I became fascinated with air travel at an early age, when I discovered I could leave freezing cold, dreary Connecticut behind in January, and two hours later, be in hot and sunny Florida. I think we’re all pretty fortunate to be living in this modern age, where we have the ability to jump on a plane and escape unattractive weather conditions. We can travel halfway around the world for relatively little money and in reasonable comfort. However, the more I travel, the more it seems that passengers are becoming increasingly selfish or oblivious to their actions on planes and how they impact the people around them. RELATED: The One Thing Some Women Do on Airplanes That Drives Me Nuts … And I Can’t Believe It’s Not Illegal
By being more considerate passengers, we can all make travel that much more enjoyable for everyone. Below are 10 terrible, horrible, no good, very bad airplane habits that I commonly see, along with my thoughts on how to be a better passenger:
1. Talking loudly on your phone or to seatmates
It astounds me when I hear people speaking so loudly on their phone or to a seatmate that I can hear them five rows back. It’s rude and careless—especially if it’s about sensitive business. You have no idea who’s listening and in this day and age of social media, you have to assume everyone is indeed listening. So speak softly no matter whether it’s a sensitive subject or not. Rest assured: Your loud voice is annoying everyone around you.
2. Not taking care of your personal hygiene
As a common courtesy, you should at least walk onto the plane clean and not reeking of BO. One of my worst flights involved a couple that smelled so bad, the passengers in the two rows around them literally had to plug their noses for the flight. Later, the flight attendants actually encouraged the offended passengers to write to Delta to complain and get a gift certificate. A close second in terms of hygiene-related offenses is when you see people clipping their nails, tweezing their eyebrows or putting nail polish on. It’s just rude and inconsiderate to put on nail polish on an airplane. Plus, it’s highly flammable (I wrote more on that topic here). If you ever see someone putting it on, either tell them to stop or ring the call button and ask the flight attendant if they smell nail polish. And don’t get me started on the person across the aisle who I saw flossing his teeth.
3. Bringing smelly food onboard
A McDonald’s cheeseburger may smell pretty good when it’s right out of the kitchen, but it doesn’t smell the same way once you’re airborne. The worst is tuna fish. Think twice about what kind of food you bring on your flight and be considerate of the people around you.
4. Taking your socks off
I can understand passengers wanting to take their shoes off after takeoff (don’t do it before, as it’s a safety hazard) but if you do, make sure your feet don’t smell. And regardless of whether they smell or not, don’t take your socks off so everyone can see your toes. This isn’t your living room. And bad airplane habits aside: Don’t ever walk into a lavatory with bare feet or socks that you plan on wearing again. An airplane bathroom floor is a breeding ground for germs and is just plain disgusting.
5. Playing music or videos too loud
You’d think that people would know that’s it’s not okay to play music or videos without earbuds/headphones on. But sadly, many don’t. The only thing worse is when passengers have earbuds/headphones on but they’re playing their music/video so loud that others can hear the noise. Not only is it bad for your ears, but it’s also rude. TIP: Bring earplugs and earbuds for yourself so you can put them on if a noisy seatmate won’t turn their volume down.
6. Sneezing/coughing without covering your mouth
My name is Johnny Jet and I’m a germaphobe. There. I said it. And I hate when passengers are coughing and/or sneezing without covering their mouths. Surely the pandemic has taught us not to do this, not when you’re outside in the fresh air, let alone in a metal tube, 30,000 feet in the air—especially with so many viruses out there, from colds and flus to Covid and RSV. I carry two masks when I fly: one for me and one to give to a rude or sick passenger who might need it.
7. Being rude or impatient with flight attendants and crew
I used to date a flight attendant so I know how difficult their jobs are … and this was before all the cutbacks. There’s no excuse as a passenger to be rude to a flight attendant unless the flight attendant is being rude to you. It’s not their problem that you didn’t notice that you don’t have seats together or that the entertainment system is down—although if you’re nice, they’ll do their best to help you. They’re just doing their job, and it’s not an easy one. I almost always bring flight attendants chocolates and greet them with a big smile. If there’s a problem during the flight, I know they’ll take good care of me—with or without the tokens of appreciation. Their job is to help and most will do it with a smile if you’re friendly.
8. Pushing, pulling or kicking other people’s seats
Unless you’re really old or handicapped, there’s no reason to push, pull or kick people’s seats when you’re getting up or walking down the aisles. Somehow, this happens all the time because people aren’t being considerate of those around them. Don’t be that person.
9. Ignoring your out-of-control kids
Usually, I find that kids are well-behaved and it’s the parents who aren’t. But once in a while you’ll see that out-of-control kid just running up and down the aisle screaming or playing their video games without headphones and the parents couldn’t care less. We all know that wrangling kids can be a challenge, but as a parent, just do your best to control the situation. That’s all anyone can ask. Ignoring it is what will irk everyone around you.
10. Pretending your dog is a service animal
I’ve been seeing an increase in travelers with dogs recently, and most of them have their companions wearing service dog harness vests. Unfortunately, I think many of these dogs aren’t really service dogs, as I know a number of people who say they’ve bought these vests so their animals fly for free, which is really pathetic in my opinion. I’m sure the industry is going to crack down on this sooner or later, which is only going to make it more difficult for those who really need a service dog and that’s a real shame.
What bad airplane habits irk you most?
I can think of many more bad airplane habits but first, I’d like to hear what you think should be on this list. Leave a comment and share your thoughts!
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I agree with all these, with the exception of being offended by seeing other people’s feet. Yes, if they’re smelly that’s bad, but just visible? Don’t you see lots of feet in your travels anyway? Are people traveling in the tropics supposed to dress too warmly just to avoid offending your Victorian sensibilities?
I do btw wear closed shoes when flying because I know there’s all you uptight folks out there who are offended by something as innocuous as a human foot, plus I do think closed shoes would be better if an evacuation is necessary. I am however still offended by your insistence that others adhere to your silly dress code.
Am I ever bothered by someone else’s choice of clothing? Sure, I have opinions. But that’s life. Visual offenses are easy to ignore.
I’ve never heard anything as silly as not to wear open-toed shoes / flipflops onto a plane!
My Wife and I were on a across the country flight and heard a cat meowing! Kathy is very allergic to cats and was concerned about having a bad reaction on a 5 hr flight. She spoke to the Flight Attendant and she had that “cat person” change seats with someone several seats away. Folks should be more considerate!
you should have your wife tell the airline at the time of booking or at least when you get to the gate that she is allergic to cats (along with any other allergy that you can have a reaction to from the air). The airline will normally be accommodating and in some cases may not allow someone with a cat to book that flight.
Just a note- cat allergies are from the dander in the cats fur (along with saliva). It can stay on soft surfaces so even if you just come in contact with someone who owns a cat you can have an allergic reaction (like sitting next to them on the plane and they are wearing a sweater that the cat curled up in). I am not trying to make light of your wives allergy but if you are that allergic to cats (or anything) you should always bring allergy medicine on any flight (or any time she could be in a small space with someone who owns a cat).
It’s not just cats that can cause allergic reactions. I am highly allergic to dog hair, and I can’t tell you how frustrated I am when I enter a plane and all these “service animals” are sitting in their owners’ laps. The worse is when they get their dogs into the cabin by claiming they are “emotional support” animals. Even in first class, where they can darn well pay for their dog to travel with them.
I always pay when I needed to transport my cat. Or maybe I should say that my kitty supports me emotionally on a trip to get her transported for free. What nonsense!
My goodness, what has the world come to? I respect all animals and would never harm them (I’m even a vegetarian), but this is over the top where I am concerned.
The attribution of human traits to animals is called Anthropomorphism, if anyone is interested. The airlines really need to stop this “emotional support” nonsense. I can’t believe they don’t care about giving us poor coach passengers enough leg room to survive a long trip, but they give in to the whims of passengers with “emotional” needs. How about my “emotional need” to be able to stretch my legs during a long flight???? Geez….
How dare she. Your wife’s allergies could have severely affected the psychological balance of a snowflake! Service animals are people too. #snarky
I, too, am very allergic to cats and dogs. More than once I have sniffled and sneezed across the country because of the animals in the cabin. I’ll gladly put up with the inconvenience when it’s a service dog, but most times that’s not the case. I am expecting that one day I’ll have a severe asthma attack and the plane will have to make an emergency landing to get me to the hospital so I can breathe again…
I think you nailed the issue – “being considerate” I find is a concept that has just gone away in general. If people would just remember their actions affect everyone, not just themselves, traveling would be so much better for all of us.
I get a little frustrated with people when they are boarding and, instead of taking care of business (placing bag in overheard after finding one’s seat), they linger in the aisle so that no other passengers can get past them to find their own seats!
Why don’t airlines that use assigned seating board from the rear of the plane forward? I’d think even the first-class passengers would enjoy less hassle. It’s not like they’re being served drinks during the boarding process!
?
In Europe, after business and assisted boarding, planes are loaded from the back. I am currently travelling across America and I noticed that American-based airlines board from the front rows back. We commented on it just yesterday. Very strange process.
Alaska Airlines always boards from back of the plane second, after first class boards first.
I hate it when in economy the passenger in front of me reclines so far back I can hardly move. I feel like offering to give them a wash and set!
This is something that should be taken up with the airlines NOT the passenger in front of you. Everyone is given the exact same amount of real estate. When someone in front of me reclines, I also recline. If you want more space, fly premium economy or business or better yet, we should all be complaining to the airlines about the seats getting smaller and closer together!
I was on a night flight in the States a few years ago, and as soon as the flight went into cruise mode, with lights dimmed, a couple two rows in front began changing their baby’s diaper right there on the seat between them. You can imagine the rest! We were all just appalled that people could be so absolutely oblivious to the effect on everyone else on the flight!
Well try the to change it in the child friendly lav. What a joke. Not enough room to turn around. Tried to tell my 2 year old to go before we boarded, she didn’t listen either. So where should I Change the child in the Galley?
Well here is about 70 year old me just flying solo one time, and I sat next to an expensively dressed gentleman, hometown Paris. He spent a good part of the flight,I am talking hours here, with his finger up his nose like he was attempting to grab his eyeballs from the inside. I kept my face adverted except when it was time to tell the nice lady not to bring me any lunch thanks just some bottled water please. The good that came out of it is i never forget that he was sticking that mess someplace and am guessing it was the seat or the tray. that revolting image that i have not yet been able to burn out of my brain, reminds me to be careful and yet the day after a lovely first class flight home this week from Scotland, both my careful husband and myself got sick. must have bumped into some silent deadly squishy something..
The nose picker is a good one!
Almost feel out of my seat laughing at that one ! Now my stomach is a bit quezzy ?✈️
Imagine the poor unsuspecting people he shakes hands with ?! That’s why the best way to prevent illness is by washing your hands frequently; especially before eating, before touching your face, after using the restroom.
Love the folks in the window seat who won’t lower the blinds on a day flight so others can see their video screens more clearly. Inevitably the offender goes to sleep anyway! And ditto on the seat-back slammers! C’mon folks, check with the person behind you!!
Sorry, but I sit in the window seat to look out the window–it’s one of the few joys left in flying. Plus daylight is far more pleasant than cabin lighting. We can watch screens anytime, but seeing the earth from 30,000 feet is very special.
Still, I understand your complaint, and if I’m falling asleep I do try to remember to close the shade before dozing off if anyone in my 1/2 row is using a screen.
I’m with you. Just today everyone wanted the window shades shut but I left mine 1/4 open so I could see out
Completely agree w/ Johnny Jet on this one. I book the window seat specifically so I can enjoy the view, and don’t appreciate closing the shade so the person across the aisle can watch 10 minutes of a sitcom rerun, then fall asleep, while I’m doomed to stare at the closed windowshade I’ve been shamed in to closing.
I’m with you, Patrick.
I have come to the conclusion that there is some sort of unwritten rule that every flight must have at least one sleeveless shirt guy on it…..usually that person is assigned to sit next to me! For a while I was posting my “sleeveless guys on a plane” pics on my facebook page and encouraging others to do the same and was amazed at how many men out there have no qualms about exposing their armpits to the rest of the people on the plane……even if they don’t smell at all….it is still disgusting!
Hey Johnny,
Regarding the loud phone talking;
I was on a plane waiting for take off, and the guy across from me had a conversation on speaker phone!! Not only was the caller’s voice loud, but he had the phone on his knee and felt he had to talk very loudly so his words would reach the phone. Brilliant!!
That’s crazt!
no matter where i am if someone violates my space i join in the conversation
Bwaaahhhaaas. That’s awesome.
Manhandling or even MOVING my luggage in the overhead without asking me.
Abusing tyhe overhead when you don’t want to check a bag. I hate that. Check your bag.
Agreed
Actually, if you are so sensitive about your bag being touched, why don’t YOU check your bag?
Not all belongings can or should be checked. It’s one thing to have your bag pushed aside to make room for another bag to fit but I’ve actually had my bag moved to a different compartment than where I put it to make room for some rude person to fit BOTH of his bags in one compartment. He could have easily put his second bag into the one he moved my bag to but he didn’t. He moved mine, which to me is extremely rude. Especially as he didn’t even ask if I minded. Touching another passengers belongings is rude and inappropriate.
We carry a medical CPAP and don’t check it, because if it gets lost our trip is ruined. We check all other bags, so we don’t take too much overhead room, but low and behold the guy with 3 large bags takes it out and slams it around making space for his haul…
Putting both your suitcase, your purse or brief case and your jacket in the overhead. One item over your seat. Everything else under the seat. Doesn’t fit? Well then you know you brought too much. (And don’t put your stuff in row 7 as you proceed to row 27).
Plus it’s dangerous when they all jump up before the plane has even come to a complete stop and start pulling their heavy cases down and hitting people in the process. Takes twice as long for everyone to get off the plane.
I hate when people “slam” their seats to the fully reclined position without the consideration
of at least looking to the person behind them and then doing it gently. It’s tight enough in the
seat without getting a seat back in your face at a high rate of speed. I also look and move it
gently and usually not all of the way if the person is eating or using the tray.
Good one!
I wish the seats other than first class didn’t recline at all, leg room is all I want.
I do have a question about reclining seats. I have a terribly bad back. In fact, I have had 5 surgeries and a pain pump implanted. It is near impossible for me to sit with the seats in the completely upright position for any length of time. I can get by with reclining the seat one “click.” So not very far. Is it more appropriate to ask the person behind if they mind or just push it back gently that one click. I’m afraid if I ask, someone will say they do mind and then I’m stuck. Any advice??
I wouldn’t push it. I would just try and book the bulkhead or the exit row if you can operate the door.
I wish airlines would do away with reclining seats, period. We have little room as it is!
Signed,
One who always flies coach
Totally agree!
Wearing flip-flops on planes and airports; nobody wants to see or be near your germy feet!
Ha!
I disagree I wear sandals and don’t own socks for many decades. My feet are clean and if you don’t wear shoes they don’t smell