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

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Whether you’re a frequent flyer who travels around the world for work or only get on a plane twice a year to treat yourself to a well-deserved break, most of us have flown at some point in the last few months.

And regardless of the reason for traveling, we all want a relaxed flight so that we arrive refreshed and ready to continue our journey. But as with any form of public transportation, the same applies on an airplane: your behavior on board can have a major impact on how pleasant the journey is for you and the other passengers. That’s why it’s worth paying attention to proper etiquette. After all, no one wants to be the person who provokes an argument with the person in front of them or causes others to avoid them in the toilet queue.

Read on to find out what experts say you should avoid doing on a plane and how you can change your behavior if you recognize yourself in one or more of these points.

Don’t recline your seat during the entire flight

Reclining your seat on a plane is perfectly fine and can help you relax. However, it is important to choose the right moment and be considerate of the person behind you. According to etiquette coach Mariah Grumet, you should wait until meals are no longer being served. If you need more comfort right away, you can use a foot hammock instead of reclining to stretch out without disturbing others.

Don’t take off your socks on the plane

On long-haul flights, some people take off their shoes and socks as soon as the seat belt sign is turned off. However, according to experts, this quickly causes resentment, whether because of the smell, the sight of bare feet, or germs in the carpet. It is better to wear light onboard shoes or compression stockings, which are more hygienic and considerate.

Don’t pollute the air on the plane

Even if you avoid unpleasant foot odors, you should not spread strong scents on the plane. Spraying perfume, painting your nails, or eating strong-smelling snacks such as tuna can disturb fellow passengers or trigger allergies. It is better to lightly scent your clothes or travel pillow before the flight or use a roll-on fragrance to keep the air pleasant for everyone.

Don’t be unfriendly to parents

A crying baby on a plane can be exhausting, but don’t make life even harder for stressed parents. Friendliness helps more than whispering or angry glances. Parents with older children should make sure that they do not run around the cabin unsupervised, as this is disruptive and can lead to injuries.

Don’t fall asleep on someone else’s shoulder

Taking a nap on the plane is fine, especially on long flights or to combat jet lag, but not on the shoulder of the person sitting next to you, whether they are a stranger or someone you know. This is rude, can prevent the other person from eating, sleeping, or going to the toilet, and often results in you being woken up. It’s better to use a neck pillow to make the flight comfortable for everyone.

Don’t be drunk before you board the plane

A drink before departure is fine, but boarding the plane drunk can result in nausea, bad behavior, and, in the worst case, a flight ban. Hold back, drink water, and save the alcohol for when you arrive.

Don’t rush to get off the plane

There’s no point in rushing after landing. According to Mariah Grumet of Business Insider, it is most polite to let the front rows disembark first. If you are not sitting at the front, it is better to wait until it is your turn. Exception: a tight connecting flight. In this case, inform the cabin crew so that they can help you disembark quickly.