10 Airplane Etiquette Mistakes You Should Never Make

Flying is often a mix of excitement and exhaustion, but few things can derail a trip faster than rude or inconsiderate fellow passengers. The confined space, the long hours, and the unpredictability of air travel make good manners more important than ever. Yet, time and time again, certain behaviors seem to persist, making flights unnecessarily uncomfortable for everyone on board.

From hogging armrests to ignoring personal space, these 10 common in-flight faux pas are guaranteed to make you the most unpopular person on the plane. Avoid these, and you’ll not only have a smoother flight but also earn the silent gratitude of your fellow travelers.

1. Taking Both Armrests

The battle for armrests is as old as commercial air travel itself. It’s unspoken airplane law that the unfortunate soul stuck in the middle seat gets both armrests—after all, they already sacrificed legroom and a window view.

Yet, too often, window and aisle seat passengers encroach on this limited space, leaving the middle-seater in an awkward, elbow-cramped position. If you find yourself in an aisle or window seat, do the polite thing: let the middle passenger have their fair share and avoid unnecessary territory disputes at 30,000 feet.

2. Leaving the Window Shade Open When Others Want to Sleep

If you’re in a window seat, you have one important responsibility: controlling the light source for your row. While watching the landscape from above can be mesmerizing, keeping the window shade open when others are clearly trying to sleep is inconsiderate.

If you’re unsure whether to keep it open or closed, take a cue from your seatmates. If it’s a red-eye flight or an early morning departure, closing the shade will allow passengers to get some much-needed rest. On daytime flights, striking a balance between enjoying the view and respecting others is key.

3. Talking Over Another Passenger

Nothing is more awkward than sitting between two people who insist on holding a conversation over you. It’s a frustrating, uncomfortable experience that turns the middle seat into a personal sound barrier.

If you’re traveling with a companion but seated apart, either book seats together in advance or keep conversations brief and quiet. Nobody enjoys being an unwilling third wheel in someone else’s in-flight reunion.

4. Kicking or Pushing the Seat in Front of You

Airplane seats are already cramped, so the last thing anyone needs is a constant barrage of knees, feet, or elbows from behind. If you’re tall, try to be mindful of your movements—stretching out is understandable, but repeated jostling of the seat in front of you is simply rude.

For parents traveling with children, this is an opportunity to teach good travel etiquette. Keeping kids entertained with books, movies, or snacks will minimize restless kicking and fidgeting. If you’re on the receiving end of repeated seat-pushing, a polite but firm request to the person behind you usually does the trick.

5. Refusing to Stand Up for Your Seatmates

Aisle seat privileges come with one major responsibility—standing up when your seatmates need to get out. No one wants to awkwardly shimmy past someone who refuses to budge, forcing an uncomfortable maneuver in tight quarters.

If your rowmates need to use the restroom, be courteous and stand up to let them pass instead of making them awkwardly squeeze by. It’s a small act of consideration that makes flying just a little bit easier for everyone.

6. Striking Up an Unwanted Conversation

While some travelers love striking up conversations with strangers, others see flights as an opportunity to relax, sleep, or enjoy a book in peace. If your seatmate puts on headphones, pulls out a laptop, or gives short responses, take the hint—they’re not in the mood for small talk.

That said, a polite greeting or friendly acknowledgment at the beginning of the flight never hurts. Just remember to read social cues and respect personal space.

7. Ditching Your Travel Companion for a Better Seat

Nothing says “travel loyalty” like abandoning your friend or partner the moment you spot a better seat elsewhere. While it’s tempting to claim an empty row or window spot, doing so without discussing it with your travel companion first can leave a bad taste in their mouth.

If there’s an opportunity to switch to a more comfortable seat, consider offering it to your companion first—especially if you booked the trip together.

8. Keeping the Armrests Up Without Asking

Some passengers immediately raise the armrests as soon as they sit down, assuming it’s a mutual decision. However, some people prefer having armrests down for comfort, support, or simply to maintain personal space.

Before making this call, check with your seatmate—they might not want to spend the next few hours awkwardly pressed against you.

9. Ignoring Someone Struggling with Overhead Luggage

Watching someone struggle to lift their bag into the overhead bin and choosing to do nothing is one of the worst airplane etiquette offenses. While it’s not your job to personally stow everyone’s luggage, offering a helping hand—especially to older travelers, shorter passengers, or those with mobility issues—is just common courtesy.

A simple, “Would you like some help with that?” can go a long way. Travel is stressful enough without having to battle gravity while hoisting a suitcase over your head.

10. Forgetting Basic Consideration for Fellow Passengers

Flying is a shared experience, and a little consideration makes a world of difference. Some additional honorable mentions in the list of airplane etiquette mistakes include:

• Reclining your seat abruptly without checking behind you
• Blasting music or videos without headphones
• Walking barefoot down the aisle (yes, people do this)
• Crowding the boarding gate before your group is called
• Overloading the seat pocket with trash

At the end of the day, the key to good airplane etiquette is simple: be aware of your surroundings, respect personal space, and treat others how you’d want to be treated.

Final Thoughts

Air travel is stressful enough without having to deal with inconsiderate passengers. By avoiding these common airplane faux pas, you’ll not only have a more comfortable flight but also make the experience better for those around you.

What’s the worst in-flight behavior you’ve ever encountered? Share your experience in the comments!

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