Kate Hackett
Yup, it’s that time of year: vacation season! And even in 2022, despite the pandemic still going on, people are finally really taking off for a relaxing good time.
To help you out as you fly through the air, we compiled some great answers to u/KaylamityJane‘s question on Reddit, “Frequent flyers of Reddit, what’s basic etiquette for flying that most people don’t know/follow?”
1. Jewelry
“Before going through security, please don’t wear a million pieces of jewelry. It takes forever to get through and holds everyone up.” —Anonymous
2. Shoes
“After going through security with your shoes off, don’t stand in the middle of where everyone goes through. Put your shoes back on in one of the designated areas/benches — or else you’re just a road block.” —Anonymous
3. Check behind you
“I’ve flown over a million miles so hopefully this helps. Make sure to check behind you before you throw your seat back when reclining.” —u/Kazimierz3000
4. Don’t be a dick with the overheads
“The overhead bins are shared spaces — if you have a backpack, it’s best under the seat in front of you to save room in the overhead.” —u/Kazimierz3000
5. Have it ready
“Have your boarding pass, your ID, and passport (if applicable) on-hand BEFORE you approach the gate.” —u/cpl1
6. Good luck enforcing this
“Depending on the plane, the person in the window seat gets the wall and an armrest, the middle person gets two armrests, the aisle person gets a little extra leg room and an armrest.” —u/Kazimierz3000
7. More arm rest info
“But if it’s one of the planes with six armrests, if you have the window or end seat, don’t glom the shared arm rests for the middle person!” —Anonymous
8. Respect
“Treat your flight attendants with respect. Most of all flying is inherently miserable, so don’t be a dick.” —u/Kazimierz3000
9. No small talk
“This one is pretty general, but from experience, I guess it still needs saying: If a person has headphones on, earbuds in, whatever, don’t try to make small talk. It’s nothing personal, but some people have really long days at airports. Can’t tell you how many red-eyes I’ve caught after waiting standby all day and just don’t want to talk.” —u/Maj_Prismatic
10. Music volume
“If you’re listening to music, be reasonable about the volume. The people around you shouldn’t be able to hear your tunes.” —u/Maj_Prismatic
11. Shoes on
“KEEP. YOUR. SHOES. ON.” —Anonymous
12. Alternate rows
“For the love of God, if everyone could learn that people should get out of their seat by alternating rows, de-boarding would be so much easier.” —u/A2134263148a
13. Just wait
“When they start the boarding process, you don’t have to stand up and queue. It usually takes a long time and you have a seat assigned to you anyway, so relax a bit more before your flight.” —u/annievaxxer
14. This is just smart everywhere
“Don’t assume things about people’s races or nationalities, since you encounter people from all over the world in an airport. My mother tried talking to a guy in Japanese, and he was like ‘Dafaq? I’m from Canada.'” —Deleted
15. Kids
“If your kid kicks my seat one more time — ugh! Control your kids and correct them.”—u/playground94
16. Ewwww.
“Shower and wear deodorant prior to flying. We are in a windowless aircraft.” —u/Lotsaa1
17. The HAIR
“Keep your hair, feet, and hands to your effing self.” —u/GrimmandLily
