Welcome To Major Airplane Etiquette 101

I love traveling, but there are moments in time where I’m literally 5 seconds away from losing it.  Namely, on an airplane. The latest inspiration for this piece was a recent flight back home from Exuma, one of the most beautiful islands in The Bahamas, back to Nassau. While the flight was only 30-35 minutes, I wanted to jump out of the airplane and swim back.

It was that bad!

The passenger seated in the back of me felt the need to give the entire plane a run down of her entire life in 30 minutes. I learned things about this woman, that I didn’t even want to know, but I had no choice. I learned that she loves to make jam. I learned what type of rice she loved to cook, [Mahatma], I heard her recounting and debating a recent news story that went viral, I learned that she has 9 brothers and sisters and there was a bit of family drama.

A bit much!

While I may be a seasoned traveller, I’ve realized that many people do not know that there are airplane etiquette rules.  These simple guidelines help to ensure that not only you, but your fellow passenger have an enjoyable travel experience.

 Major Airplane Etiquette

1. Remember Security Checks – We all know how security checks work. Everything out of your pockets. Computer & electronics in the bin. Shoes off. NO liquids. Take off anything that you may think may buzz. I’m always astonished at the fact that people fight to take liquids through. This is not the 90’s. Throw it away and lets move on. Please prep while in line. Unzip bags, unbutton belts. Let’s move people.
2. Overhead Bin Space – Last time I checked we were only allowed two bags on plane. One purse, and one bag or something like that. How is it there is never enough overhead space? I literally despise people that take my overhead bin space. How? One bag goes underneath the seat, and one goes above. Stop hogging bin space. It’s bad, very bad.
3. Turn Your Phone/Electronics Off – I must admit, I have been guilty of this. I must get that last WhatsApp, Snap, Instagram in. I’ve seen people argue with flight attendants because they don’t want to turn their phones off. You’re on an airplane. Rules are rules, don’t be that person. You literally have about 10 minutes before you can turn it back on. Candy Crush can wait.
4. To Recline Or Not To Recline – I’m on the fence with this one. This has caused many fights on airplanes so tread carefully. If I’m on a 12 hour flight I’m reclining. It’s an airplane feature. Now, I’m sorry for people that are extremely leggy. Also, be gentle when reclining, do remember that my tray table is on the back of your chair, do so with care and caution. Many times there may be a beverage open. No need to slam your chair back.
5. No Loud Convos: To the lady who talked the entire plane weak, major no no. It’s rude, its discourteous.  A conversation should not be so loud that it hampers my sleep time. Keep it low and short. Also, don’t force a conversation. If your neighbor isn’t responding to your need to talk, let it go.
6. Flying Children – I love children. I really do, but lets face it, screaming children on an airplane are not fun. Neither is smelling a loaded diaper. So, lets do our best to keep those little humans happy and in one piece. I once had a little girl yank my head into another continent. Another also spilled her juice on me. The next kept yanking on my chair back. I know that kids do have a mind of their own, they get cranky, sleepy, sick, and us non-having children people get it. We just still would like to enjoy the flight.
7. Middle Seats – Everyone hates the middle. Let’s face it, it’s awful. The only solace we get being in the middle is having the armrest. Yes, this is a rule. The aisle passenger gets an armrest of his own, the window passenger gets the window and an armrest and the middle gets both!
8. Disembark Orderly – I’ve always wondered why people at the back of the plane pop out of their seats as soon as the plane lands. Where are you going?  You should always, always allow the person in the seats in front of you to exit the plane first. Do not chat in the aisle, and then gingerly take your bags down either. Everyone wants to get off of the plane.

Did I miss any? What can we add to the “major airplane etiquette” guideline list.