Good Airplane Etiquette Everyone Should Follow

Let’s not pretend: flying these days is rarely fun. It’s cramped, it’s noisy, and half the people on board act like they’ve never been in public before. So let’s talk about something we all need more of: Good airplane etiquette. Because yes, you paid for a seat — but that doesn’t mean you get to forget basic human decency. Here’s how not to be that person on a plane.

1. Don’t Rush the Gate Like It’s a Concert

Talking about good airplane etiquette, the plane’s not leaving without you, and your seat isn’t going anywhere. Boarding groups exist for a reason — they keep things moving. If you’re in Group 5 and standing in the Group 1 line, guess what? You’re just clogging things up and looking impatient. Sit down and wait your turn like everyone else.

2. Overhead Bins Aren’t Personal Closets

You get one carry-on and one personal item. That doesn’t mean three shopping bags, a backpack, and your jacket all shoved into the overhead bin. If it fits under the seat, put it there. Don’t be the reason someone else has to gate-check their bag.

3. Middle Seat Gets Both Armrests — End of Story

The window gets the wall. Aisle gets legroom. Middle seat? They get the armrests. It’s the only perk they have, and honestly, it’s the least we can give them. You’re not entitled to half their space just because you lean hard.

4. Reclining? Don’t Be a Jerk About It

Yes, your seat reclines. No, you don’t need to slam it back full speed while the person behind you is eating or working. Talking about good airplane etiquette, look behind you. Recline gently. Or better yet, don’t recline at all unless it’s a long-haul flight. Everyone’s uncomfortable — don’t make it worse.

5. Smells Matter (A Lot)

You’re sharing air. Talking about good airplane etiquette, if you smell like gym socks, haven’t showered, or bathed in perfume, it’s a problem. Deodorant: yes. Cologne bath: no. Tuna sandwich or egg salad mid-flight? Hard pass. Keep your shoes on. This isn’t your living room.

6. Don’t Kick the Seat in Front of You

This should be common sense, but here we are. If your knees, feet, or restless child is pounding the back of someone’s seat — fix it. Every bump is a tiny punch to the spine. Don’t be the reason someone develops air rage.

7. Keep It Down — No One Needs to Hear Your Show

Watching a movie? Playing a game? Scrolling TikTok? Cool. Use headphones. And if you're chatting with your friend across the aisle like you're in a bar, tone it down. It’s a plane, not happy hour.

8. The Aisle Isn’t Your Stretch Zone

Yes, sitting for hours sucks. Yes, your back hurts. But no, the aisle is not your yoga studio. Talking about good airplane etiquette, get up, stretch, walk a bit — fine. But don’t block the aisle, do squats in front of the lavatory, or have full-blown conversations with the flight attendants.

9. Babies Cry. Grown Adults Shouldn’t

Babies cry. It’s what they do. Talking about good airplane etiquette, don’t roll your eyes, sigh loudly, or make rude comments to the parents. They’re already stressed. You being a jerk doesn’t help. Put in your earbuds and deal with it like an adult.

10. Deboarding Isn’t a Race

The plane lands. The seatbelt sign dings. And suddenly, everyone’s an Olympic sprinter. Here’s the deal: it doesn’t matter how fast you stand — you’re not getting off any sooner if you're in Row 24. Wait for our turn. Chill out.

Bottom Line: Don’t Make Flying Worse Than It Already Is

Flying sucks sometimes — tight seats, delays, bad food, weird smells. But what makes it unbearable is people who act like the plane revolves around them. Good airplane etiquette isn’t about being fancy or overly polite. It’s about being aware that other people exist — and that maybe, just maybe, we all want to get through the flight without losing our minds. So next time you fly, don’t just pack your bags. Pack some basic manners, too. Check out our website for more details. Also Read: Top 10 Business Class Travel Tips to Make the Most of Your Flight