25 Tips On How To Be A Good Air Traveler

Whether you’ve traveled the world or taken a few trips here and there, chances are you’ve encountered rude and inconsiderate people along the way, making you think about the things you do, hoping you’re not an annoying plane passenger yourself. Because, let’s be honest, nobody likes sitting in front of a seat kicker or next to a noisy person. So here are my 25 tips on how to be a good air traveler and avoid sideways glances!

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1. Always be respectful

This should go without saying, but I feel we can’t start without highlighting the most essential and basic rule of etiquette: being respectful. And this doesn’t just apply to other passengers or flight attendants when you’re in the air because, it starts as soon as you arrive at the airport and wait to check-in for your flight.

You’d be surprised how many people I’ve actually seen lose their patience right before arriving at the counter and not even say hello to the person at the desk or snap at them if their flight was delayed, for example.

Remember that employees have no control over these incidents and are only doing their jobs, just as you’d do yours. Plus, being courteous and respectful is not only normal, it will also make for a better experience in the long run. On the opposite, exhibiting bad behavior can only harm you and make you look like an annoying (to put it as kindly as possible) person to those around you.

2. Check airline requirements and country travel restrictions

You’re all set, and you arrive at the check-in counter only to be told that you have to pay extra because your luggage is too heavy and has to be checked. Wasting time, and your peace of mind at the same time, by not checking important information like luggage weight, permitted items and liquid limits can really upset your travel plans.

The same applies for the country’s travel restrictions or mandatory documents you might need before arriving to your destination, such as visa, vaccines…

So make sure to inform yourself before your arrive at the airport, to avoid spending your money for nothing or starting your vacation on the wrong foot.

3. Keep your important documents within easy reach

What’s the worst thing that can happen when you’re waiting for your flight? Losing or misplacing your passport or any important document you need to travel. That’s why I always keep mine in a separate pocket in my bag, so I don’t have to rummage through my whole bag to find it.

This also helps to avoid wasting any time at the security screening or at boarding, as happened to me recenly when I was returning from Montenegro and a lady thought she had left behind her passport at the departure gate when in fact it was simply at the bottom of her bag, causing the anger of many passengers and a 45-minute delay.

4. Prepare ahead of time to get through security without a glitch

I’m pretty sure security is kind of the boogeyman for all travelers, but it doesn’t have to be. If you want to be a good traveler and not the one who makes everyone queue for interminable minutes, wasting their time and stressing them out, here’s my simple tip: get your liquids and flight tickets ready. Please don’t wait until it’s finally your turn to get everything out.

Put your bag of liquids, your batteries, your laptop and the documents you’ll need at the top of your carry-on bag so you don’t lose time going through security. Also be prepared to remove your belt, shoes or jewelry – or don’t wear any – for a more efficient and faster security check. You’ll see how much time you’ll save, and how worry-free the experience will quickly become.

5. Arrive at your gate on time

If airlines often advise you to arrive 2 hours before your flight (especially for international flights), there’s a good reason. And if I’m the type of traveler who often arrives early, like “very” early (hello worrywart) even if it means I’ll have to wait a few hours, I’d rather choose that option than be the one who has to rush through all the procedures and run as if my life depended on it just so I don’t miss my flight.

So it’s better to arrive a little early and be on time at the departure gate and be a good traveler than to rush through security and push your way around just because you miscalculated your time.

6. Wait for your boarding zone to be called

Okay, here’s the thing that irritates me the most about airports: people queuing in front of the boarding gate to try to be the first to get on the plane, only to monopolize overhead compartment space for their luggage, but also for other reasons beyond my comprehension.

I mean, you all know that we’re assigned a specific boarding zone number for smoother, more efficient boarding, right? So, there’s really no reason to obstruct the passage and prevent others from reaching their gate. Grab a seat, relax and wait quietly for your turn to embark. Don’t worry, I guarantee the plane won’t leave without you if you’re on time.

7. Book your seats wisely

This is one of the advices I recommend, especially for long-haul flights.

Want to sleep without being disturbed for most of the flight? Consider booking the window seat then! If, on the other hand, you’re the kind of person who often gets up to stretch your legs or go to the toilet, opt for the aisle seat!

By doing so, not only will you show consideration for other passengers, but you’ll enjoy your flight much more without feeling like a nuisance to others. Waking up someone in a deep sleep is always tricky and a little uncomfortable…

8. Help each other

The idea here is to help people who struggle to put their luggage into the overhead compartment. Of course, I know the rule, no one is obliged to help you as you must be able to carry your own backpack or suitcase and place it in the overhead space, and while I totally agree with it, I also find it nice and helpful when someone gives you a hand.

First off, short people like me (1.55m tall/5′ 1″ feet) who won’t have to climb on the seat (yes, I sometimes do) will be forever grateful, and it also avoids crowding in the middle of the aisle. Plus, being kind actually never hurt anyone – we’re all in the same boat, or plane anyway.

9. Avoid getting up all the time

You know those passengers who always seem to have forgotten something in their baggage, even though it’s safely stowed in the overhead compartment? Well, I’d say that if you want to appear like an annoying passenger, that’s the spirit!

Doing so disrupts not only the movements of the cabin crew, but also those of people trying to get to the bathroom, or simply those sitting next to you who are longing for a little peace and quiet.

To avoid these situations: prepare what you need in advance (headphones, jacket, travel pillow…) in your carry-on under the seat in front of you, so you don’t have to reach over your head and bother others.

10. Don’t forget that overhead bin space is shared

I promise this is the last time I’ll talk about overhead bin space in this post! Just a reminder on how to be a good traveler: please don’t use up all the space and think of your neighbors because no one wants to have to walk across the entire plane to retrieve their luggage at the end of the flight just because someone decided to be selfish.

Place your hand luggage under the seat in front of you and remember that the overhead compartments are in fact shared spaces and you’re not entitled to them in the first place; so don’t travel with three bags and try to store your luggage in a efficient way so that everyone can use part of it.

11. Don’t be offended if someone doesn’t want to change seats

I know this has already sparked a lot of debate and some people may disagree with me, but I for one don’t see why I should change seats with someone if I don’t want to. Firstly, I don’t like being pressured and secondly, some people forget that people often paid to sit where they are, so if you don’t feel like it, just keep your seat and if the other passenger isn’t happy, well too bad for him!

Oh, and it can be confusing for the flight attendants too, as they have a manifest of every passenger with their seats, which, when it comes to serving food, can actually be dangerous if you’ve switched seats with someone on a special diet or suffering from allergies, for example.

12. Listen to safety instructions

Whether you’re a seasoned air traveler or not, you should always listen to safety instructions! They’re for your own safety (hence the name) and ignoring them is not only dangerous but also disrespectful to the cabin crew.

Imagine you’re trying to explain something important or you’re in the middle of a presentation in front of your colleagues and nobody’s paying attention – it’s pretty annoying, isn’t it? So do yourself a favor and don’t do to others what you wouldn’t want them to do to you!

13. You can recline

As long as you’re being mindful of the person sitting behind you, i.e. checking that they’re not eating or working on their laptop, reclining your seat is perfectly fine, otherwise you wouldn’t be able to do it in the first place. Just check quickly and don’t recline like a savage all at once and all the way back. You can also politely ask the person behind you if they don’t mind before reclining your seat aka common courtesy.

This is another hot topic among travelers, and while everyone has their own opinion on the matter, I feel like reclining a little is acceptable if you need extra comfort.

14. Wear headphones

I’m sure what you’re listening to is great, but let’s be honest you can’t be further from being a good air traveler if you act like you’re the only one on the plane and you’re watching your movie without headphones.

So if you don’t want somebody to give you a dirty look, use your headphones or the ones provided by the airline for everyone’s sake!

15. Don’t hog the armrest

Airplane seats are already not what I’d call the most comfortable, especially if you’re traveling in economy so if, on top of that, you’ve got an armrest hogger next to you, you’re doomed!

Here, first come, first served doesn’t count, contrary to what some passengers might think, so keep in mind to share the space and not monopolize the armrests for yourself alone so that everyone can enjoy a relaxing, hassle-free flight.

My rule of thumb: the window seat has the left armrest, the aisle seat has the right armrest, and the middle seat has both armrests, because you have to admit it’s the least comfortable seat. And if you’re sitting in the middle of a row of 4 seats, let’s just say you’ll probably have to draw straws!

16. Keep your voice down

A little on the same subject as headphones, talking loudly on a plane is one of the last things you should consider, unless you want to attract the anger of your fellow passengers. While what you have to say to your friend, husband, mom… may be funny and interesting, chances are that not everyone wants to know about your life and would prefer you to keep quiet.

So think of others and speak in a normal tone and at a normal volume or, better still, in a whisper, especially if you’re sharing a very personal story, say from the night before…

17. Wear your shoes and don’t put your feet on the seat in front of you

I hate travelers who think they’re probably traveling in their own car and put their feet on your seat, to the point where they’re literally resting next to your armrest and every time you look down, you can see them. And if, on top of that, they have smelly feet, that’s bingo for you.

So, please, please, respect the other passengers and keep your feet out of the way, well hidden under your own seat, and don’t think you’re at a spa or the beach walking around the plane barefoot.

And when you know how actually dirty the floor is, you’d better think twice before taking off your shoes if you don’t want to bring back anything other than memories from your vacation.

18. Don’t bring smelly food with you

I like food, no, I love food but bringing a pungent cheese or any kind of smelly food is a bit inconsiderate and risky. Because, yes some of us are more sensitive to odors than others, and you should remember that the air you breathe during your journey will be shared by hundreds of other passengers, so stinking up the cabin is hardly a good idea.

And while I’m a strong advocate of bringing your own food on a flight, as the food served is often far from good, I’d still make a few exceptions on the kind of food I’d dare to bring.
The worst for me are fish, eggs and kimchi, because as much as I like them, smelling them in a confined space for a few hours pretty much makes me want to barf, or maybe that’s just me!

19. Drink in moderation

I know some people are scared of flying and I understand that, I mean it’s not like you can really control your phobias, so yes, having a drink or two to relax a bit before a flight is not an issue. But being dead drunk by the time you get on the plane, or having one drink after another once you’re inside, is a no-no.

Not only will you get drunk faster on the plane, it’s also dangerous for you and very uncomfortable for others.

Then, how to be a good air traveler if you’re scared of flying? Drink in moderation, or simply don’t drink at all, and rely on safer techniques such as meditation, or travel with a friend who can calm you down.

20. Maintain a minimum of hygiene

Yes, traveling for long hours, sometimes two days when you’re going to the end of the world, with one or two or three stopovers, is hard on both the body and mind, especially if you’re the kind of person who has trouble sleeping during flights.

Apart from fatigue, another important point is hygiene! I know it’s not easy to get access to showers when you’re on the move and changing airports twice a day, but one of the most unpleasant things that can prevent you from enjoying your flight is finding yourself next to a passenger who isn’t exactly hygienic for several hours.

To avoid being the smelly one, always keep a few toiletries in your carry-on: deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, as well as a few wet wipes. While they won’t replace a nice, hot shower, these few items will keep you clean and fresh until you finally arrive at your destination!

21. Parent your kids

Don’t get me wrong, I know it can be tiring and stressful traveling with kids, but that shouldn’t prevent parents from at least teaching their kids good behavior and manners to have on a plane and in public, in general. Because, let’s be honest, spending 5 hours with a kid who kicks your seat or screams every 30 seconds can quickly turn your trip into torture, even more so when the parents don’t even seem to care when you talk to them about it.

I’m the last person to lose patience and self-control, but these kind of situations can really trigger my grumpy side. By the way, it’s not just kids who like to kick seats, so for adults who can’t control their legs, you only have yourself to blame if a passenger ends up losing their temper with you!

On the other hand, if a baby starts crying, you might want to avoid giving the parents sideways glances, as the poor little things probably don’t understand what’s happening to them and are more uncomfortable than you are, with the pressure change, for example.

22. Don’t stand in the aisle waiting to use the toilet

Doing so not only inconveniences the cabin crew and other passengers, but could also be dangerous in the event of sudden turbulence.

The best thing to do is to wait your turn directly in front of the toilet, or wait in your seat until you see the person coming out. And don’t forget to wear your shoes, because I don’t know about you, but I’d rather not know if it’s just water on the bathroom floor.

23. Don’t take off your seatbelt until the sign says so

How hard is it to follow safety rules on a plane? I guess it is, given the number of people who take off their seatbelts as soon as they can, especially when landing, which tends to annoy me tremendously.

If the sign says you have to wear your seatbelt, please do so, or wait for one of those days when the pilot brakes hard and you end up hitting the seat in front of you, and we’ll see if you ever take your seatbelt off again.

Plus, I think, as the flight attendants will often tell you, it’s best to always wear it, even in flight, because in the event of turbulence or worse, you’ll at least be safe and less likely to hurt yourself or others.

24. Be patient when landing

I’m sure you’ve all went through it: as soon as the plane has landed and stopped, people instantly stand up, ready to disembark and move on.

But here’s the thing: they all know that it will be several minutes before the plane doors even open, allowing people to leave the plane, so why rush? Wait patiently in your seat for everyone ahead of you to disembark, then stand up, retrieve your luggage and wave goodbye to the cabin crew.

Don’t worry, you’ll get off eventually, believe me!

25. Don’t block the way to the baggage carousel

I know we’re all impatient to get our luggage back, stressed to see if it’s lost and to finally get out of the airport to enjoy our well-deserved vacation, but standing as close as possible to the baggage carousel, even climbing on it if some people could, won’t make your luggage arrive any faster.

So, take a deep breath, wait properly behind the line and pick up your beloved backpack or suitcase, it’ll eventually come out (provided the airline hasn’t misplaced or lost it, of course)!

What do you think? Any other tips on how to be a good air traveler, or things you’ve experienced that have made your hair stand on end? Feel free to share them in the comments!

Want to get out of your comfort zone, travel the world, but you’re stressed and don’t know where to start? Click here to discover my 50 best travel tips to make your trip a breeze!