Whether you're a frequent flyer or just going on a week-long getaway, there are definitely clear do's and don'ts when it comes to airplane etiquette. These are some tips to know before you go to make everyone's lives, including your own, easier while you're traveling.
1. Check-in ahead of time and have your boarding pass
Nowadays, you can check into your flight at least a day in advance, and you can usually get your boarding pass on your phone or your email. This will save you time when you get to the airport so you can just go right through security and save the hassle of waiting in line at the counter.
2. When boarding, have everything you want for the flight out and ready
Nothing is more annoying than people who take forever to put their bags in the overhead compartment when boarding the plane. They take up the whole aisle rifling through their bag looking for their headphones or their book for the flight which holds up the people behind them from getting to their seats. Have what you want ready so you an quickly throw your stuff up top and get into your seat. You'll be situated faster and keep the boarding line moving.
Also, you can have your bags under the seat in front of you. If you're one of those people who loves to go through your bag, just keep it in front of you so you don't have to constantly get up during the flight.
3. Don't block the aisle talking to your friends during the flight
This is especially true if you're in a smaller airplane. The flight attendants are constantly running up and down the aisle, and you're making it harder for them because you wanted to talk to Gary about something that can wait until after the flight. Also, you really should always be in your seat at all times with your seat belt fastened unless you're going to the bathroom.
4. Keep PDA to a minimal
As someone who had to sit next to a very obvious PDA couple on a plane, I think I speak for every solo flyer out there when I say, couples, please keep the PDA to a minimal. Look, I'm not saying don't give your significant other a kiss here and there or don't rest your head on each other, but you also don't need to be caressing the inside of their leg either. You're just making whoever you're sitting next to uncomfortable and I guarantee there is nothing that sexy about being on a plane. You can wait until you get to wherever you're going. I'm sure you'll have more space than being cramped together for two and half hours.
5. Don't fall asleep on people
Again, as someone who has experienced this, please don't fall asleep on someone. It's really awkward. If you know you're a plane-sleeper, try to get a window seat. That way, you can lean on the window instead of the stranger next to you.
6. Don't talk over people to your friend sitting three rows ahead of you
You'd be surprised how often this happens. People will shout over a few rows of seats and have a full-blown conversation with their friends. This is extremely inconsiderate to the people who are trying to sleep (hopefully not on their neighbors) and just very poor manners. Similar to the aisle-blocker, I'm sure whatever you need to say can wait until after the flight.
7. If someone has their headphones in, don't try to have a conversation with them
Headphones in is a pretty universal sign of "don't talk to me." So if the person sitting next to you has their headphones in, you should really not be bothering them unless you need to get up to go to the bathroom.
8. Wait your turn when exiting the plane.
If you're in the back of the plane, don't go rushing to the front. There's a pretty unspoken rule that you exit in rows, and you look like a jerk if you do it otherwise. Just be patient and wait your turn. Everyone is as anxious to get off the plane as you are, I promise.
Be an aware and easy flyer. It really will make your life and everyone else's much easier.
