Travel Etiquette: How to Be a Polite Passenger

Humans generally exhibit civilized behavior. We refrain from going barefoot in restaurants or treating our friends’ spaces like landfills. Yet, as soon as we enter an airport or board a plane, our manners often disappear. The chaos of travel seems to give us a license to discard everyday rules. But everyday rules are crucial, especially with the Transportation Security Administration reporting over 2 million daily passengers passing through security. A lack of courtesy, such as hogging an armrest or eating smelly food, can ruin the experience for others. Here are 52 rules to ensure you travel as a considerate passenger.

Pre-flight Etiquette

1. Dress Smartly: Dress comfortably, but stay appropriate. Consider dressing a step above the bare minimum.

2. Manage Your Airport Rides: Do not regularly ask friends for airport rides. Traffic is never pleasant.

3. Punctuality Matters: Arrive early and be prepared to wait if you are late.

4. TSA PreCheck Consideration: If your partner doesn’t have TSA PreCheck despite reminders, proceed alone. Meet them after security.

5. Prepare for Security: Ready your belongings before the security line. Dispose of liquids, remove outerwear, and keep it swift and smooth.

Quiz: Who Deserves a Ride to the Airport?

6. Know the Rules: Check TSA guidelines to avoid taking prohibited items like peanut butter as it’s considered a liquid.

7. Snack Wisely: Prepare snacks that are neither pungent nor messy.

8. Airport Beverages Allowed: Enjoy morning beers or burgers, but stay within moderation.

9. Bring Your Own Water: Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.

10. Tip Generously: Tip for services like driving and luggage handling.

11. Use Headphones for Calls: Avoid loud conversations in public spaces.

12. Avoid Calls in Restrooms: Calls in the bathroom are disruptive. Skip them.

13. Control Your Pets: Keep your pets on leashes and well-behaved.

14. Respect Your Space: Don’t monopolize seating at the gate. Clean up your area.

15. Sleep Considerately: If you need to sleep, don’t disturb a busy gate area.

Quiz: Who Gets a Tip at the Airport?

Maximize Space and Patience

16. Share Outlets: Share charging stations and consider using multi-port charging devices.

17. Boarding Group Etiquette: Respect your assigned boarding group.

18. Recognize Personal Items: Understand your luggage limits and consolidate personal items.

19. Accept Bag Checks: Comply calmly when asked to check your bag.

Flying Courtesy

20. Greet the Crew: Offer a friendly hello to flight attendants.

21. Efficient Seat Finding: Settle into your seat quickly to avoid blocking others.

22. Mind Others’ Belongings: Don’t adjust others’ bags without permission.

23. Conserve Bin Space: Use overhead space wisely, primarily for carry-ons.

24. Seat Switching: Swapping seats is typically unwelcome unless it’s clearly beneficial.

25. Acknowledge Signs of Non-communication: Respect fellow travelers’ cues to not chat.

26. Follow Flight Attendant Instructions: They prioritize safety, not just convenience.

27. Emergency Exit Misuse: Avoid opening any emergency exits. It poses legal issues.

Quiz: Reclining Your Airplane Seat Is Okay When?

28. Maintain Personal Space: Keep your limbs away from your neighbor’s space.

29. Consider Reclining Policies: Limit reclining and consult the passenger behind if necessary.

30. Armrest Sharing: The middle seat passenger should have priority on both armrests.

31. Aisle Seat Guide: Responsibly accommodate if others need to move.

32. Window Decisions: The window seat occupant controls the shade settings.

33. Footwear Rules: Keep both shoes and socks on during flights.

34. Avoid In-seat Grooming: Refrain from personal grooming that can affect others.

35. Be Wary of Screen Content: Choose non-offensive material with visible screens.

36. Use Headphones for Sound: Playing sound aloud without headphones is unacceptable.

37. Avoid Messy Foods: Prefer foods that don’t leave spills or odors.

38. Appropriate Use of Call Buttons: Reserve the flight attendant button for actual issues.

39. Avoid Confrontations: Engage positively, avoid disagreements.

40. Sleep Respectfully: Don’t fall asleep on neighboring passengers.

41. Obey Seatbelt Signs: Comply with the seatbelt sign at all times for safety.

42. No Vaping: Electronic smoking devices are also prohibited on flights.

43. Avoid Excessive Drinking: Drink responsibly and follow attendants’ guidance.

44. Clean Lavatories: Keep airplane restrooms clean.

45. Be Kind to Parents: Show understanding toward parents traveling with babies.

Post-flight Conduct

Quiz: Is It Okay to Stand Up and Deplane When?

46. Landing Approval: Avoid clapping for landings unless culturally relevant.

47. Aisle Movement Etiquette: Wait your turn to deplane, allowing easy access for tight connections.

48. Clean Up After Yourself: Dispose of trash before leaving the plane.

49. Offer Assistance: Help others with their luggage if possible.

50. Appreciate the Crew: Thank the flight staff as you exit.

51. Baggage Claim Etiquette: Remain calm and allow space for others at the carousel.

52. Skip Airport Pickups: Airport pickups can be more troublesome than drop-offs. Consider other options.