{"id":67779,"date":"2025-10-09T13:35:28","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T20:35:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=67779"},"modified":"2025-10-09T13:35:28","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T20:35:28","slug":"flight-etiquette-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/flight-etiquette-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"TIPS FROM A FLIGHT ATTENDANT: ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FLIGHT ETIQUETTE"},"content":{"rendered":"

Between my job as a flight attendant and my solo travel adventures, I take nearly 100 flights a year. From Amsterdam to the beaches of Los Angeles, to street food in Bangkok and tapas in Barcelona. And I understand that squeezing into a cramped seat for a 12-hour flight is definitely not the highlight of the journey.<\/p>\n

Flight etiquette (or, as I like to call it, flight decorum) often seems to vanish somewhere between check-in and takeoff, because, well, emotions run high in airports. But just like on the ground, getting along up in the air takes a bit of teamwork. When you\u2019re sealed into a flying metal tube with 400 strangers at 30,000 feet, a little courtesy goes a long way. As flight attendants, we\u2019re trained to keep things smooth. But truthfully? We\u2019d much rather spend the flight serving smiles than playing referee.<\/p>\n

Now, I love my job, and the people I work with are always kind and thoughtful. But for many, flying isn\u2019t exactly an everyday activity. And when the unfamiliar meets the uncomfortable, even the nicest travellers can forget what to do on a flight. I get asked this one hot topic all the time: \u201cCan I recline my seat?\u201d However, flight etiquette extends far beyond seat angles. In this article, we\u2019ll go over everything I\u2019ve learned in my 10+ years as a flight attendant.<\/p>\n

It starts before you even step on board with smart packing, a little pre-flight prep, and common sense. Real in-flight etiquette? It begins with you. Because who wants to kick off their well-deserved holiday with tension at 30,000 feet? All we really want is to get comfy, binge some movies, catch some sleep, and magically wake up right before landing.<\/p>\n

\"Cabin<\/p>\n

What Is Flight Etiquette?<\/h2>\n

I like to think of flight etiquette as the unspoken rules that live somewhere between good manners and basic common sense. It\u2019s the kind of behaviour that helps everyone\u2014passengers and crew\u2014have a smoother, more pleasant flight. <\/p>\n

Must-Know Flight Etiquette Tips<\/h2>\n

Here are my top 12 flight etiquette tips that every traveler should keep in mind when flying!<\/p>\n

1) Be Nice To The Flight Attendants<\/h2>\n

Delays? Annoying. Your favourite meal is gone? Total letdown. Does your hand luggage need to be checked in? Bummer. But none of that is the flight attendant\u2019s fault, so please, don\u2019t take it out on us.<\/p>\n

A \u2018hello\u2019 or \u2018good day\u2019 is always appreciated when boarding.<\/p>\n

Pulling, poking, or even friendly slapping to get our attention? Big no. Think of it this way. Would you poke a waitress or a Target employee? Would you like it if someone poked you? I surely hope not. <\/p>\n

You\u2019d be surprised at how much this happens. I get poked or my apron gets pulled pretty much every flight, and it\u2019s one of my biggest pet peeves. So what should you do?<\/p>\n

A polite wave, raising your hand, or a simple \u2018excuse me, ma\u2019am\u2019, works like a charm. Believe me, we\u2019re trained for sounds like that. And if that fails, there\u2019s always the call attendant button above your head or on your screen.<\/p>\n

\"Cabin<\/p>\n

2) Can I Recline My Seat?<\/h2>\n

The number of questions I receive about reclining seats and the number of arguments I\u2019ve seen on social media over it is astounding. So, let\u2019s put it out there once and for all: if your seat is designed to recline, yes, you can and should recline it.<\/p>\n

Especially on long-haul night flights\u2014being comfortable is the goal, right? Just remember to keep your seat upright during takeoff, landing, and meal service. <\/p>\n

Now, just because someone feels like seats shouldn\u2019t recline because space is tight enough for them, doesn\u2019t give them the right to police other passengers. If you need extra space, consider an exit row, bulkhead seat, or upgrade to Economy Comfort.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re going to recline your seat, do it with care. Don\u2019t just slam it back like you\u2019re launching a surprise attack. Take a quick look behind to see if the person has finished eating, then ease it back slowly.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve had people comment on my Instagram saying that reclining your seat is selfish. But as a flight attendant, let me set the record straight: it\u2019s not. The seats are made to recline\u2014so how about we all just… recline together?<\/p>\n

When it ever becomes an issue between passengers (which it does more often than you\u2019d think), and a flight attendant has to step in, we\u2019ll always back the fact that reclining is allowed. We\u2019ve even had situations where someone got so upset they started kicking the seat in front of them.<\/p>\n

Moral of the story? Recline when it\u2019s permitted, but do it with respect.<\/p>\n

3) Be Mindful Of The People Around You<\/h2>\n

Sitting elbow to elbow with a stranger isn\u2019t exactly anyone\u2019s idea of fun. Let\u2019s not sugarcoat it. That\u2019s why it\u2019s even more important to be mindful of the people around you.<\/p>\n

Treat your fellow passengers like your temporary neighbours: wear headphones if you\u2019re watching a Netflix show, don\u2019t eat strong-smelling foods, and try to keep your limbs in your own little bubble.<\/p>\n

Yes, space is tight, but that doesn\u2019t mean the seat in front is a footrest, a drum kit, or a punching bag for your knees.<\/p>\n

\"Fushimi<\/p>\n

4) Pack An In-Flight Bag With Flight Essentials<\/h2>\n

I can\u2019t stress enough how important it is to have a well-packed in-flight backpack (or a cute tote bag) with all your essentials. I personally prefer a backpack that fits under the seat in front of me, so everything is within arm\u2019s reach.<\/p>\n

Why? Because nothing\u2019s worse than constantly having to get up to rummage through the overhead bin mid-flight. Save yourself the hassle and keep your go-to items close by.<\/p>\n

What to pack? Think power cords, loads of snacks (seriously, loads), a water tumbler, an iPad for movies or series, and a Kindle (or go old-school like me and bring a real book). <\/p>\n

Don\u2019t forget a little makeup kit, personal hygiene essentials, cosy socks, a sleeping mask, earplugs and a neck pillow.<\/p>\n

5) The \u2018Dreaded\u2019 Middle Seat<\/h2>\n

Let\u2019s be honest, the middle seat is the one nobody wants to sit in. It\u2019s easily the most uncomfortable spot, especially when you\u2019re sandwiched between two strangers. I\u2019m not even tall, and I\u2019ve never felt so awkward in my life as I did stuck in that middle seat.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s just something about it that feels extra cramped. You\u2019re hyper-aware of every elbow, every inch of space, and trying s<\/i>o hard not to accidentally touch anyone. <\/p>\n

Here\u2019s my golden rule: if you\u2019re in the middle seat, you get the armrests. Period. The aisle and window seats already have their perks, so be kind, don\u2019t hog the middle armrests too. Let the poor middle-seat warrior have something.<\/p>\n

\"on<\/p>\n

6) Personal Hygiene Is A Must<\/h2>\n

Travelling is stressful. Airports are chaotic. Flying isn\u2019t exactly a spa day. Most of us are rushing, sweating, and running to catch a connecting flight. I get it.<\/p>\n

But imagine being stuck next to someone for 12 hours who smells like they ran a marathon… and then skipped the shower and hopped on a flight.<\/p>\n

It may sound like a no-brainer, but basic hygiene is essential on a plane. So please: shower before your flight, brush your teeth, apply some deodorant, and pack a fresh shirt if it\u2019s going to be a long travel day.<\/p>\n

A small personal hygiene kit, including a travel-size toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and possibly a light body spray, is a must on a long-haul flight. And the best thing, during a long flight, there\u2019s plenty of time to freshen up.<\/p>\n

7) Don\u2019t Break The Hand Luggage Rules<\/h2>\n

Every airline has its own rules regarding hand luggage, but honestly, there should be one universal rule: follow them. I totally get that passengers want to avoid checked baggage fees, but that doesn\u2019t mean hand luggage rules magically don\u2019t apply. Those size and weight limits are there for a reason.<\/p>\n

The overhead bin above your seat is not your personal locker. It\u2019s shared space. Don\u2019t be that person who takes over the entire overhead bin with a mountain of bags. And if it\u2019s already full? You use up any other open space. <\/p>\n

If you\u2019re bringing more than a trolley bag, stash your extra items under the seat in front of you. Not only is it more considerate to fellow passengers, but it also speeds up boarding, which means we can all take off without the luggage drama.<\/p>\n

\"Krabi<\/p>\n

8) Help Speed Up The Boarding Process<\/h2>\n

Getting a plane ready for departure is a carefully timed series of procedures. The crew and ground staff follow a step-by-step process, and each step depends on the one before it being completed.<\/p>\n

One of them is that everyone must be seated and all luggage bins closed for us to proceed. If one part of the puzzle isn\u2019t done, we can\u2019t call it \u2018ready for takeoff\u2019, which can lead to delays. And delays don\u2019t just mess with your arrival time! They mess with people\u2019s connections, transport plans, and, well… moods.<\/p>\n

So here\u2019s the deal: when you board, have your passport and boarding pass ready for inspection. Go straight to your seat, pop your trolley in the overhead bin, slide your inflight back under the seat, and sit down. Easy. Everything you need during the flight should be packed in your in-flight bag.<\/p>\n

You\u2019d be surprised how many passengers wander around as if it were a sightseeing tour, until we have to kindly remind them to take their seats.<\/p>\n

9) Take Off Your Headphones When Necessary<\/h2>\n

Headphones and earplugs are a plane essential. However, when speaking with someone, especially the crew, consider taking them off or at least pausing the audio.<\/p>\n

Between the constant white noise, chatty passengers, and the occasional baby crying, it\u2019s already a challenge to hear each other on board. So help us out: make eye contact, take out your earbuds, and speak clearly. It\u2019s a small gesture that makes a big difference.<\/p>\n

And yes, this goes double when a flight attendant is speaking to you. Whether it’s about your meal choice, safety instructions, or asking you to fasten your seatbelt, being fully present (and able to hear) shows respect and ensures you don\u2019t miss something important.<\/p>\n

\"Seven<\/p>\n

10) Bring Your Own Snacks<\/h2>\n

Airplane food doesn\u2019t exactly have a five-star reputation, but I think it has improved immensely over the years. Personally, I\u2019m not bothered by it. I eat it all the time when I\u2019m working, from economy meals to business class.<\/p>\n

That said, if you\u2019re not a fan of the meals offered or your preferred option runs out, which unfortunately can happen, it\u2019s always smart to bring your own food. It\u2019s challenging to predict how many people will prefer pasta over chicken, and space on board is limited. <\/p>\n

Stick to easy snacks like granola bars, chips, popcorn, fruit, jerky, cut-up veggies, nuts, chocolate, crackers or a sandwich (eat that one early since it won\u2019t be refrigerated). Cup noodles are also a classic, and you can ask the crew for hot water.<\/p>\n

For those with dietary restrictions, please request a special meal when booking your ticket through the website or app. If you don\u2019t pre-order it, it won\u2019t be on board. If you’re gluten-free, vegan, or have other dietary restrictions, consider packing your own snacks just in case. Better safe (and fed) than sorry!<\/p>\n

11) Don\u2019t Walk Around Barefoot<\/h2>\n

Who are these people walking around barefoot on a plane? Let\u2019s all agree\u2014it\u2019s time to put a stop to this. Yes, the aircraft gets cleaned, but still… no one wants to see your bare feet, smell them, or accidentally make eye contact with your toes. Just no.<\/p>\n

Besides the ick factor, there could be sharp objects on the floor, and we roll heavy carts down the aisle. You really don\u2019t want to risk losing a toe mid-flight.<\/p>\n

And please don\u2019t walk into the lavatory barefoot. I hate to break it to you, but that\u2019s probably not water on the floor. Please keep your shoes on in the lavatories and bring slippers or thick socks for the flight. Easy slip-ons are recommended. This isn\u2019t your living room, friends.<\/p>\n

12) Let\u2019s Talk About Babies & Children<\/h2>\n

A 12-hour flight is rough even for adults, so expecting kids to sit still the entire time? It\u2019s a big ask and we know that. Yes, your little ones can stretch their legs, play in a corner after the meal service, and you\u2019re more than welcome to take them for a walk to the galley.<\/p>\n

But a plane isn\u2019t a playground. During meal service, when we\u2019re pushing heavy carts down the aisle and walking around with hot coffee and tea, it\u2019s really hard to spot a small child crawling on the floor. For everyone\u2019s safety (especially your child\u2019s), keep them seated during those times.<\/p>\n

True story: after meal service one day, I sat down in the galley to finally eat dinner myself. A parent showed up with their child, who started running in circles around me, slapping my legs while I was trying to eat. The parent just stood there. I had to politely explain that I was trying to eat and kindly ask her to keep her child with her. You\u2019d think that would be common sense, right?<\/p>\n

If you’re travelling with a baby, please don\u2019t change nappies at your seat! Use the lavatory and toss the nappy in the waste bin. It\u2019s unhygienic and honestly just inconsiderate to change a diaper next to other passengers. And yes, this still happens.<\/p>\n

To make your life easier as a parent: book the family row if you\u2019re travelling with a baby, so you can request a baby bassinet. Bring plenty of snacks, toys, books, an iPad and other entertainment to keep your little ones happy. Trust me, a bit of prep goes a long way.<\/p>\n

\"inflight<\/p>\n

Flight Etiquette Wrap Up<\/h2>\n

Flying long-haul doesn\u2019t have to feel like a test of endurance for you, the strangers next to you, or the crew. A little awareness, preparation, and kindness can turn a stressful 12-hour journey into something, dare I say,  surprisingly enjoyable.<\/p>\n

This is your guilt-free moment to do absolutely nothing. Binge an entire season of The White Lotus, flip through trashy magazines, slap on a hydrating face mask, sip that Chardonnay, and fully lean into your soft girl energy at 30,000 feet.<\/p>\n

I adore my passengers. They\u2019re kind, sweet, and thoughtful. But every now and then? A little friction sneaks in. That\u2019s normal. People are tired, stressed, and sometimes just trying to keep it together.<\/p>\n

But after over a decade in the skies, I can promise you this. When we all arrive with preparation, pre-vacation happiness, and kindness, the flight becomes smoother for everyone.<\/p>\n

*All opinions are my own and do not represent my airline<\/i><\/p>\n

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We hope this article has provided some useful tips on flight etiquette.<\/b><\/i> If you have questions about flight etiquette or tips to share with our readers please leave these in the comments below.<\/b><\/i><\/p>\n

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