Airplane Pet Peeves and Faux Pas … Can We NOT?!

Air travel is a luxury, but as exciting as it can be, there are just as many factors that can sour the experience in a hurry. Today, we’re diving into a list of passenger faux pas that range from irritating to downright infuriating. It’s mostly for laughs, but if you’re guilty of any of these travel habits … consider this a friendly nudge.

Personal Space

Armrest disputes. This is an unwritten rule, but it probably should be written: If you’re in the middle seat, the armrests are yours.

Reclining your seat during meal service. While it’s totally acceptable to recline your seat, doing so during meal service is pretty careless if there’s someone seated behind you trying to eat a meal.

Kicking, tapping, and … nonconsensual footsie. It’s not uncommon for people to get restless during a flight, but not kicking or tapping the seat in front of you is self-awareness 101. And, while this may be tough for long-legged passengers, sliding your feet ALL the way under the occupied seat in front of you is not cool.

Ya know what? Just leave the person in front of you alone altogether. This includes doing your best to avoid using their seat as a leaning post when you stand and never, ever wedging your feet in between the seats in front of you to prop them up. (Yes, people actually do this.)

Too much stuff. You made it on the plane with an acceptable carry-on and personal item, but it all falls apart once you find your seat. If your seat runneth over with flight supplies — a bulky blanket, pillow, multiple electronic devices, several beverages — you’re doing too much.

The window shade. Not everyone on our team agrees on this, but those who do are vehement. Don’t deny the other passengers on the flight the view from the sky! It’s dismaying to land in some place magical and have the shades all drawn. Many of us still want to see NYC at night, the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, the Washington Monument, and more. The protesters among us say it’s claustrophobic when the shades are down. It takes away from the joy of flying. Perhaps unless you need to pull it down, as the sun is shining too brightly on you, just keep it up. It’s typically a pretty spectacular view from 30,000 feet up.

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Ambiance

Using electronic devices without headphones. This is a BIG one. There’s nothing more annoying than being forced to listen to someone else’s music, video, or game. Most airlines announce headphones as a requirement now, but it can be a while before flight attendants are able to circulate with reminders.

Talking on the phone. Talking on the phone during the pre-takeoff safety instructions won’t earn you any fans among your fellow passengers or the flight crew.

Loud-talking in general. While conversation is fine, using your “outside voice” on a plane can be extremely annoying, especially when other passengers are trying to rest or work.

Failing to “take the hint.” Some folks are plane-talkers, and some folks are so not. If someone strikes you as a poor conversationalist, they may simply not want to talk. Likewise, if someone puts their headphones in while you’re trying to strike up a conversation, it likely means they’re not interested in a chat.

General Hygiene

Bare feet. Please, don’t do this. Flip-flops and sandals are acceptable. Socks-only is debatable, depending on the circumstances. But bare feet on a plane are inconsiderate and downright gross. (You know they never clean those floors, right?)

Practicing nail care on a flight. If you’ve never witnessed this, it can be a little hard to believe, but it’s not uncommon for oblivious passengers to paint, file, or even TRIM their nails on a flight. Do NOT be this person. The scent of nail polish is way too potent for closed quarters, and anything attached to your body when you board should stay there for the duration of the flight.

Careless coughing, sneezing, and nose-blowing. It’s really rough to sit beside a sick person on a plane under any circumstances, but if they’re doing any of the above with reckless abandon … total nightmare.

Smells. While unpleasant smells are an unfortunate side effect of the human condition, we do have some control over them. General hygiene is one of those things that rarely gets applauded, but when it’s neglected … the people notice. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a whisper of perfume can be lovely, but let’s not overdo it.

Food & Drink

On the topic of smells, we’re all for snacks, but … an airplane is no place for seafood. Or any elaborate carry-on grub in general. If it stinks up the whole plane or otherwise imposes itself physically on the passengers around you, it’s not a good fit. (Ever gotten an oversized sandwich wrapper straight to the face? Not fun.)

Tray table messes. Those tray tables can be pesky in that when they’re raised, things will fall off of them. It’s hard to believe folks don’t notice when condensation and crumbs fly onto the person beside them when they raise their messy tray table.

Boarding and Deplaning

Taking too long to take your seat. Boarding can be stressful for some, and slow boarding can mean a delayed takeoff. Some folks may require extra time due to physical limitations, but if that’s not you, make an effort to be organized before you board so your fellow passengers aren’t kept waiting while you dig through the overhead luggage space for your scarf.

And, on the flip-side — rushing to deplane. Unless you’re in danger of missing a connecting flight (or projectile vomiting), it’s considered common courtesy to deplane one row at a time. Non-negotiable. 

Being careless with your luggage. This is typically a side effect of rushing to deplane. Prematurely reaching over someone’s head to grab your luggage is a recipe for disaster. It’s alarming at best and dangerous at worst.

Did we miss your biggest and best pet peeve? Share it in the Facebook comments below:

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