Experts have identified the top 10 behaviours passengers should avoid on a plane to ensure a comfortable journey for everyone.
Alex Dyer, a qualified psychologist from the travel experts at Ski Vertigo, has identified several critical mistakes that passengers should avoid.
These recommendations are not solely about personal comfort but also about fostering a communal sense of respect and safety among passengers.
- Reclining Your Seat Without Checking: Suddenly reclining your seat can surprise the person behind you, potentially causing their drink to spill or damaging their belongings, such as laptops. A quick glance and a gentle recline show consideration for their space and comfort.
- Crowding the Aisle Upon Boarding or Disembarking: Rushing to board or leave the plane creates congestion and stress. By waiting your turn, you ensure a smoother process for everyone, particularly since aisle space is limited and can quickly become overcrowded.
- Ignoring Safety Demonstrations: Safety demonstrations are essential for your safety. Each aircraft might have slight variations in safety equipment or procedures. Paying attention shows respect for the crew’s effort to ensure your safety and might provide critical information needed in an emergency.
- Being Disruptive or Loud: Sound travels easily in the confined space of an airplane. Speaking loudly, playing videos without headphones, or being noisy in other ways can disturb the rest and peace of fellow passengers, especially during night flights when many are trying to sleep.
- Consuming Strong-Smelling Food: Aromas intensify in the enclosed, pressurised cabin. Eating food with strong odours (such as fast food, fish, or spicy foods) can be unpleasant for those around you, potentially making their flight experience uncomfortable.
- Drinking Excessively: Alcohol has a more potent effect at high altitudes, often intensifying its impact. Overconsumption can lead to disruptive behaviour or discomfort for others, and in extreme cases, result in altercations or health issues.
- Ignoring Cabin Crew Instructions: The cabin crew’s instructions regarding seat belts, electronic devices, and other safety measures are for everyone’s safety. Ignoring these can compromise the safety of the flight and show a lack of respect for both the crew and other passengers.
- Leaving Your Belongings Everywhere: Space on planes is scarce. Spreading your belongings beyond your assigned seat area, such as in others’ legroom or overhead bins far from your seat, can inconvenience others and slow down the boarding and disembarking processes.
- Putting Your Feet Up on Seats or Walls: This is not only disrespectful but also unhygienic. It can dirty the surfaces other passengers use and contribute to an unpleasant travel environment.
- Neglecting Personal Hygiene: Given the close quarters on a plane, maintaining personal hygiene (such as using deodorant, avoiding strong perfumes, and ensuring cleanliness) is vital for a comfortable flight experience for you and those seated near you.
Qualified psychologist Alex Dyer, from Ski Vertigo, commented on the findings:
“Adopting these behaviours on flights goes beyond mere etiquette; it’s a matter of public health and safety. It’s clear that each small action—whether it’s using headphones at a reasonable volume, disposing of waste properly, or even offering a smile to a neighbour—contributes to a positive atmosphere. These gestures might seem insignificant in isolation, but together, they make travelling better for everyone by being thoughtful and considerate.
“For instance, being mindful about how quickly you adjust your seating position and using a tissue when interacting with various surfaces can significantly diminish the spread of germs. It’s about fostering a safer communal space, particularly in the unique confines of an airplane where proximity to others is unavoidable. Simple practices like these can have a profound impact on our health and contribute to a more enjoyable flight experience for all travellers.”
