Airplane etiquette isn’t just about following rules—it’s about creating a respectful, enjoyable experience for everyone on board. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or heading out for your first flight, practicing good airplane etiquette can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth journey for you, your fellow passengers, and the hardworking crew.
Curious about becoming a flight attendant? Check out The Benefits of Being a Flight Attendant post for everything you need to know to get started.
Ready to learn the top tips that flight attendants wish every passenger knew? Let’s dive into the essential guidelines that will have you flying like a pro.
How you board and deplane sets the tone for the journey, and practicing respectful airplane etiquette during these times goes a long way. Boarding sets the tone for a smooth flight.
Here’s how to make boarding and deplaning smooth for everyone:
Wait Your Turn: Boarding by groups is designed to avoid crowding in the aisles and streamline the process. Try to wait until your group or row is called before approaching the gate. Did you know that flight attendants even have a name for passengers who crowd the gate before the plane arrives? They call them “gate lice”! By avoiding this, you’ll prevent delays and let everyone settle in calmly.
Give Others Space: When moving down the aisle to reach your seat, be mindful of passengers placing their bags in overhead bins. A little patience can keep things flowing smoothly, reducing stress for everyone involved.
Deplaning Etiquette: When it’s time to leave, allow those seated in rows ahead of you to exit first, one row at a time. This courtesy helps everyone deplane in an orderly fashion without crowding the aisles.
Overhead Bin Etiquette
One essential part of airplane etiquette is using overhead bins thoughtfully. Here are a few tips that will make boarding easier for everyone:
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Pack Smart, Lift Smart: As the saying goes, “You pack it, you stack it” and “You bring it, you sling it.” Flight attendants are not required to lift bags for passengers, and if a bag is too heavy, they risk injury—without coverage for on-the-job injury. If you’re unable to lift your bag, a flight attendant will be happy to check it for you instead.
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Organize Efficiently: Place only your largest carry-on in the overhead bin, and keep smaller items, like handbags or laptops, under the seat in front of you. This helps ensure that there’s enough space for everyone’s essentials.
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Keep the Aisle Clear: When you’re putting your bag in the bin, step into your row to allow others to pass. This courtesy can keep the boarding process moving smoothly.
Seat Etiquette
Good airplane etiquette means being mindful of others’ comfort, especially when it comes to your seat. Here are some key tips:
Mindful Reclining: Reclining is a privilege, but it’s best used thoughtfully. Before leaning back, take a moment to check if the person behind you has a meal or a laptop on their tray. Reclining without checking has led to spilled food and even broken laptops, so a quick glance can save everyone a lot of trouble.
*It’s good to remember that it’s not the passengers fault that airlines pack their customers in like sardines!
Armrest Sharing: The middle seat passenger typically gets both armrests, while window and aisle seats each get one. This arrangement keeps things fair and respects everyone’s space, especially on a crowded flight.
Avoid Seat Kicking: Avoid bumping or kicking the seat in front of you, and if you’re adjusting, be mindful of how it affects others. For those traveling with kids, remind them to keep their feet tucked in for a more peaceful experience for everyone.
Airplane seats are surprisingly thin, so even small movements can be felt by the person in front. Actions like bumping the seat or sliding a water bottle into the seat pocket can create uncomfortable pressure on someone’s back or bottom.
Be mindful when adjusting yourself or placing items in the pocket to keep everyone’s journey comfortable.
Hygiene and Health Etiquette
In-Flight Entertainment Etiquette
In close quarters, hygiene is a crucial part of airplane etiquette that can help everyone have a healthier experience. Keep it clean for a healthy flight.
Here are some tips to keep things clean, comfortable, and considerate for all:
😷 Wear a Mask if You’re Feeling Unwell: If you’re not feeling 100%, wearing a mask is a thoughtful way to protect those around you, especially with the recirculated air onboard. This small gesture can prevent the spread of germs and shows respect for fellow passengers.
Use Hand Sanitizer and Wipes Carefully: Wipe down high-touch surfaces, like tray tables and armrests, with sanitizing wipes rather than sprays to avoid releasing strong fumes into the cabin.
🌡️ Cabin Temperature Matters: Have you noticed that airplane cabins are often kept cool? This isn’t just for comfort; it helps maintain a healthier environment. A cooler cabin reduces the risk of bacteria and viruses multiplying, so bringing an extra layer can keep you comfortable while supporting the health of everyone onboard.
🤧 Cover Coughs and Sneezes Properly: Use tissues or your elbow to catch coughs and sneezes. In such a confined space, this simple act makes a big difference.
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Respecting airplane etiquette means being mindful of how your actions impact those around you, especially when it comes to entertainment. Here are a few ways to keep the cabin peaceful for everyone:
Use Headphones at a Low Volume: If you’re watching movies or listening to music, use headphones and keep the volume at a level that only you can hear. Loud sounds can be disruptive, especially when the cabin lights are dimmed for rest.
Avoid Playing Videos or Games Without Headphones: Cabin noise is already high, and adding sounds from personal devices without headphones creates unnecessary disturbance. Be sure to pack a set of headphones for the flight, especially if you’re planning to enjoy in-flight entertainment.
No Wi-Fi Calls or Video Calls: Just because Wi-Fi is available doesn’t mean calls are allowed. Making a Wi-Fi call or video call is against in-flight rules, and it disrupts the peaceful environment for everyone around you.
Close Window Shades: Keep the window shades closed so there is no light shining into other passengers eyes, creating a glare on screens, and not allowing your fellow passengers to rest.
These small adjustments create a calmer environment for everyone on board.
Respecting the Crew
Flight attendants are there to ensure a safe, comfortable journey for everyone, and respecting their role is essential to good airplane etiquette.
Here’s how to make their job a little easier:
Follow Instructions Promptly: Flight attendants are responsible for everyone’s safety, so please follow their directions without delay. Simple things like fastening your seatbelt and stowing items during takeoff and landing keep everyone safe.
Stay Out of the Galley: The galley is a workspace for the crew, and passengers don’t need to enter it. If you need assistance, you can ask from outside the galley rather than crossing into this restricted area.
Don’t Touch the Flight Attendants: If you need assistance, a polite “excuse me” will do. Flight attendants can hear you and don’t need to be tapped or grabbed. Respecting their personal space is important for everyone’s comfort and professionalism.
Use the Call Button Wisely: The call button is there for when you need assistance, but try to reserve it for essential requests. Overusing it can delay service to those who may need it more urgently.
Be Patient During Service: Flight attendants work hard to serve everyone efficiently, so a little patience goes a long way. Remember that they’re handling multiple tasks, and polite interactions make the experience better for everyone.
Acknowledge Their Hard Work: Even a simple “thank you” can mean a lot. Flight attendants work long hours and appreciate when passengers recognize their effort to provide a comfortable experience.
Learning to interact professionally with flight attendants can also be valuable if you’re aspiring to join their ranks.
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Airplane Lavatory Etiquette
Practicing airplane etiquette in the lavatory helps ensure a smooth experience for both passengers and crew.
Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
Use the Terminal Lavatory When Possible: Whenever possible, use the lavatory in the terminal before boarding. Boarding is a hectic time, and using the onboard lavatory then is like swimming upstream.
It’s especially disruptive in the first-class lavatory, where the crew and pilots may need access before takeoff.
Seatbelt Sign Awareness: When the seatbelt sign is on, flight attendants are required to inform you of the safety protocol, but their role is to inform, not enforce. If it’s not safe to be up, try to remain seated.
Of course, when you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go! A good rule of thumb: if flight attendants are still up, it’s likely okay. But if the pilots instruct the crew to sit down, that’s definitely not the time to be moving around the cabin.
Be Efficient: Airplane lavatories are limited, so try to use them quickly, especially during the flight. This helps ensure everyone has timely access when they need it.
Avoid Mid-Service Trips: If possible, avoid using the lavatory during meal or drink service, as carts in the aisle can block access. Timing your trips outside of service windows helps keep things moving smoothly for everyone.
Leave It Clean: A quick tidy-up after using the lavatory—wiping down the sink, disposing of paper towels—makes the experience better for the next person.
Practicing lavatory etiquette is a small but essential part of maintaining respect and efficiency on board.
Thoughtful Gestures for Crew Members
While not required, a small act of kindness can go a long way in showing appreciation for the crew’s hard work.
Here’s how to approach this thoughtful aspect of airplane etiquette:
Bring Thoughtful, Small Gifts: If you’d like to show your appreciation, consider a small, practical gift like a luggage tag, lip balm, a cute airplane pin, or even an individually wrapped sweet treat. These thoughtful items can be given during boarding, a break in the service flow, or another quiet moment, and they don’t disrupt the crew’s tasks.
Be Mindful of Timing: Avoid giving gifts during peak service, as the crew may be busy. A well-timed gesture during boarding, before takeoff, or after landing is usually most convenient.
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Clear Communication
Good airplane etiquette means communicating clearly, especially when ordering or speaking with the crew.
Here are some tips to make communication smoother:
Remove Headphones When Speaking: When ordering or asking for assistance, take out your headphones and speak at a normal volume. This simple gesture ensures your message is clear and prevents any miscommunication, which helps the crew serve you more efficiently.
Avoid Whispering or Mumbling: Whispering or mumbling slows down service and can cause misunderstandings. For parents, if your child is shy, try to encourage them to order at a quieter time outside of regular service. This way, they can practice without feeling pressured and without causing delays during peak service times.
These simple adjustments in communication show respect for the crew and help keep service smooth for everyone.
Practicing Airplane Etiquette for a Better Travel Experience
Following these airplane etiquette tips can create a smoother, more enjoyable experience for you, the crew, and fellow passengers. From thoughtful gestures and mindful communication to respecting the crew’s space and using the lavatory considerately, these small actions go a long way in making each flight pleasant.
Are there any other airplane etiquette tips you’d add to the list? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re interested in pursuing a career as a flight attendant, consider joining our Future Flight Attendant Interview Masterclass.
This comprehensive program offers personalized coaching, resources, and industry insights to help you confidently navigate the journey to becoming a flight attendant and land your dream job. Looking for thoughtful travel essentials? Check out our Future Flight Attendant Amazon Storefront for curated items that make air travel easier and more enjoyable.
Great tips and information.
Thank you Evelyn.