Does Everyone Hate Me?

It can be hard to be a plane passenger at times, but there are things you can do to make it easier on you and others around you, including the flight crew, because they have to be there and every flight is a mixed bag. They (and probably you) hope that everything goes off without a hitch, so do your part to make everyone’s day a little brighter by being a better traveler.

It’s not just those people who pick fist fights with other passengers or take their socks and shoes off mid-flight or get too drunk that make flights horrible for those around them. Here are things you can stop doing starting with your next flight:

Ringing the Call Button Because You’re Impatient

I have been flying for 40 years. I think I’ve only used a call button once in that entire time. Unless you desperately need help, just chill. They will bring you a drink. They will come pick up your trash. There are 150 other people on this flight that brought their own bottle of water or snack and can wait 10 minutes for whatever. I also bring along a plastic bag (usually a potty bag from the 50 rolls I have at home for the dog) for my trash, especially when I’m bringing my own snacks, because I don’t want to stuff trash in my seatback pocket. Gross. Even if you have loose trash, you won’t die if you have to hold onto it for a little bit.

Blocking the Aisle During Food and Drink Service

Yes, there are times you need to use the restroom or stretch a bit, but try hard not to do it when there’s a cart in the aisle, because they can’t get around you. While we’re at it, if there are things you need during your flight, don’t put them in your carry-on in the overhead and then open the bin a bunch of times. Nobody wants your butt in their face while you’re rummaging around in your bag. 

Keeping Your Headphones On When They’re Trying to Talk to You

You know when you’re trying to talk someone and they won’t even look away from their phone? Don’t do that. When the crew is coming around to take drink orders or ask you if you want a snack, take your headphones off for a minute, so you hear them and you appear attentive. 

Getting Mad When There’s No Overhead Space

Life isn’t always fair and you don’t always get to have room in the overhead. It sucks, but it happens. Don’t get mad at the flight crew. It’s not their fault. Also, it’s not their fault if your bag is too big and doesn’t fit. You probably knew it wouldn’t. This is why I don’t bring carry-ons that expand, unless I’m checking it on the way home, because they’re easy to overpack. There are bag size restrictions for a reason. 

Taking Up Too Much Overhead Space

If you’re lucky enough to get space in the overhead, don’t hog it. You don’t need to put your carry-on and backpack and coat up there. We all hate not having legroom, but if you don’t want to put extra things under your seat, then don’t bring them. The overhead is meant for one item per person. You can put other things up there once everyone has boarded and there is spare room.

Acting Like Crew Aren’t People

They aren’t statues. They’re doing a job and ignoring them is rude. Say hello and be polite. Say thank you or goodbye when you deplane. A little kindness goes a long way.

Ignoring Requests Regarding Safety

This is probably not your first flight. You know the plane is descending You know that you need to stow all your electronics. They told you. Don’t just ignore that. Also, put your tray table up, fasten your seatbelt, and put your seat in the upright position. Everyone has to do it. You’re not special. Imagine having to tell grown-ups at your job the same thing 50 times when you could be doing something useful. Just put your stuff away. Pack a magazine for take-off and landing if you need something to do.

I know this wasn’t really a great feel-good post, but know that I post these etiquette tips because sometimes we just need a reminder. We aren’t the only people on the flight and the crew isn’t there to cater to your every whim. We’re all just trying to get to our destination and being kind can be the best thing you do wherever you go, because when you’re nice, other people try to be nicer as well. 

What is something that other people do on planes that make you wish they didn’t?

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