10 Things Not to Do on a Plane: Essential Air Travel Etiquette
Air travel can be a smooth and enjoyable experience if everyone follows basic etiquette. However, there are certain behaviors that can disrupt the flight and inconvenience fellow passengers. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 things not to do on a plane. From ignoring flight attendant instructions to not switching your phone to airplane mode, these tips will help ensure a pleasant journey for everyone on board.
10 Things Not to Do on a Plane
Here are some things flight attendants share about things passengers should not do on the plane, but many passengers still do it.
1. Not Switching Phone to Airplane Mode
Failing to switch your phone to airplane mode can interfere with the aircraft’s communication and navigation systems. This can pose serious safety risks. Always ensure your phone is in airplane mode from takeoff to landing. This mode disables cellular signals while still allowing you to use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth if the airline permits.
2. Using the Toilet During the Flight Safety Briefing
Flight safety briefings are very important, they will help passengers escape more quickly in case of an incident. When the flight attendant is giving a safety briefing, passengers should sit quietly and wait until the seat belt sign turns off before using the toilet.
In an emergency, press the flight attendant call button for assistance.
3. Stealing a Life Jacket
Before takeoff, flight attendants always instruct passengers on flight safety, including mentioning “life jackets placed under the seat”. Many people think that life jackets are “a nice souvenir” so they often secretly take them home.
The function of life jackets is to help passengers float on the water if the plane makes an emergency landing on a river or sea. Therefore, if you steal a life jacket and bring it home, this action is not only considered theft but also unintentionally endangers the next passenger sitting in the same seat as you.
4. Going to the Toilet Without Flushing
Everyone on the plane needs to use the toilet. Passengers should clean up after themselves. If you don’t know exactly how to flush the toilet, you can ask for instructions instead of just going back to your seat.
According to flight attendants, the plane is a small space. Many passengers think that no one knows that they didn’t flush after using it. In fact, flight attendants know.
5. Using an Uncleaned Tray Table
Many airlines always give passengers an alcohol wipe before the flight to wipe their hands and surrounding areas. Particularly, the tray table is the first thing to wipe, along with the seat.
According to flight attendants, the tray table is not as clean as people think. So instead of putting food or a pillow to sleep on, you should use a wet wipe with alcohol to wipe it once.
6. Going Barefoot into the Toilet
The toilet is one of the places with the most bacteria on the plane. Therefore, you should not go barefoot inside because no one can guarantee that the liquids on the floor are simply water. If you wear socks in there, your socks will get wet and dirty.
7. Reclining Your Seat During Meal Service
Reclining your seat during meal service can inconvenience the passenger behind you and make it difficult for them to eat. Be considerate and keep your seat upright during meal times.
8. Carrying too Much Luggage
Many passengers carry bulky, heavy carry-on luggage that they cannot put in the overhead compartment. Carrying too much luggage not only takes up space for other people’s belongings but sometimes also annoys flight attendants because they have to help passengers put their belongings away.
In many previous posts, flight attendants have talked about helping passengers put their belongings away in the cabin. This is not their job. If passengers have difficulty putting their belongings away, the flight attendants will help. But if the entire plane of more than 200-300 people asks the flight attendants to help put their belongings away, the spines of the flight crew will be greatly affected.
9. Drinking Alcohol on the Plane
Drunk passengers who cause trouble on the plane can face fines or a flight ban. According to flight attendants, this is “not worth the risk”.
10. Stay Quiet When Feeling Unwell
Flight attendants said that they have seen many people who are dizzy or panic due to fear of flying or feeling unwell but are too shy to tell the flight attendants. The job of flight attendants on the plane is not to help passengers put their belongings in the cabin, but they are trained to ensure the safety of passengers during the flight. Therefore, if you have a problem or incident, do not hesitate to seek help from the crew.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is not allowed on a flight?
When flying, it’s crucial to know what is not allowed on a flight and to follow proper airport etiquette. Prohibited items include weapons, explosives, and certain liquids, so always check TSA guidelines before packing. Consuming alcohol and using electronic devices during takeoff and landing are also not allowed.
2. What should you not do when boarding a plane?
When boarding, avoid standing in the aisle while digging in your carry-on, taking off your coat in the aisle, filling the overhead bin with coats, bringing stinky food, and being impatient. These actions can delay the boarding process and inconvenience others.
3. What words are not allowed in airplane?
Avoid using words like “terrorist,” “bomb,” “gun,” “missile,” “explosive,” “hijack,” and “9/11” on a plane. These words can cause alarm and lead to serious consequences.
4. What not to eat when flying?
Avoid caffeinated drinks, fried or fast food, legumes, raw vegetables, and salty or processed foods when flying. These can cause dehydration, bloating, and discomfort during the flight.
5. Is it better to sleep on the plane or stay awake?
Whether it’s better to sleep or stay awake on a plane depends on your flight schedule and personal needs. If you’re on a long-haul or overnight flight, sleeping can help you arrive more rested and adjust to the new time zone. However, if it’s a short flight or you need to stay awake to adjust to your destination’s time zone, staying awake might be more beneficial. Ultimately, listen to your body and do what feels best for you.
Conclusion: Fly Smart and Considerate
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can contribute to a safer and more comfortable flight experience for yourself and others. Remember, a little consideration goes a long way in making air travel pleasant for everyone. So next time you board a plane, keep these tips in mind and fly smart!
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Khoi Nguyen
Khoi Nguyen builds The Broad Life with a desire to inspire people go exploring the world and live a more interesting, experience, and adventurous life. This blog shares the stories, pictures, and experiences at destinations where he has traveled to.
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