‘Never a Reason to Take Off Your Socks’: A Flight Attendant’s 12 Etiquette Rules

As a veteran flight attendant of 21 years, I have witnessed all kinds of behavior on planes. The pandemic has exacerbated tensions on board, and discourteous behavior is now commonplace, often leading to verbal disputes and unpleasantness. However, with the busy summer season approaching, it’s worth discussing some of the common courtesies that can make air travel more enjoyable.

Here are 12 etiquette rules that aim to balance your reasonable comforts with consideration for those around you:

1. Reclining your seat is acceptable, but it’s only polite to do so gently and peek behind you to see the situation before doing so. Ask nicely if the person behind you minds.
2. Clean up after your children’s mess in the aisle. Flight attendants do not have vacuums, brooms, or cleaning supplies beyond hand soap, wet wipes, and air fresheners.
3. Overhead bins are first-come, first-served in economy class. You do not own the bin above your seat, and it is not appropriate to remove someone else’s bag to make space for yours. Keep small bags at your feet and leave the overhead bins for larger bags.
4. No one wants to hear your conversations or media. Bring headphones, including for children. Focus on finding your seat and stowing your bags as quickly as possible.
5. The middle seat occupant should get both armrests – it’s the consolation prize for being squeezed.
6. Noise-canceling headphones are a convenient conversation ender if you have an overly-talkative or nosy seatmate.
7. Shoes can come off during a long flight, but socks should stay on. Also, don’t rest your feet on the armrest of the person in front of you, and put on your footwear before using the lavatory.
8. The call button exists for your needs, including assistance with a medical issue or disruptive passenger. Press it instead of poking or tapping the flight attendant. But before doing so, make sure they’re not already busy in the aisle with beverage carts or trash bags.
9. Don’t discipline other people’s kids if they kick the back of your seat. Instead, approach the parents calmly, with a smile and ask if they realize their child’s kicking and if there’s anything they can do to stop it.
10. Before boarding, sort out your seating issues with the gate agents, who have access to the seating chart and family reservations.
11. It’s okay to say no if someone asks you to switch seats. You’ve paid for your seat, or it’s an inconvenience, and you have the right to refuse. However, steps forward to take that spot when it’s advantageous or when you’re happy to help is commendable.
12. Finally, always remember to flush the toilet after use. Even if it should be common sense, some may still neglect this out of forgetfulness, hence, please look for the button; it’s always on every plane.

So, there you have it – 12 etiquette rules to follow when on a flight. By taking note of these guidelines, you can make travel more enjoyable for yourself and others.