Flying can be enjoyable, but it often comes with a few bumps—especially when dealing with other passengers. There are certain habits that can make a flight uncomfortable for everyone on board. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or someone who only takes to the skies occasionally, these are the 19 annoying habits you need to stop doing.
Reclining Your Seat Too Far
According to CBS News, “For passengers who want to recline, it makes a world of difference if you just look back and give a heads up to the traveler behind you.” Reclining your seat can make your flight more comfortable, but doing it too abruptly or too far can invade the space of the person behind you.
Hogging the Armrest
One of the most common complaints among air travellers is when someone hogs the armrest. Remember, everyone on the plane has limited space, and sharing is key to a pleasant flight. If you’re in the middle seat, you might think you have the right to both armrests, but it’s courteous to share one with your neighbour.
Taking Your Shoes Off
While it’s understandable to want to get cosy on a long flight, taking your shoes off can be quite bothersome to others. Feet can smell, and no one wants to deal with that odour in a confined space. If you really need to remove your shoes, make sure your socks are clean and odour-free.
Talking Too Loudly
Conversations are a great way to pass the time on a flight, but not everyone wants to be part of your dialogue. Speaking loudly can disturb those who are trying to sleep, read, or work, so you should try to keep your voice at a reasonable level.
Ignoring Personal Hygiene
Planes are tight quarters, and personal hygiene becomes even more critical, so make sure to shower and wear clean clothes before your flight. If you’re on a long journey, it’s a good idea to freshen up in the bathroom to avoid any unpleasant smells. Carrying a small toiletry bag with deodorant and other essentials can help you stay fresh.
Spreading Out
The seats when flying are already small, so try to keep your belongings confined to your space and don’t let your legs, elbows, or bag encroach into the space of the person next to you. Using the overhead bin or the space under the seat in front of you for your belongings helps keep the area tidy.
Bringing Strong-Smelling Food
While bringing your own snacks is a great idea, opting for strong-smelling foods is not. The smell of certain foods can be overwhelming in an enclosed space, so choose neutral-smelling snacks that won’t offend your neighbours. This small act of consideration can make the flight more pleasant for everyone.
Constantly Getting Up
Frequent trips to the bathroom or up and down the aisle can be disruptive, especially for those sitting in the aisle seats. Try to limit your movements by planning bathroom breaks and stretching sessions. If you know you’ll need to get up often, consider booking an aisle seat to minimise disruption.
Kicking the Seat in Front of You
Be mindful of your movements, especially if you have long legs or are travelling with children. Accidentally bumping the seat in front of you can happen, but consistently kicking or pushing it is a major no-no. Keeping kids entertained and reminding them to avoid kicking the seat can help.
Overindulging in Alcohol
Having a drink or two can be a nice way to relax on a flight, but overindulging can lead to loud and disruptive behaviour. Alcohol affects you more quickly at high altitudes, so pace yourself and stay hydrated with water. Remember—a pleasant flight means being considerate of those around you.
Not Respecting the Crew
Flight attendants work hard to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. Being rude or demanding can make their job more difficult. Listen to their instructions, follow the rules, and treat them respectfully. A little kindness goes a long way on a plane.
Letting Children Run Wild
Travelling with kids can be challenging, but letting them run wild is unfair to other passengers, so you’ll want to bring plenty of activities and snacks to keep them entertained. Explain the importance of staying seated and being quiet during the flight. Fellow passengers will definitely appreciate your efforts to keep your children calm.
Blocking the Aisle
When boarding or disembarking, standing in the aisle to arrange your belongings can hold up everyone else. Have your essentials ready to go before you get on the plane, and stow your bags quickly. This helps keep the boarding process smooth for everyone.
Reclining During Meal Service
Timing is everything when it comes to reclining your seat. During meal service, it’s courteous to keep your seat upright so the person behind you has enough space to eat comfortably. The attendant will usually ask you to straighten your seat when food is served.
Not Using Headphones
Whether you’re watching a movie, playing a game, or listening to music, using headphones is a must – the noise from electronic devices can be very distracting to others. Make sure your headphones are plugged in, and the volume is at a reasonable level so you don’t disturb those around you.
Taking Up Extra Space in the Overhead Bin
Overhead bin space is limited, and it’s meant to be shared among all passengers. Place your carry-on bags in an orderly manner and avoid bringing oversized luggage that takes up more than your fair share of space. If you have multiple small items, try to put them into one bag to free up space.
Ignoring Safety Instructions
You should also pay attention to the safety instructions given by the flight attendants, as ignoring these instructions can be dangerous for you—and others—on the plane. Even if you’re a frequent flyer and think you know the drill, it’s always good to refresh your memory.
Using the Seat Back as a Handrail
When getting up from your seat, avoid using the seat back in front of you as a handrail, as this can jolt the person sitting there and disturb them. Instead, use the armrests for support or carefully balance yourself without pulling on the seat in front of you.
Leaving Trash Behind
Nobody likes a messy space, especially on a plane, so the final annoying habit you need to stop is not disposing of your trash properly. Hand it to the flight attendants during their rounds, or throw it away yourself. Leaving trash behind not only makes the plane look untidy but also creates extra work for the cleaning crew.
