carry-on bag that you can keep at your feet.

Don’t Recline Your Seat 

Reclining your seat can be a source of tension on airplanes. If possible, try not to recline your seat at all. While airline seats are shrinking, reclining your seat means that the person behind you has less space, which can cause a chain reaction of discomfort¹.

Have your boarding pass and ID ready as you approach airport security.

Board (and pack) courteously. Place your bag vertically rather than horizontally on the shelf to maximize room in the overhead compartment for other travelers.

Help your fellow traveler. Offer to hoist a fellow passenger’s bag into the overhead compartment.

Be willing to swap seats with a family. If you’re traveling solo, offer to switch seats so that a family can sit beside each other.

Respect your (limited) space. Let the middle-seat passenger use the armrests and keep your legs within the width of the chair frame.

Keep your personal items, well, personal. Avoid hitting other passengers with your bag as you walk down the aisles by keeping it in front of you and close to your body.

By following these basic etiquette rules, you can help make airplane travel a more pleasant experience for everyone on board. Remember to be considerate of other passengers and do your part to create a happy and comfortable flight.

Photo by Kenny Eliason

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