Flying soon? 7 essential flight etiquette hacks to fly stress-free—don’t be ‘that’ passenger

Flying can be anything from a quick escape to a marathon journey, but one thing’s for sure, it often tests your patience, endurance, and social skills. Navigating the world of airplane etiquette can be the key to turning a stressful trip into a smooth one.

Here’s a quick guide to help you become the kind of passenger others will remember kindly, with a little help from cabin crew.

We get it, sitting for hours is rough. But mid-flight lunges in the aisle: No, thanks. A casual stretch is fine, but if your yoga routine needs a mat and mood lighting, wait until you’re off the plane.

Unless you want to star in a flight horror story, bare feet don’t belong on the armrest in front of you, on someone’s seatback, or anywhere beyond your own floor space. Shoes on, please.

Many of us have encountered passengers who hold loud conversations in the boarding line, turning the space into their personal podcast. While sharing is natural, discussing private matters like investments or family issues on speakerphone can be distracting to those around you. It’s always best to save such calls for a more appropriate time—after the seatbelt sign is off—so everyone can enjoy a calm and comfortable journey.

While your seat does recline, it’s considerate to avoid reclining suddenly—especially when snacks are being served. A little thoughtfulness can make a big difference, particularly for the person behind you who’s trying to enjoy their meal in comfort.

No one minds a crying baby. It happens. What people do mind are grown adults throwing tantrums because the drink cart is slow. Be kind to parents doing their best—and maybe, offer a smile. It won’t hurt.

Flight attendants manage a busy environment and are there to help. Politeness and patience go a long way, especially during stressful situations like turbulence or delays.

Manage your carry on thoughtfully
Keep your carry-on bags properly stowed and avoid taking up extra overhead bin space with more than you need. This helps boarding and disembarking go smoothly for everyone.