Airplane Etiquette Tips: How to Be a Considerate Seatmate in the Sky

Poised & Proper
Jun 23
4 min read

Whether you're heading off on a weekend getaway or a long-haul international adventure, few things can make or break your flight like the person seated next to you. And in turn, you have the power to make someone else’s journey smooth — or… not so smooth.

With limited space, recycled air, and a cabin full of strangers, it doesn’t take much to make flying uncomfortable. That’s where airplane etiquette comes in. Being a polite, self-aware seatmate can turn a cramped few hours into a surprisingly pleasant experience — for everyone.

Here’s how to bring your best manners on board:

1. Claim Only Your Space — Not More

We’re all in tight quarters, so sticking to your space matters:

Don’t sprawl into your neighbor’s seat area
Keep elbows in, especially on shared armrests
Store personal items under your seat or in the overhead bin — not by your feet and theirs

Middle seat gets both armrests — it’s the universal unspoken rule!

2. Board Efficiently and Sit Down Promptly

When it’s your turn to board:

Have your boarding pass and ID ready (if needed)
Store your bag quickly and move out of the aisle
If you need to sort through items, step into your row or wait until seated

Blocking traffic stresses everyone out — and delays takeoff for all.

3. Be Mindful of Noise

Planes aren’t silent, but you can help keep things peaceful:

Use headphones (always!) when listening to music or watching anything
Keep phone conversations to a minimum before takeoff
Avoid speakerphone or FaceTime calls in the cabin — even during boarding
Speak in a soft tone when chatting with seatmates or crew

And if your child is having a tough moment, don’t panic — a calm and kind response does more than an apology ever could.

4. Respect the Window, Middle, and Aisle Balance

Each seat has its perks — and its responsibilities. If you’re in:

Window: Manage the shade based on time of day and route. Don't lean all over it if you’re next to someone.
Middle: Yes, you get both armrests. You deserve it.
Aisle: Be ready to move if others in your row need to get out — don’t make them crawl over you or wait awkwardly.

Tip: Stand up and let them out rather than just pulling your knees aside.

5. Don’t Force Conversation

Some people want to chat. Others… don’t. Feel it out.

A simple greeting (“Hi there!”) is always polite. But if your seatmate responds with short answers or puts in headphones quickly, take the hint.

If you’re the one not in the mood to talk, a friendly nod and putting on headphones is a perfectly polite signal.

6. Keep Food and Scents in Check

Airplane air + strong smells = not a great combo.

Skip:

Tuna sandwiches
Leftover garlic anything
Spraying perfume or cologne mid-flight

Choose snacks that are tidy and low-odor, and always clean up after yourself — especially if you’ve brought your own food.

7. Use the Seat Functions Kindly

Don’t yank the back of someone’s seat when getting up
Recline gently, and only after checking that the person behind you isn’t eating or using their tray
Avoid pressing your feet into the seat in front of you — even if you're barefoot (also: don’t go barefoot 😬)

A little awareness here goes a long way toward keeping peace on the plane.

8. Mind the Restroom Line (and Timing)

If you can, avoid restroom trips right after food service begins — flight attendants will appreciate it. And if there’s a line forming:

Wait calmly and don’t hover too close to other passengers
Don’t cut — even if you “just need a second”
Return to your seat promptly after you're done

Bonus: Leave the bathroom clean for the next person — enough said.

9. Say Please, Thank You, and Excuse Me

Manners still apply at 30,000 feet. Whether it’s asking a flight attendant for water, needing to pass someone in the aisle, or accidentally bumping elbows, a simple “excuse me” or “thank you” makes all the difference..

10. Keep In-Seat Grooming to a Minimum

We all want to look and feel fresh when we land — especially after a long flight. A little touch-up? Totally fine. But be mindful of what’s appropriate in a shared space.

Polite freshening-up includes:

A swipe of lip balm or gloss
Finger-combing your hair
A dab of lotion or a discreet mirror check

Save these for the lavatory or after landing:

Brushing your hair (no one wants loose strands floating by!)
Spraying perfume, hairspray, or dry shampoo
Taking out heatless curls and doing a full hair-flip shakeout

When in doubt, keep grooming subtle, scent-free, and short.

Bonus Seatmate Situation:

Wondering what to do if someone asks you to switch seats mid-flight? Whether you’re being asked to move or hoping to trade spots, seat-switching can bring out big feelings.

We’re breaking it all down — from polite ways to say no, to how to handle tricky requests — in next week’s blog post. Stay tuned!

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be the perfect passenger — just a thoughtful one. Traveling by air brings together people from all walks of life in a tight little flying tube, and a little courtesy goes a long way toward making that time more pleasant for everyone.

So sit back, buckle up, and bring your best manners along for the ride.

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