Basic Flight Etiquette and Courtesy

Our resident travel etiquette guru, Elizabeth Soós of Auersmont School of Etiquette, is traveling again. So I asked if so would share some of her favorite etiquette tips for when flying. Her advice is below…

Looks like you made it! You have gone through all the necessary checks and now you can relax into your chair and watch those movies you haven’t had a chance to watch on Netflix because you have been so busy. Well, you will in a minute or two…

What Is Plane Etiquette?

As you walk down the jet bridge to the plane don’t forget to practice your smile and think about what you will say to airline crew. We can walk through without even thinking, being pleasant and welcoming as the crew are to you will help you when you need it. Don’t use this greeting just upon entering but to the crew inside that are waiting to help before departing.

So, you have found your seat, great! Now, place your cabin luggage in the overhead locker and stow your bag under the seat in front. If you have the window seat, then it will be more effiencnt for everyone in your row to be seated. If you have the aisle seat, then be ready to jump up to allow passenger to get seated. Once you are seated and clicked in your seat belt, take the time to review safety instructions, no matter how often you travel. Traveling through Samoa, I met an ex-flight attendant who explained the most terrifying story. Working for a Hawaiian islands based airlines, part of its roof tore off mid-air, due to the major turbulence within the cabin she was thrown around, today she lives with serious back issues.

Interestingly, one of the announcements was one I had never heard before: It was this, “Ladies and gentlemen, we kindly remind you to respect the privacy of our customers and crew. Please do not take photos or record videos of other passengers or staff without their permission.” That was not just a new point to remember, but a valid one. Please be kind enough to listen to all announcements, you never know, it may save your life!

Plane Seat Etiquette

Once the plane has gained altitude, the seat belt light is switched off, then please do what you need to, just remember staff will be walking swiftly in, preparing to serve food, if there is a meal which will be served, and/or drinks to make the flight more bearable. When travelling long distance, I use this time to catch up on the latest movies which helps me stay in my seat, taking breaks every couple of hours going for a walk and stretching, while sipping bottled water.

I recently was on a 7-hour flight from Thailand to Reunion and I had to be sitting next to the two most incontinent people on the flight. Every hour on the hour the couple would quickly go to the toilet and darting back again. I would have to gather up my pillow and blanket, press pause on the movie, remove headphones, then move out from my chair each and every time. I would have rather them leave every couple of hours and take longer to get back rather than getting up and down like a kangaroo. If you feel uncomfortable or restless take time out from your seat for 30 minutes every 2 hours, walk and stretch and keep hydrated, this will help your body feel relaxed.

Middle Seat Etiquette

I make it a point before paying for my ticket to make sure that I am not in the middle seat for long haul flights. If you are sitting in the middle chair, then you have the difficult job of making sure of a few things. One - you are not leaning on anyone whilst sleeping. Two - that your legs and feet are not going over into the space of those window or aisle side and that you are sharing the armrests with those beside you. Three - Try to stay upright while sleeping, rather than sliding sideways and resting yourself on a stranger, it won’t be appreciated and you will be pushed back. Also, it will be your job to move to the side if the person, window side, needs to use the amenities. It’s not easy being in the middle!

Chair and Armrest Etiquette

What is the etiquette for armrests and reclining your chair? Arm rests are interesting. Some people like to lean on armrests and some like to keep to themselves. I would say sharing is best if you are both armrest leaners. The better time to recline your chair is after food has been served and then cleared. The person at the back of you doesn’t want to have their tray table cutting into their ribs because you have reclined your seat early, show consideration. Crew will turn off lights and that is your sign to recline your chair, not before. Upon reclining, it gives people around you the signal you are ready to relax.

In-Flight Meal Etiquette

I have found on different carriers they will serve food to match their cultural roots. For example, Air India will service curries or biryani or Thai Airways, pad kra pao or massaman curry. I look forward to what is served, there are four main seating classes, and each will have its own food service and choices or the absence of choice. Use your dining etiquette when eating which means not eating with your mouth open and keeping eating noises as non-existent as possible. Always keep your area clean which includes your tray table and ground.

Hygiene Etiquette When Flying

Never have feet up, especially bare feet or in dirty shoes, or on people seats, back of seats or hanging out in the aisle. If you have long hair, make sure that is not hanging over or between the seats, place it into a bun. It really makes it uncomfortable for people. If you want to freshen up, it’s best not to do it at your table. Go to the restroom. 

Do you feel bloated and gaseous when flying? Well, you are not imagining it, Boyle’s Law is when pressure decreases, gases expand and you may have abdominal discomfort. When you are feeling like this head for the lavatory. The cubicle although small, if packed with goodies such as toothbrushes and paste, female hygiene products, and even the airlines ‘scent’. Why not freshen up, wipe your face, reapply make-up, brush hair and teeth and apply deodorant. Avoid doing this when it’s time to land or directly after a meal, there will be a line of impatient guests.

Exiting The Plane

Beep, Beep… “we will be commencing our descent shortly”, thank goodness! The flight is nearly over, again you will need to listen to the instructions and tidy up. Once the aircraft has landed, wait for the signal to stand and pull out cabin baggage cautiously. Wait patiently and don’t push your way to freedom and fresh air, although you might want to. When walking down the aisles, I am shocked when passing through business or premium class, how messy and littered these areas become. Paying more doesn’t mean lowering standards. Staff will regularly sweep through assisting guests to dispose of their rubbish, why not use that time to clean up around you, it takes less than 30 seconds. Before exiting the plan say goodbye to staff the same way you did when boarding and thank them for a safe flight.

Happy holidays or enjoy the rest of your onward journey.

For many years, Etiquipedia contributor, Elizabeth Soos, has had a keen interest in cultural customs. With her European background and extensive travel, Soos developed an interest in the many forms of respect and cultural expectations in the countries she has visited. With her 20 years’ experience in customer service within private international companies based in Australia, and her lifetime interest in manners and research, she decided to branch out into the field of etiquette and deportment. Through her self-directed studies and by completing the Train-The-Trainer’s course offered by Emma Dupont’s School of Etiquette in London and by Guillaume Rue de Bernadac at Academie de Bernadac based in Paris and Shanghai, she founded Auersmont School of Etiquette

🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, of The RSVP Institute of Etiquette, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia