Sure, having a high EQ isn’t everything in every job, but it definitely makes life smoother. Here and in many other countries, it’s clear humanity has a long way to go in this area—travel is a perfect example. When using public transport, we’re packed together for minutes or even hours, which can lead to plenty of annoyances, even for the most tolerant among us.
Reddit is basically a grown-up forum where we can gossip just like in the early days of the internet. Later, social profiles became popular, allowing identification—so many people aren’t quite as honest there.
Flying is one topic where there’s no need to hide, and the answers this time are pretty telling.
What Basic Etiquette Do We Most Often Ignore on Planes?
Security Check and Boarding
- “Shower and use deodorant before flying! Please, we’re all going to be stuck in a windowless plane together…”
- “Don’t spray half a bottle of perfume on top of your scented lotion—many people get terrible migraines from it. Others are simply bothered.”
- “Don’t dig out your ID and ticket only when it’s your turn—have them ready when you get in line!”
- “Please avoid wearing steel-toed boots or 4-inch platform shoes with all your jewelry—security checks take longer for everyone because of these.”
- “Once you’ve passed security, don’t stop in the middle of the gate or aisle to get dressed. You’re holding everyone up. Move to the side or sit down!”
- “When boarding starts, no need to push or shove to be first. Boarding takes a while and everyone has a seat—just relax and wait your turn.”
Shared Travel Experience
- “You’d think it’s basic, but look behind you before reclining your seat! If someone’s there, at least ask if you can lean back a bit…”
- “Overhead bins aren’t personal lockers—they’re shared space. If you have luggage, try to store it above yourself and keep your small bag on your lap or under your seat—not by someone else’s feet.”
- “Not sure if it’s an unwritten rule, but the window seat gets a wall and one armrest, the middle seat gets two armrests, and the aisle seat gets one outer armrest plus extra legroom. Respect this instead of sprawling.”
- “It’s crazy we have to say this, but treat flight attendants with respect… They’re not servants or subjects.”
- “If someone’s wearing headphones or earplugs, they probably don’t want to chat. Don’t force a conversation—they might be exhausted, stressed, or just introverted, and definitely not interested in your life story.”
- “Listening to music is your choice, but not everyone around you wants to hear the same. Turn it down! And no one wants to watch what you’re watching on your tablet either…”
- “Make the trip bearable if you have kids—try to keep them from screaming the whole flight. It’s not part of good parenting to let them run wild and kick my seat.”
