Airplane Etiquette
The Do’s and Don’ts of Flight Travel: A Guide to Airplane Etiquette
As someone who's logged countless hours in the sky, I can tell you—there are few things more surprising than how many travelers are still unaware of the unspoken rules of air travel. Whether you're flying for the first time or you’ve already earned your “frequent flyer” wings, being a considerate and well-prepared passenger makes the journey better for everyone on board. So, to help keep the friendly skies just that—friendly—here’s a detailed guide to the do’s and don’ts of airplane etiquette.
Don’t: Wear High Heels or Uncomfortable Sandals
While they might look chic in the airport terminal, high heels and flimsy sandals are not the wisest footwear choices for flying. Not only can they slow you down if you're sprinting to make a tight connection, but they're also downright unsafe in an emergency situation. Most importantly, planes aren’t always the cleanest spaces, so the less your feet are exposed, the better. Stick with something practical and comfortable—your future self (and ankles) will thank you.
Don’t: Apply Strong Perfumes or Colognes Before Boarding
Scent is personal—but on a plane, it becomes everyone’s business. What smells like a luxurious fragrance to one passenger might cause headaches or allergic reactions for someone else. Because the cabin is a pressurized, enclosed space with little ventilation, it’s best to go light on perfumes and colognes—or skip them altogether. Fresh and clean is the goal; overpowering is not.
Don’t: Bring Pungent Food On Board
Airplane cabins amplify smells, and certain foods can quickly turn your seatmate’s appetite—or stomach. Foods like tuna sandwiches, hard-boiled eggs, and aged cheeses might be tasty, but they're best saved for after you land. Instead, opt for neutral snacks like crackers, fresh fruit, granola bars, or nuts. It’s a small act of kindness that helps keep the peace at 35,000 feet.
Don’t: Fly in Shorts or Revealing Clothing
Beyond the chill in the cabin, airplane seats aren't known for being the cleanest surfaces. Wearing shorts or revealing clothing not only leaves more skin exposed to germs, but it may also be culturally inappropriate depending on your destination. A good rule of thumb? Dress modestly and comfortably in layers. You can always peel off a jacket or scarf if you get too warm.
Do: Wear Glasses Instead of Contact Lenses
That dry cabin air isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be brutal on your eyes. Contact lenses can dry out and become irritating during long flights. To avoid red, itchy eyes, consider wearing glasses when you fly. If you must wear contacts, bring rewetting drops to stay comfortable, especially on long-haul journeys.
Don’t: Walk Around Barefoot
You might be tempted to kick off your shoes mid-flight—I’d think twice about this. And please, don’t roam the cabin barefoot or in just your socks. Airplane floors see all kinds of spills and germs that you definitely don’t want clinging to your feet. If your feet need to breath, bring a pair of easy slip-on shoes or travel slippers to use. It’s more hygienic and shows respect for your fellow passengers.
Do: Move Around Occasionally (With Shoes On!)
Long flights can wreak havoc on your circulation. Take the time every hour or so to stand up, stretch, or walk up and down the aisle (as long as the seatbelt sign is off). This helps prevent stiffness and reduces the risk of deep vein thrombosis. Even if you can’t get up, there are seated stretches you can do—ankle rolls, shoulder shrugs, or gentle twists all help keep your body feeling good.
Don’t: Recline Without Checking Behind You
Reclining your seat is your right—but how you do it makes all the difference. Before you lean back, take a quick peek to see if the person behind you is eating, working on a laptop, or balancing a drink on their tray. A simple, “Mind if I recline a bit?” goes a long way. It’s also a good idea to wait until after meal service is over. Being thoughtful makes the flight more comfortable for everyone.
Don’t: Form a Line Outside the Forward Lavatory
It might feel natural to queue up when nature calls, but forming a line outside the forward lavatory can disrupt the flow of the cabin—especially for the flight attendants working up front or passengers seated in first or business class. Many airlines actually discourage standing in the galley or crowding near the cockpit area for safety and security reasons.
Instead, keep an eye on the lavatory light indicator. If it’s occupied, stay seated until it becomes available. If you absolutely must wait nearby, do so quietly and out of the way, ideally near the economy section/aft restrooms. A little spatial awareness goes a long way in keeping things moving smoothly and respectfully on board.
Do: Use Overhead Bin Space Thoughtfully
Overhead space is precious real estate. If possible, place your carry-on directly above your own seat—this keeps the boarding and deplaning process smooth for everyone. If you're tempted to stash your bag several rows ahead, think twice. Doing so can delay others and cause chaos when it’s time to exit. Also, avoid storing small items up there if the cabin is full—if it can fit neatly under the seat in front of you, please use that space. It’s also easier to access items under the seat in front of you during flight instead of having to open the overhead bin. If you need to open the overhead bin during flight, be cautious as items may shift during take off and flight maneuvers. You’d hate for things to fall on you or other passengers when you open the bin.
Don’t: Bring More Than Two Carry-On Items
Airlines have clear guidelines for a reason: one carry-on bag and one personal item—that’s it. Overpacking or bringing additional loose items like shopping bags, extra totes, or oversized purses can slow down boarding, eat up precious overhead bin space, and create unnecessary stress for everyone around you.
A good rule of thumb is this: if it doesn’t fit under the seat or in the overhead bin, it shouldn’t come on board. Your personal item should be small enough to slide under the seat in front of you—think a backpack, purse, or laptop bag. Your carry-on should meet your airline’s size requirements and fit comfortably in the overhead compartment. Stick to the limit, keep things organized, and you’ll make the boarding process a whole lot smoother—for yourself and everyone else in line.
Don’t: Chat Loudly During Quiet Hours
When the cabin lights dim, it’s the airline’s subtle cue that it’s time to relax. Even if you’re catching up with your travel buddy, keep your voice low so others can sleep, read, or watch their movies in peace. Remember, everyone’s on their own schedule, and that quiet time might be the only rest your fellow traveler gets.
Do: Wear Headphones for Entertainment
Whether it’s a podcast, movie, or voice memo—always use headphones. Sound travels easily on planes, and what might seem like low volume to you can be very distracting to someone nearby. Keep a pair of reliable earbuds or noise-canceling headphones in your carry-on, and always be ready to plug in rather than play aloud. This goes for your kiddos too. Miss Rachel or Bluey are great tools to entertain your small travelers, but everyone else likely doesn’t want to listen.
Don’t: Pack Electronics or Battery-Operated Devices in Checked Luggage
It might be tempting to lighten your carry-on by tossing your tablet, laptop, or spare battery packs into your checked suitcase—but it’s a big no-no for both safety and practicality. Lithium-ion batteries, which power most of our devices, can pose a fire risk if they malfunction or overheat. That’s why most airlines and aviation authorities strictly prohibit them from being stored in the cargo hold.
Beyond the safety concern, there’s the matter of accessibility. If your luggage is delayed, lost, or damaged, you could be without your essential tech for days—or worse, arrive at your destination with a cracked screen or a dead device. Instead, keep all electronics, chargers, power banks, and spare batteries in your personal item or carry-on bag, where they’re both safe and within reach when you need them most.
Don’t: Drink Tea, Coffee, or Beverages With Ice On Board
While it may come as a surprise, the water used to make hot drinks or ice on planes isn’t always the cleanest. Although regulations have improved over the years, it’s still a good idea to skip in-flight coffee and tea. Instead, grab your favorite drink at the airport or bring a refillable water bottle to keep hydrated with bottled or filtered water you trust. You can bring ice through TSA security but it has to be entirely frozen solid when you present for screening. If you plan to bring ice with you, be sure to select drinkware that’s well insulated.
Do: Wait Your Turn to Exit the Plane
We’ve all seen it—the moment the seatbelt sign turns off and passengers from the back rows rush forward. Unless you’ve alerted a flight attendant about a tight connection, it’s best to wait until the rows ahead of you have exited. The process flows much smoother when everyone disembarks in order. Patience, in this case, really is a virtue.
By practicing these simple, thoughtful habits, you’ll help make every journey more enjoyable—not just for yourself, but for everyone you share the cabin with. Air travel is a shared experience, and a little courtesy goes a long way.
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Reach out to Travel Dolce today, and let’s get you flying in style—with grace and good etiquette in tow.
