Airport Etiquette

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.

My Travel Outfit Formula

Being a luxury travel advisor and trip leader for Atlas Adventures, I’m constantly traveling to scout locations and host trips. Something I’ve worked on perfecting is my go-to travel outfit formula. These wardrobe heroes leave me feeling pulled together while traveling and also being comfortable. Having a go-to combination helps take the guesswork out of outfit planning so that I’m not frantically picking out what to wear that day while trying to get out the door. I find that many people forget this important step in their packing process. They spend so much time figuring out what to pack for the trip that they forget about what to wear while traveling. Here’s my formula for an outfit that’s chic yet comfortable on a long-haul flight. 

For shoes, I love a loafer that’s easy to slip on and off in case you’re required to remove them during security. Even if you have TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry, many airports still require you to remove your shoes during security screenings. I also want to be able to easily slide my shoes off in flight to put on my compression socks and easily slide them on again to get up and walk around. I combine these with a pair of loose, comfortable trousers. Comfort is a must! Wide-leg pants tend to be not only more comfortable, but also easier to put on compression socks. In warmer months, I opt for linen while in cooler months, I love a black trouser that looks polished.

On top, I prefer something with sleeves so I don’t get cold, and ideally in a material with enough structure to not wrinkle. Your base layer also shouldn’t be too warm.  A basic shirt like this tends to work nicely. I hate being cold, so regardless of the time of year, I always have a cardigan or jacket with me just in case. Even to just drape over my shoulders.  Being able to add or shed layers based on fluctuating environments is key.

I love adding a silk scarf because it’s such a simple way to elevate a casual outfit to look more chic and elegant. You can tie it in dozens of ways or simply just drape it around your neck. They’re also nice to have an extra layer you can drape over your shoulders if you need it. Even when I style my hair, I find it doesn’t always outlast the length of my travel day. I almost always clip my hair back while on the go. The combination of bending over to lift bags, removing layers to pass through security (putting them back on), and trying to get comfortable in flight can almost guarantee my hair will be in the way if left down. This chic tortoise shell claw clip is always on hand to keep it out of the way. 

And there you have it! The looks will differ each flight, but I love this travel outfit formula, simultaneously feeling pulled together yet comfortable.

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How to Sleep On a Plane & How to Fight Jet Lag

One of the most common questions that my clients who hire me for my travel planning services ask is “Any tips for fighting jet lag?” When traveling abroad, chances are you'd like to try to catch some sleep on your flight and adjust to the local time as seamlessly as possible. If you're a fantastic sleeper, this may not be an issue. If you're like me, however, sleeping at opportune moments isn't quite that simple. 

Over the years, I've sought sleep assistance on international flights from just about everything you can think of: lavender oil, bedtime tea, heavy wine pours, and getting my physician to write me an Ambien prescription. For me, I've learned that if I want to sleep on a flight and adjust more quickly to the local time on arrival, it really comes down to these 5 steps: 

1. HYDRATE BEFORE THE FLIGHT

It's no secret that water consumption is crucial to your overall well-being, but it's especially important before a flight (air cabins have zero humidity, thus drying you out even more).  Not only does this dehydration contribute to jet lag, but it can also impact your quality of sleep. Knowing this, most people make the common mistake of chugging as much water as they can before and during their flight, which (as you can imagine) leads to many trips to the less-than-luxurious bathroom facilities. Rather than overdoing it during or right before a flight, make a conscious effort to be drinking water nonstop throughout the day in the lead up to your flight. If you're someone who won't remember to drink water throughout the day, try chugging lots of it in the morning of your flight rather than the hours right before. And be sure to have a reusable water bottle with you on the flight so you can take small sips at your convenience, rather than guzzling copious amounts during the in-flight service. Some of my favorites include:

• LARQ SELF-CLEANING BOTTLE: My brother introduced me to this brand with technology that neutralizes up to 99.99999% of odor-causing bacteria using UV-C Light. While I love the shape, size, and functionality of so many water bottles, almost all of them start to smell or develop mold in creases that make me paranoid, so I really love knowing this product keeps the water I’m drinking pristine.

• MEMOBOTTLE: My favorite water bottle shape & functionality- period! It slides into bags so much more easily (and also the seat-back pocket in front of you on planes). I have noticed over time that the lid can get a bit grimy, so you may need to use an old toothbrush to scrub and eventually, replace the cap every couple of years. Even still, I love this water bottle!

• STAINLESS STEEL BOTTLES: I use ones like this quite a bit (largely, because these are the style that have been gifted to me on Safari at lodges like Singita and Great Plains Conservation) so I love feeling like I’m back in the bush!

BONUS TIP: I swear by these cure hydration packs, which have 4x the electrolytes as sports drinks but are made with natural ingredients (and no added sugar). Keep these travel-size options in your carry-on and drink on days you’re in the sky.

2. GET COMFORTABLE

You probably wouldn't sleep in stiff jeans at home in your bed, so avoid doing so on your flight. I find the best "travel uniform" that’s comfortable enough to sleep in, while still feeling more elevated than loungewear to be a combination of the following:

• LOOSE PANTS: I like a looser pant or trouser as my wardrobe base. I always choose something that’s comfortable enough to sleep in. While still being comfortable, I also feel pulled together upon landing. 
  

• A NAP DRESS: In warmer months a nap dress is a wonderful alternative - again, for the comfort. The smocked detail across the chest means I can get away without wearing a bra. If I opt for this, I always bring a cardigan and shawl to drape over my shoulders and throw as needed, as it can get a bit chilly in-flight.
  

• LIGHT LAYERS: If it’s summer, a light layer like this denim button down or this sweater might be all you need. In cooler months, these might be your base layer underneath a cozy jumper/sweater or a proper winter coat. Nevertheless, pieces like this are essential to ensure you’re never too warm or too cold as temperatures fluctuate between outside, the airport, and in the aircraft.
  

• EASY ON-EASY OFF SHOES: I feel as though I’m constantly popping my shoes on & off when I fly: both through security & in-flight (don’t worry- I put compression socks on so I’m never barefoot!) In summer months, I opt for easy slides like ballet flats or a loafer. In winter, I love these Laguna boots because they slide on & off so easily!

But aside from the clothes you wear, there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to cozy, so know what works for you. If you're a cuddler  + need something to snuggle against, book a window seat. If you're someone who needs neck support, bring a neck pillow. If you’re sensitive to light, pack a sleep mask. If you are perpetually cold, bring a warm scarf to wrap up in. Don't just buy the stuff you see in SkyMall because it promises you'll sleep like a baby. You know what works for you. Do that. 

3. KNOW WHEN TO CALL IN SLEEP REINFORCEMENTS

You can do all the right things, and sometimes, you just still can't sleep. Sure, it doesn't hurt to try things like lavender oil or bedtime tea, but if you know you're a terrible sleeper, you may want to go ahead and plan for more drastic measures. Proceed with caution, there are tons of sleep aids on the market, and everyone reacts differently to them all. Whatever you think may work for you, I'd recommend trying it at home first before any travels. Lately, I’ve been using magnesium to help me sleep so that I can hit the ground running when I land, not head straight for a nap.

 4.  BE ONE WITH WHERE YOU ARRIVE

It’s tempting to start doing math to calculate what time it may be back home, but the best thing you can do to adjust more quickly is push through and embrace where you are. Avoid napping and try to eat meals at the local time of your new destination. Additionally, try to go outside during the day, as the natural light will help your body clock adjust. Some people swear by a technique called “grounding” or “earthing” (which is essentially just walking or standing barefoot on the ground to connect to the electrons on the earth’s surface to our bodies; possibly reducing inflammation and stress). I personally only do this if it can be done easily, like when I’m somewhere in nature or near a nice park with plenty of grass. However you cope, try to power through and stay awake until it’s a time that you would normally go to bed locally. Be sure to set an alarm for the following morning so you don’t oversleep!

There are plenty of other techniques that people swear by, but these are what work best for me to be able to sleep on a plane and fight jet lag once I arrive at my new destination. I hope it helps you do the same!

If you’d like help planning a trip (and receiving hotel perks, upgrades, and other benefits at no additional cost to you), my team would love to assist! Learn more about our travel planning services HERE.

And, if you’re keen to travel but don’t want to travel alone, we’d love to have you join us for an Atlas Adventures trip: group tours for women who want to travel with other like-minded people. See what trips we have coming up HERE!

This post contains affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from, at no cost to you.