Let’s be honest, air travel can bring out the best and worst in us. Between long security lines, cramped cabins & inevitable delays, it’s easy to get impatient. But the truth is: flying is a shared experience. And a little self-awareness goes a long way in making it better for everyone involved.
After years of travel, I’ve picked up on a few simple, unspoken “rules” that help flights run more smoothly. So I put together a list of travel commandments, not to shame, but to gently remind us all how to be better humans in transit:
1. BE READY AT SECURITY
A little prep equals a smoother start. Wear easy-off shoes, keep liquids accessible, and stash electronics where you can grab them quickly. Once you’re through, step aside to get reorganized. Don’t block the lane.
2. SHARE THE OVERHEAD BINS
Don’t get me wrong- I know how annoying it is to use your precious legroom to store personal items like a purse or your laptop bag. But technically, it’s common courtesy to keep one bag at your feet and the other overhead, not both. Bin space is shared space. Place your bag wheels or handles first, not sideways, to leave room for others. Stash just one larger bag up top, and tuck the smaller one under the seat. Wait until boarding has completed to store any additional items overhead as a common courtesy to those needing to store larger carry-ons somewhere that won’t fit under the seat.
3. SUPPORT LITTLE TRAVELERS
Kindness makes the cabin better for all ages. Parents: help your kids use inside voices and avoid kicking seats. Snacks and quiet toys = lifesavers. Fellow passengers: Remember, kids are kids. Meltdowns happen. Patience (and some noise-cancelling headphones) go a long way.
4. RESPECT SEAT SPACE
Comfort with courtesy is the goal. Unless you're in a pod or next to someone you know, it's best to keep your shoes on. If you absolutely must take them off on a long-haul flight, wear clean socks and keep your feet on the floor and away from your neighbor’s space. Thinking about reclining? Just take a quick peek behind you.
5. MIDDLE SEAT PASSENGERS GET THE RIGHT OF REFUSAL TO ARMRESTS
Stay in your zone, and we’re golden. Window seat? You’ve got the wall to lean on. Aisle seat? Enjoy a bit of stretch space (between snack carts). But middle-seat friends: take the armrests, but let’s not get carried away...this does not mean you can stick your elbows in my personal space and pour yourself into my seat.
6. DON’T TURN THE AISLE INTO A SOCIAL ZONE
Take a quick stroll, then head back. Need to stretch on a long flight? Absolutely. But hanging out in the aisle to chat with friends a few rows back? Not so great. Others are trying to sleep, read, or find a little quiet.
7. CONSIDER YOUR SCENT
Fresh and subtle keeps everyone breathing easy. Plane air is recycled, so whatever you’re wearing, we’re all wearing it too. Shower, use deodorant, and keep perfumes/light fragrance minimal.
8. BE SMART WITH BATHROOM BREAKS
Be mindful, keep it quick so others don’t have to wait. Try to avoid going during meal service or when most people are sleeping. If you know you’ll need frequent breaks, an aisle seat is your best friend.
9. DEPLANE WITH PATIENCE
Everyone wants to get off the plane as quickly as possible. Let the rows in front deplane first. Always let the passengers in front exit first unless they invite you to go ahead. If you're tight on time for a connection, tell a flight attendant before landing so they can assist those in your position to have priority getting off the plane.
10. WALK LEFT, STAND RIGHT. ESPECIALLY ON MOVING WALKWAYS
Whether it's before or after your flight, you're likely to encounter a moving sidewalk at the airport. These are created not only to help move you along if you're weighed down with luggage, but also if you're in a hurry. It’s a small move that makes a big difference. Moving walkways are for everyone, whether you're strolling or sprinting to a gate. If you’re standing, stick to the right. Leave the left side clear for those in a hurry.
Flying is a necessary part of travel that can often be a headache. Let’s all be courteous to one another and not make it any more painful than it has to be. None of us are perfect travelers, but a little awareness and kindness in shared spaces is how we make flying better.
