5 Behaviors You Should Avoid on Board an Airplane

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Air travel can be stressful — tight spaces, long hours, limited movement, and hundreds of strangers packed into the same environment. But some behaviors can make the experience even worse, not only for you but for everyone around you.

Whether you’re a frequent traveler or flying for the first time, certain actions on an airplane should always be avoided if you want a smooth and respectful journey.

Here are five behaviors you should never do on board an airplane — for your safety, comfort, and the comfort of everyone around you.

1. Blocking the Aisle for Too Long

The aisle is the lifeline of the airplane.

Blocking it — even for a few minutes — disrupts movement for:

Passengers trying to board

People needing to reach their seats

Crew members serving or preparing the cabin

Anyone needing to use the restroom

✔ Why blocking the aisle is a problem:

Creates unnecessary delays

Causes congestion

Increases stress for everyone

Slows down boarding and takeoff

May violate crew instructions

✔ When people do this:

While organizing luggage slowly

When chatting with friends standing up

Taking too long to remove items from backpacks

Standing in the aisle after landing before doors open

✔ What to do instead:

Step aside into your row

Store your bag quickly and move

Let others pass before taking your time

Finish conversations at your seat

Respecting aisle flow is one of the easiest ways to make flying smoother for everyone.

2. Ignoring Personal Hygiene and Strong Odors

Airplanes are small, closed environments with very little fresh air circulation. That means any strong smell — pleasant or unpleasant — becomes instantly noticeable.

✔ Bad odors to avoid:

Strong perfumes

Scented sprays

Foods with heavy spices

Sweat

Foot odor (especially removing shoes)

✔ Why it matters:

Triggers allergies

Causes discomfort or nausea

Makes the environment unpleasant

Affects people with respiratory sensitivity

✔ The respectful approach:

Use mild deodorant before the flight

Avoid strong perfumes and colognes

Wear clean clothes

Never remove your shoes unless your feet are fresh

Avoid bringing smelly food onboard

Cleanliness isn’t just personal — it’s part of shared respect in a tight space.

3. Reclining Your Seat Without Awareness

Reclining is allowed, yes — but how and when you do it matters.

✔ Problems caused by sudden reclining:

Spilling someone’s drink

Hitting their knees

Breaking laptops on tray tables

Disturbing passengers behind you

Creating unnecessary conflict

✔ The polite way to recline:

Look back briefly to make sure the person isn’t eating or working

Recline slowly

Ask politely if needed: “Do you mind if I recline a little?”

Avoid reclining during meals

✔ Best practice:

Recline only when necessary and always respectfully.

A little awareness goes a long way in maintaining harmony on board.

4. Being Rude or Disrespectful to Flight Attendants

Flight attendants are not waiters — they are trained safety professionals responsible for your wellbeing in emergencies.

Being rude or demanding only complicates their job and disrupts the cabin environment.

✔ Behaviors to avoid:

Snapping fingers

Ignoring instructions

Complaining aggressively

Pressing the call button unnecessarily

Raising your voice

Making unrealistic requests

✔ Why respect is essential:

Crews manage safety, turbulence, emergency procedures

They serve hundreds of passengers at once

They face heavy pressure and long working hours

✔ The right way to interact:

Be patient

Speak kindly

Use “please” and “thank you”

Understand that safety comes first

Respectful passengers get better service — and a more pleasant flight experience.

5. Bringing Too Much Carry-On and Hoarding Overhead Space

One of the biggest airplane frustrations is passengers who bring oversized or multiple carry-on items that don"t fit in the overhead bins.

✔ Why this behavior is problematic:

Delays boarding

Forces others to check bags last minute

Creates arguments

Violates airline rules

Causes items to fall or shift during turbulence

✔ What responsible passengers do:

Follow airline size rules

Place smaller bags under the seat

Keep only essentials in carry-on

Share bin space fairly

✔ Bonus advice:

Place your bag long side first.

This maximizes space for others and ensures safer storage.

🌟 Bonus: Other Behaviors to Avoid on a Plane

Talking loudly or shouting

Playing videos or music without headphones

Allowing children to kick seats

Opening overhead bins during turbulence

Standing up before the seatbelt sign turns off

Hogging the armrests

Touching or pulling the seat in front of you

A smooth flight requires cooperation — not just rules.