According to experts, 7 things you should never do on a plane

Whether you're a frequent flyer who jets around the world for work, or someone who hops on a plane twice a year for work, most of us will have boarded a flight at some point in recent months.

Regardless of the reason for traveling, we all want a relaxing flight that allows us to arrive at our destination rested and ready to continue our journey.

However, as with any form of public transport, the way you conduct yourself during a flight can have a huge impact on the travel experience – both for you and other passengers, which means you should pay attention to your flight etiquette , because last All you want to do is be “that person” who causes an argument with the person in the front seat or who causes other passengers to give you a wide berth in the toilet queue.

Read on to find out what experts say you should never do while flying and how to change your behavior if you're guilty of any of them…

1. Do not recline your seat for the entire flight

There's nothing wrong with reclining your seat on an airplane – we all want our journey to be as relaxing as possible, and if you want to calm down a bit, pushing your seat back can help.

But there's a time and a place for everything – and stepping back while someone is serving a meal or when someone else has something on the table isn't always the best solution.

Etiquette trainer Mariah Grumet told Business Insider that while passengers should be able to recline their seats – considering they paid for them, after all – they should be mindful of the people behind them when they do so.

If you really can't wait until the right moment to gain extra space, consider an alternative such as a foot hammock, which fits over most tray tables and allows you to stretch out without having to prop anyone up.

2. Don't take your socks off

So you're on this plane for a long haul and you want to be as relaxed as possible, and for some people that might mean kicking off their shoes and socks the moment the seat belt warning goes off.

But tell the experts – it won't make you popular with other passengers who may not like the smell of your socks or feet, especially if you're on the second leg of a very long flight and you haven't changed them in a while.

Even if you've just boarded, all clean and freshly showered, the sight of your bare tootsies can still make other passengers feel uncomfortable. Not to mention, if your airplane carpet isn't cleaned between flights, you can pick up all kinds of germs on it.

If you want to remove your shoes during a flight, Travel and Leisure suggests it would be a better idea to bring a pair of lightweight shoes to wear on board, or instead wear a pair of compression socks, which will improve blood circulation and also spare others the sight of your trotters.

3. Don't litter the plane

So you can keep your feet away from anything and everything to prevent unpleasant odors, but that doesn't mean you can use other methods to spend the next few hours cluttering up the plane you're sharing with a bunch of strangers.

Spraying perfume in the cabin, painting your nails or doing other grooming activities may result in odors that the person sitting next to you may not appreciate – there are other factors as well.

Conde Nast Traveler deputy digital editor Sarah James says: “It's not a good idea to spray anything in a closed room. Someone nearby may have asthma or allergies, and the smells may make some people feel sick.

“If you really want a soothing, spa-like scent on board, spritz a sweater, pillow or scarf before your flight, or pack a perfume roll-on to freshen up.”

Oh, and while we're on the subject, you might want to reconsider having a tuna sandwich in your carry-on, and Mariah Grumet pointed out to Business Insider that something like the smell of fish can bother other passengers. Therefore, choose your snacks carefully on board the plane.

4. Don't be mean to your parents

Yes, yes, we know that being around a crying baby on a plane can be frustrating, but that doesn't mean you have to be the person who makes it a problem for your upset parents.

Young children may get off to a good start on a plane trip if they're hungry, exhausted from the flight, or if they're otherwise uncomfortable, and Mariah Grumet says it's important to remain kind in such a situation.

“The parent is probably already very embarrassed and you don't want to add fuel to the fire by whispering or giving mean glances,” she told Business Insider.

On the other hand, if you are a parent and traveling with older children, Simply Flying recommends that you do not let them run around the cabin unsupervised. In addition to disruption to other passengers, there is also the risk that they may be injured, which is not ideal on a long flight.

5. Don't shake your head on anyone's shoulder

There's nothing wrong with catching forty blinks on a plane, especially if it's a long flight and you're trying to beat jet lag. But that doesn't mean you can just nod on the shoulder of the person sitting next to you.

If it's a complete stranger, it's rude at best and intimidating at worst. Even if you know the person you're sleeping on, it may affect their ability to do anything, such as eating, using the bathroom, or falling asleep on their own.

Not to mention you'll almost certainly wake up, ruining your sleep and ruining someone else's flight. Travel and Leisure suggests investing in a neck pillow before your flight and falling asleep instead, which will keep everyone happy.

6. Don't get drunk before boarding

We all know it's tempting to have a few drinks in the airport lounge before boarding. If you're going on holiday, you can start the party with a pint or a cheeky cocktail, or if you're nervous, you can have a drink or two to calm your nerves before your flight.

But while a quick catch is unlikely to cause any serious problems, getting drunk before boarding a plane is unacceptable. Firstly, you may start to feel the effects of the alcohol spilling out during take-off – especially if it's a bit bumpy – which can make you feel unwell throughout the flight.

And of course, as Simple Flying points out, this can also lead to bad behavior on board. Although the International Air Transport Association found in 2022 that most unruly airline passengers were not drinking, it could happen.

And the last thing you want is to be banned from flying. So if you do have a drink before your flight, don't overdo it and drink plenty of water too. You can also wait until you reach your destination before opening the wine.

7. Take your time to get off the plane

We all know you can't wait to get off the plane. You've probably been sitting there for hours, with the bright lights of your destination looming tantalizingly in the background as your plane touches down on the airport runway.

But that doesn't mean that passing everyone who wants to start first is a good plan. “The most polite way to board a plane is to let people in the front pass,” noted Mariah Grumet at Business Insider.

So instead of rushing to the exit, remember that everyone will have a chance to get off the plane and unless you're already at the front, close to the exit door, you'll just have to wait your turn.

The only exception to this rule is if you need to catch a connecting flight, but even then, as Grumet emphasizes, you should be careful of other passengers. This means that instead of jumping in line, you should let a cabin crew member know so they can help you get off the plane quickly.

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