Summary of Proper Plane Etiquette
- 1. Reclining is OK… sometimes.
- 2. Armrests are fair game for all passengers.
- 3. Socks stay on.
- 4. Stinky foods stay at home.
- 5. Keep your feet on the floor.
- 6. Wear your headphones, please.
- 7. Forget about deep sleep.
- 8. Hang up that phone.
- 9. Don’t even think about nail care.
- 10. Go ahead and use the overhead bins for small items.
We’ve all seen the viral videos of passengers misbehaving on airplanes and have certainly passed judgment. However, what constitutes proper plane etiquette, and how do travelers define it?
Travel search engine Kayak, along with AYTM (Ask Your Target Market) and Brandwatch’s Consumer Research Platform, surveyed 1,000 people to determine what the general population considers proper plane etiquette. Based on their findings, you might be surprised at the variations in opinion regarding passenger behavior on flights.
“We deliberately released these ahead of the busiest summer travel weekend of the year, strategically coining the term ‘unspoken rules of air travel’ because the rules can be so complicated that only the truly egregious behaviors are covered—like wearing pants, not hitting people, and no smoking,” Matt Clarke, VP of marketing North America at Kayak, mentions. “Yet, many actions that are problematic may not explicitly be against the rules, which we aimed to highlight.”
The results will be showcased at major airports across the country throughout the summer. You can also read the results below.
1. Reclining is OK… sometimes.
Overall, 88 percent of survey respondents approve of reclining seats generally. However, about one-third believe reclining should ideally occur only on long or overnight flights.
2. Armrests are fair game for all passengers.
If you find yourself in the middle seat, it’s essential not to assume both armrests are yours. According to the survey, 57 percent of participants think that middle seat passengers shouldn’t have claim to both armrests.
3. Socks stay on.
Surprisingly, 24 percent of participants feel that removing socks is acceptable—this perspective has met with disapproval from many.
4. Stinky foods stay at home.
There is a near-universal consensus (92 percent) against bringing strongly scented food aboard the aircraft.
5. Keep your feet on the floor.
It should be noted that this is not your living room; 68 percent of respondents believe that putting feet up on the seat in front is inappropriate.
6. Wear your headphones, please.
According to 70 percent of travelers, watching something without headphones is discouraged.
7. Forget about deep sleep.
According to survey findings, actions like leaning on a stranger’s shoulder (77 percent), snoring loudly (66 percent), and refusing to wake for passengers needing to get up (66 percent) are unwelcome.
8. Hang up that phone.
After landing, 69 percent of passengers found it rude for others to make phone calls while waiting to deplane.
9. Don’t even think about nail care.
Clipping and painting nails are a strict no-no for 92 percent, whereas 81 percent disapprove of filing nails as well.
10. Go ahead and use the overhead bins for small items.
A surprising 73 percent of passengers believe it’s fine to use the overhead bin for small items or jackets. However, it is advisable to wait until larger bags have been stored before placing these items in the overhead compartments.
The survey reveals numerous additional insights, some of which surprised the Kayak team. For example, one in five individuals thinks using the restroom without shoes is acceptable, which is certainly a uninvited risk. Additionally, a startling 26 percent believe it’s fine to let hair hang over the headrest, obstructing the view for the passenger behind.
In general, it’s vital for airplane passengers to remember that they are sharing a confined space with others, and thus should respect their fellow travelers by maintaining consideration for personal accountability. Ultimately, always heed the instructions from your flight crew, whose responsibility is to ensure your safety and comfort.
