Airplane Etiquette: Behaviors You Should Always Avoid

Flying isn’t what it used to be, and neither is passenger behavior. From reclining-seat battles to barefoot travelers, it’s clear that some people forget what you should never do on an airplane. In today’s crowded cabins, where personal space is a luxury, bad behavior on flights can turn a routine trip into a nightmare.

The good news?

A little awareness goes a long way. Here’s what not to do on a plane, so you can avoid the worst mistakes and fly like a respectful passenger.

Don’t Go Barefoot

Airplane floors are not known for their pristine cleanliness. Between spilled drinks, mystery stains, and a bathroom used by hundreds of people at 35,000 feet, walking around barefoot on a plane is basically treating your feet to a bacteria buffet. Even if you’re flying long haul and want to relax, this is one of those things you should never do on a plane, for your sake and everyone else’s.

Why does it bother people? Because it crosses into the dreaded zone of bad behavior on flights, and trust us, the flight attendants notice too.

So what’s the better move? Wear comfortable, breathable shoes that you can slip off at your seat (with socks on, please), and maybe pack a clean pair of flight socks if you want to feel cozy. Respect the shared space and keep your feet to yourself, your fellow passengers (and the carpet) will thank you.

And just so you know, airlines can’t legally deny you boarding just for being barefoot, but if they do, you might even be eligible for compensation due to refusal on boarding.

Not that we recommend testing that theory in public.

Don’t Hog the Armrests

Ah, the great armrest dilemma: a silent battle fought on every flight. But here’s the unofficial rule that seasoned travelers and even frequent flyers agree on: the person in the middle seat gets both armrests. Why? Because they drew the short straw. They have no window, no easy aisle access, and nowhere to lean. So hogging the armrests when you're in the aisle or window seat is one of thosethings you should not do on a plane.

Why is this such a big deal? Because unlike legroom, which is universally tight, armrest space is psychologically contested territory. Taking both when you're not in the middle comes off as inconsiderate, and it silently builds frustration between seatmates. You don’t want to be the person someone rants about in a Reddit thread titled “what you should never do on an airplane”.

Speaking of space and consideration, if you’re flying while pregnant, it’s completely OK to advocate for extra comfort. Don’t hesitate to ask your seatmates for help if you need access to the aisle more often, or if adjusting the armrest helps ease discomfort. Most people are more than willing to accommodate, especially when the request is made politely. Just remember: asking with kindness goes further than elbows and sighs.

Don’t Recline Without Warning

Yes, airplane seats recline. No, that doesn’t mean you should slam yours back the second you hear the seatbelt sign go off. Reclining without warning is one of those subtle yet infuriating behaviors that tops many lists of what not to do on a plane. You might think you're claiming your right to comfort, but to the person behind you, it can feel like an ambush to the knees, laptop, or drink tray.

Why does it bother others so much? Because that seatback is their personal movie screen, workspace, or dinner table. Reclining suddenly can spill drinks, crack screens, or trap limbs, and that doesn’t exactly encourage in-flight peace. It’s a perfect example of how airplane passenger etiquette is more about empathy than entitlement.

What should you do instead?

Just take two seconds to turn around and check. Make eye contact if you can. A polite “Mind if I recline a little?” works wonders. Recline slowly, gradually, and only after meal service if possible. Courtesy doesn’t take up extra legroom, and it goes a long way at 30,000 feet.

Don’t Ignore the Crew

Flight attendants are not sky waiters. They’re trained safety professionals who happen to also offer snacks with a smile. Ignoring them, snapping fingers, or rolling your eyes during safety instructions is one of the most disrespectful things you can do on board. In fact, it's a classic case of bad behavior on flights that instantly reveals who’s a considerate traveler, and who’s not.

Why is this such a problem? Because their job is to keep everyone safe, especially during turbulence, emergencies, or rapid changes in cabin conditions. When passengers don’t listen or treat the crew like they’re part of the in-flight entertainment system, it slows everything down and increases the risk for everyone. Plus, it’s just plain rude.

So what’s the better approach? Make eye contact. Say “please” and “thank you.”

And if you’re dealing with a fear of flying, listening to the crew can actually help you feel more in control. Understanding the safety procedures and knowing that trained professionals are watching over the flight can ease some of the anxiety that comes with takeoff, bumps, or unexpected delays.

Pay attention during the safety briefing, even if you’ve heard it a hundred times. And remember, when things go wrong, they’re the ones responsible for getting you out quickly and safely. Respecting the crew isn’t just good manners, it’s smart travel.

Don’t Bring Pungent Food

We all get hungry when we travel, and airport food isn’t exactly known for its charm or affordability. Still, bringing a meal on board that smells like it was marinated in regret is one of the top things you should never do on a plane. Tuna salad, eggs, spicy kebabs or anything with garlic as the star ingredient may taste great to you, but their scent fills the cabin faster than the beverage cart in turbulence.

On an airplane, nobody can escape the smell. Air circulation is limited, space is tight, and strong odors stick around long after the last bite. What starts as your comforting homemade dish quickly becomes the cabin’s shared punishment. You’re not just fueling up, you're feeding frustration.

And yes, if you’re wondering "Can you bring food through airport security?"—the answer is generally yes, as long as it’s solid food. But just because you can doesn’t always mean you should. Choose travel-friendly snacks or neutral meals that don’t make your seatmates hold their breath. Think simple sandwiches, wraps, crackers, or fruit. If you really want something warm, buy it at the terminal and double-check it doesn’t smell like a street food festival. Respecting the air everyone breathes is one of the simplest forms of airplane etiquette.

Don’t Crowd the Overhead Bins

Overhead bins are limited real estate, and crowding them is one of those airplane passenger etiquette mistakes that triggers instant eye rolls. If you’re shoving your oversized bag into a random spot three rows ahead or rearranging other people’s luggage like you’re playing 3D Tetris, you’re part of the problem.

Why does this upset other travelers? Because it slows down boarding, forces some passengers to gate-check bags unnecessarily, and often causes confusion when it's time to deplane. It’s one of those things you should not do on a plane if you want to keep things moving smoothly and avoid tension with your seatmates.

Here’s what to do instead:

• use the space directly above your seat whenever possible;
• place your bag vertically or wheels-first to make room for others;
• keep smaller items under the seat in front of you, not in the overhead bin;
• avoid opening bins repeatedly after boarding unless absolutely necessary;
• ask a flight attendant for help if you're unsure where to put your bag.

Don’t Get Up During Turbulence

The plane is rolling toward takeoff or bouncing midair, and someone decides it’s the perfect moment to stand up and dig through the overhead bin. Sounds familiar? It’s one of those classic examples of what not to do on a plane that makes flight attendants cringe and passengers hold their breath.

During taxiing, the aircraft is still moving at considerable speed. Sudden stops or sharp turns can send someone flying into seats or aisles. During turbulence, standing up puts you and others at serious risk of injury. And when the seatbelt sign is on, ignoring it can delay takeoff, cause confusion, or even lead to intervention from the crew.

1. Plan ahead.
2. Keep essential items, like medication, snacks, or headphones, in the seat pocket or under the seat in front of you.
3. If you really need to move, wait until the seatbelt sign is off and the crew has given the go-ahead.
4. Remember, staying seated isn’t just a rule, it’s part of basic airplane etiquette that keeps everyone safe and the flight on track.

Discover top 5 most dangerous airports in the world! 

Don’t Speak Too Loudly

Airplane cabins are not soundproof bubbles. Even a casual conversation can carry several rows forward and back. So when someone decides to hold a full-volume conversation, laugh theatrically, or take a voice call like they’re at a football match, it quickly becomes one of those things you should never do on a plane.

People are trying to rest, work, read, or simply survive the flight without being part of your storytime. Cabin noise is already amplified by engines, announcements, and baby cries. Adding your booming voice to the mix makes the experience worse for everyone nearby. It’s a classic violation of airplane passenger etiquette and an easy way to earn annoyed glances.

Use your „indoor voice", and then lower it a notch. Keep conversations short and soft, especially during early or overnight flights. If you’re watching a movie or listening to music, use headphones and keep the volume low enough that no one else hears your action scenes or love ballads. Respecting the shared space means keeping the noise down to a soft hum, not turning it into a flying karaoke bar.

Don’t Overindulge in Alcohol

A glass of wine to calm the nerves? Totally fine.

Turning the cabin into your personal happy hour at cruising altitude? Not so much.

Drinking too much while flying is one of the more underestimated bad behaviors on flights, but it can spiral quickly, from chatty to disruptive in the span of a gin and tonic.

Intoxicated passengers often become louder, less respectful of personal space, and more unpredictable. What might feel like confidence to you may look like chaos to everyone else. Cabin crew are trained to spot signs of overconsumption, and yes, they can refuse to serve you more—or even alert authorities if things escalate.

And just like lighting a cigarette in the lavatory, overdrinking is a fast track to becoming everyone’s least favorite passenger. Different offense, same energy.

1. Drink moderately, stay hydrated with water, and be mindful of how altitude affects your body.
2. Alcohol hits harder at high altitude due to lower oxygen levels and dry cabin air. So if you want to unwind, one drink is usually enough.
3. Choosing balance is a simple yet powerful rule of airplane etiquette that keeps you in control, and off the in-flight incident report.

Don’t Let Kids Run Wild

Traveling by plane with kids is no small feat, and most passengers understand that parenting at 35,000 feet comes with unique challenges. That said, allowing children to treat the cabin like a playground, running through the aisles, kicking seats, screaming endlessly, is one of the most common examples ofwhat not to do on a plane as a parent.

Why is this such a sore spot for other passengers? Because it affects their ability to relax, sleep, or simply exist in peace during the flight. While occasional noise or restlessness is expected, unchecked behavior quickly turns from tolerable to exhausting. Flight attendants can assist, but managing your child’s behavior remains your responsibility.

A little preparation goes a long way. Try these simple strategies:

• pack quiet, engaging activities like coloring books, puzzles, or a tablet with headphones;
• explain basic airplane etiquette to older kids before boarding;
• bring snacks and comfort items to prevent meltdowns;
• take short walks during calm periods to help them burn off energy (without letting them roam freely);
• use positive reinforcement to encourage respectful behavior.

Don’t Disrespect Personal Space

Airplane seats are already tight, so the last thing anyone needs is a neighbor who doesn’t seem to understand the concept of personal boundaries. Letting your hair spill over the seat, stretching your legs into someone else’s space, leaning too far into the aisle or against the window wall, these are subtle, but highly frustrating violations of airplane passenger etiquette.

Why does this bother people? Because passengers are already giving up a lot of comfort just to get from point A to B. When someone invades their limited space, it creates a sense of claustrophobia, discomfort, and even anxiety. It’s one of those behaviors that might not seem like a big deal to the person doing it, but it definitely is to the person on the receiving end.

What should you do instead? Be mindful of your body and belongings at all times:

1. Keep arms and legs within your seat space, especially during meal service!
2. Avoid resting your head or elbows on a neighbor’s seat!
3. Tie up long hair if it's touching the seat behind you!
4. Place bags under the seat in front of you, not by your feet in someone else's space!
5. Use the tray table only when needed, and gently!

Don’t Rush the Aisle After Landing

The wheels have just touched down, the seatbelt sign is still on, and yet someone leaps to their feet like it’s a race to the finish line. Sound familiar? It’s one of the most common examples of what you should never do on an airplane. Rushing the aisle before it’s your row’s turn isn’t just impatient, it’s inconsiderate, and sometimes even unsafe.

Why does it annoy everyone? Because we all want to get off the plane.

Cutting the line or crowding the aisle only clogs the process, blocks others from retrieving their bags, and creates unnecessary tension in a space that’s already tight. It’s the airborne version of pushing in front of someone at the supermarket, just with less oxygen.

What should you do instead? It’s simple, wait your turn. Here’s how to deplane like a pro:

• Stay seated until the rows ahead of you begin to move!
• Have your items ready, but don’t start unpacking early!
• Let passengers with tight connections or mobility needs go first!
• Be patient and make eye contact, not elbows!
• Thank the crew as you exit—it ends the flight on a positive note!

So next time you board, channel your inner travel saint: socks on, voice down, armrests shared, and bag where it belongs. Your seatmates will silently thank you... and more importantly, you won’t end up on someone’s viral “things you should never do on a plane” list.