What are the unwritten rules of flying on a commercial airplane?
Toronto-based Global News recently discussed the issue and I actually think they got the list right…for the most part.
- Don’t crowd the gate
- Middle seat passenger receives both armrests
- When you push the button to recline, don’t slam your seat back
- Don’t ask someone to swap seats with you to an inferior seat
- Always use headphones when using a sound-emitting electronic device
- Compromise on window shades
- Don’t keep chatting to a person if they have headphones on
My Thoughts
Just a few thoughts, because I think the list is self-explanatory and largely accurate.
In the age of a la carte pricing and increasing checked baggage fees, I understand why many want to crowd around the gate area in order to secure that limited overhead space onboard. The good news, however, is that if you should find no overhead space onboard, you will not have to pay to check your bag. Instead, it will be gate-checked for free. The only exception to this is United Airlines, which does not allow a larger carry-on baggage when purchasing a Basic Economy ticket unless you hold MileagePlus Premier Status or have a United credit card.
> One Surprising Reason to Buy United Basic Economy
As for the middle seat passengers laying claim to both armrests: I can only say good luck. For JetStar, this no longer an unwritten rule. The Australian budget carrier recently issued a press release explicitly stating that middle seat passengers have rights to both armrests. Again, good luck enforcing it. But I have flown in middle seats enough over the years to cede my middle armrest if I am in an aisle or window seat.
I just wrote a post earlier this month about slamming your seat back: my laptop was almost broken.
> Airplane Etiquette: Look Before You Recline
The seat swap advice is spot-on: how can you ask someone to switch to a middle seat with a straight face? I recently had a passenger ask me to switch from an exit row aisle to a middle seat in regular economy class. I just laughed and said no way. Her friend seated next to me could have asked the passenger seated a few rows back if he wanted to switch…
Yes on the headphones! I am so annoyed when little brats play games with the sound turned up. Of course blame goes more to the parents…
> How Would You Handle a Brat Playing Loud Video Games on Airplane?
As for window shades, the compromise idea is a good one. Indeed, lowering the window shade halfway allows for easier movie viewing while still providing natural light for those who want to read or look out the cabin. This is becoming increasingly less of a problem with technology like on newer Boeing jets that allows FAs to automatically dim windows.
Finally, yes, yes, yes! If your seatmate has headphones on, please live her alone. Please don’t force conversation that is unwelcome.
> Why Flight Attendants Make You Raise the Window Shade
CONCLUSION
I really like this list. I’d add one more thing, though: if you have a weak bladder, choose an aisle seat. I recently sat next to a passenger who had to use the restroom six times on a domestic transcontinental flight. She was seated in the window. After the third bathroom break, I offered to exchange seats with her and give her the aisle, but she declined. That’s not very courteous.
What would you add or subtract from the list above?
How can they be unwritten if you’ve written them? Muppet.
I don’t know if you’re just being pedantic, but by unwritten rules, everybody means their not written down as rules.
Many things in life are unwritten.
For example:
Do not defecate in your bed or on the floor. (There are probably regulations against doing so on the sidewalk).
Do not drink toilet water.
Do not cut your credit card in half.
Do not walk around the aircraft cabin with your tongue hanging out.
That mentioned, this column does cover some of the commonly forgotten but useful unwritten rules when flying on an airliner.
I agree with all though not sure why you’d call them brats when their parents are the ones who aren’t doing the right thing. The kids won’t learn if their parents don’t teach them! So call the parents names if you must…
Even though it’s the parents fault they’re brats, they’re still brats.
I mostly agree, but I have one question. To me, I’d feel comfortable offering to switch seats with someone that would give me a superior seat if, and only if, I could afford to pay up a reasonable amount to that passenger, on the spot, in cash, and if I tell the passenger why I want to switch. Do you think thats poor etiquette?
And I’ll add one more thing. People who need a seat more than you do for “real reasons” should get it. By “real reasons” I mean such reasons as a lap child, service animal, or someone with a disability. I don’t mean someone who is taller than you, someone who wants to sit next to his/her significant other, someone who “paid for it, goddammit” or someone who has a “fear of flying” or a “business meeting, and I really want to sleep.”
agreed– this is the only way you can ask for a better seat. It’s probably situational, but I think this is fine.
I would add:
1. Don’t crowd around the conveyor belt at Baggage Claim. Everybody should stand back, wait until they see their bag coming, then step forward.
2. Don’t douse yourself with perfume or cologne before or during your flight.
3. Don’t let your child kick the seat (i.e. person) in front of you.
4. Don’t talk loudly for the ENTIRE…DURATION…OF…THE…FLIGHT.
Not just children kick the seats. Also use your OWN seat to assist in getting up not the one in front of you.
to add:
Stinky foods, ex. Tunafish or McDonalds. Nothing is more off putting than having to smell recycled mayo and fish, or the residual grease on someone’s hands after wolfing down 3 times the recommended daily caloric intake.
8. Do not get on the plane loudly talking on your phone.
9. Place your bag in the overhead wheels first. If its a full flight, use the space under your seat. Don’t try to shove your bag in the Business Class overhead on your way down the aisle.
10. Take a shower, use deodorant
11. If you see someone struggling with a bag to/from the overhead – help them.
12. Don’t hog or stand in the aisle longer than necessary
13, Don’t be a window shade control freak. If you are going to raise or lower the shade, ask your seatmates if they mind.
14. Be sure to go to the bathroom before you board
15. If you see drinks or meal service forthcoming, put away your laptop and clear your tray table so the FA doesn’t have to wait on you to do so.
16. If you are seated on the aisle, help your seat mates by passing trays and trash to the FA
17. If seated on the aisle, con’t moan, bitch or otherwise make it difficult for your seatmates to exit for the bathroom.
18. If you see mothers or families traveling, help them by assisting with seats, trading seats per rule #4. Don’t sit there and watch them struggle.
19. Don’t stare or groan at a parent whose kid is crying or having a melt down.
20. If your seatmates power plug is broken, offer to share your working plug.
21. Don’t attempt to read what is on your seatmates computer or phone.
I’ll add one: if you’re wearing a backpack, take it off and carry it as you’re walking down the aisle. Nobody wants to get smacked in the face when you turn.
@Howard is spot on. That’s #22.
23. If you see the FA coming down the aisle for drink/meal orders, take your ear buds out and pay attention so she/he does not have to repeat what’s available the second/third time. Don’t say: “What do you have”
No one wants to see your bare feet. Either socks or shoes (or slippers if they’re provided). Open toed sandals are also disgusting on men.
Why are open-toed sandals disgusting on men but not on women? That seems sexist and also ignores the fact that open-toed sandals are disgusting on BOTH men and women if their feet are dirty, not cared for, or have noticeable fungal infections on the skin or toenails.
many years ago one of my fathers colleagues flogged a kid on a flight in the 1960s for crying. smart move
24. If you know that airplane seats don’t comfortably accommodate your size, call the airline in advance to discuss options.
25. If you have children under 3, consider traveling with them on the plane only when absolutely imperative. If you know that your children cannot handle plane travel, do not travel with them until they are ready.
26. Don’t recline your seat at all, unless A) The passenger behind you has reclined their seat. B) You are on an overnight flight, lights have been dimmed for sleeping, and most passengers (including the passenger behind you) are attempting to sleep.
27. Do not recline your seat if the passenger behind you has her/his tray down and is eating/drinking or working on a laptop.
28. If you must travel with a child under 3, don’t hog the aisles by walking up and down them with your child in your arms. Don’t hog space in front of the bathrooms with your child either. The aisles should only be used for: flight attendant service, bathroom runs, and entering/exiting the plane.
29. Don’t hog overhead or under seat space with large carry-on bags which require a struggle or force to fit into overhead bins or under the seat in front of you.
30. Don’t pack carry-on bags that are too heavy for you to lift or stow yourself.
If you bring a large bag on board as a carry on, don’t ask someone else to put it in the overhead bin or take it out again. You brought it on board, it’s your problem to deal with.