15 Habits That Make Flying With Strangers Miserable
Air travel puts you in close quarters with strangers for hours. Even small actions can have a big impact on everyone’s comfort.
Constantly reclining the seat suddenly
When someone reclines their seat abruptly, it can catch you off guard. You might be eating, working, or simply relaxing, and suddenly your space shrinks without warning.
This sudden action feels thoughtless, especially during mealtime. If your seatmate reclines without checking behind them, it can spill drinks or crush your laptop.
A quick glance before reclining shows simple courtesy. Adjust your seat gently and signal your intention.
If you do want to recline, try to do it slowly and respect the timing of meals or shared moments.
Playing movies without headphones
If you decide to watch a movie on a plane, make sure you use headphones. Playing videos aloud can easily disturb other passengers who are trying to relax, sleep, or concentrate.
Sound travels quickly in small airplane cabins. Using headphones shows respect for others in this shared space.
Not using headphones is often seen as inconsiderate behavior. Many travelers find it annoying when someone plays movies or games out loud during a flight.
It’s best to avoid that by bringing earbuds or headphones with you and keeping your volume to yourself.
Talking loudly on phone calls
You might think finishing a last-minute call before takeoff is harmless. However, speaking loudly on the phone can disrupt everyone around you in a cramped cabin.
Planes are tight spaces where many people want quiet moments to relax, read, or work. When you talk loudly on your phone, it invades their personal space and breaks that peace.
Even if phone use is allowed only before takeoff, speaking softly shows respect for your seatmates. Using a hushed tone or stepping away if possible can make the flight more comfortable for everyone.
Spreading belongings into adjacent seats
When you spread your bags or personal items into the seat next to you, it can quickly annoy the person sitting there. It takes away their space and makes them feel uncomfortable, especially on crowded flights.
Try to keep your belongings within your own seat area. Use the overhead bin or under the seat in front to store your things.
If the next seat is empty, you might be tempted to use it for extra room. Even then, keep in mind others may need that space later or might be seated there eventually.
Letting kids run up and down the aisle
You might notice some parents letting their kids run freely up and down the airplane aisle. While kids have lots of energy, this behavior can disturb other passengers.
Running in the aisle can cause safety concerns, like tripping or bumping into people. It also makes it harder for flight attendants and passengers to move around comfortably.
If you’re traveling with kids, it helps to keep them seated or engaged with quiet activities. This keeps everyone more comfortable and avoids drawing negative attention.
Eating strong-smelling foods like garlic sandwiches
If you bring a garlic sandwich on board, be ready for some displeased glances. Garlic has a powerful, lingering smell that can easily fill the small cabin space.
Strong-smelling foods like garlic can leave a noticeable odor on your breath and skin. This happens because compounds in garlic are released not only when you eat but also through your sweat.
Eating pungent foods on an airplane isn’t just about bad breath. The scent can cling to your clothes and even your nearby belongings.
If you’re worried about your seatmates’ comfort, you might want to save garlic-heavy meals for after you land.
Hogging the armrests aggressively
When you grab both armrests, you can make your seatmate feel cramped and uncomfortable. Airplane seats are already tight, so sharing space respectfully helps everyone feel more at ease.
Try to keep at least one armrest available for the person next to you. Small gestures like this show consideration.
If you find yourself naturally leaning on both armrests, be mindful and adjust. Remember, it’s a shared space, not just your personal zone.
If you constantly press the call button for small requests, it can quickly disturb those around you. Flight attendants do their best to help but have limited time and resources.
Sometimes people press the call button repeatedly because they want attention or human interaction. This habit can cause delays and frustration for both crew and passengers.
Try to combine your needs into one call or wait a reasonable amount of time before pressing again. If you only need something minor, consider waiting until attendants pass by or can assist without a button press.
Remember, flight attendants want to help everyone. Being mindful about when and how often you ask can make the flight smoother for everyone involved.
Ignoring personal hygiene and bad odors
You might not realize it, but strong body odor or bad breath on a plane can quickly make your neighbors uncomfortable. Close quarters mean scents linger longer, affecting everyone’s experience.
Keeping clean before and during the flight helps keep the air pleasant for all. Eating smelly foods during a flight is another common annoyance.
While you might enjoy your snack, others might find the smell overwhelming in the confined space of the cabin. Choosing milder foods can show consideration for your seatmates.
Even small habits, like not washing your hands after using the restroom, can bother people nearby. Staying fresh and clean contributes to a more comfortable flight for everyone.
Unbuckling seatbelt during turbulence
You might feel comfortable and think it’s safe to unbuckle your seatbelt once the sign is off. However, turbulence can happen suddenly and without warning.
Keeping your seatbelt fastened at all times helps protect you from unexpected jolts. When the plane hits turbulence, anyone without a seatbelt risks injury by being thrown from their seat.
This not only disrupts your flight but can also put your seatmates in danger if you bump into them. Flight experts and airlines strongly recommend staying buckled, even during smooth parts of the flight.
If you’re concerned about comfort, try loosening the belt slightly instead of unbuckling completely. Staying safe makes flying easier—for you and everyone around you.
Using the bathroom at the worst moments
You know that moment when the seatbelt sign is on, and someone insists on getting up to use the bathroom? It can be frustrating for your neighbors, especially during turbulence or meal service.
Trying to squeeze past your seatmates right when they’re settling in disrupts their space. Waiting a few minutes usually makes everyone more comfortable.
If you do need the bathroom urgently, try to choose a time when people aren’t busy eating or resting. Flight attendants often say the plane bathroom is the busiest right after takeoff and before landing.
Also, keep in mind the bathrooms get less clean over time, so quick visits are best. Being mindful of when and how you use the bathroom helps keep peace around you on the flight.
Taking off shoes and exposing feet
Removing your shoes on a plane can make nearby passengers uncomfortable. Airplane floors aren’t the cleanest places, and bare feet can expose you and others to germs.
You might feel more relaxed without shoes, especially on long flights. However, keeping your shoes or socks on shows respect for fellow travelers who may be sensitive to odors or the sight of bare feet.
Some airlines even discourage going barefoot, although enforcement is rare. If you do take your shoes off, try to keep your feet in your own space and avoid walking barefoot through the cabin or to the restroom.
Wearing clean socks or slippers can be a good middle ground. This way, you stay comfy and avoid disturbing your seatmates during the flight.
Loud snoring without trying to minimize noise
Loud snoring on a plane can quickly annoy the people around you. Your seatmates are stuck in close quarters with little escape from the sound.
There are simple steps you can take to help minimize snoring, like changing your sleep position or using travel-friendly remedies. Ignoring the problem shows little consideration for others trying to rest.
Snoring happens when soft tissues block airflow during sleep, but noisy snoring can be managed. You might try sleeping on your side or using nasal strips to keep airways open.
If snoring is a regular issue for you, consider looking into proven remedies that can help reduce noise.
Invading personal bubble by leaning over
When someone leans over your seat, it can feel like your personal space is being squeezed. You might notice discomfort or even anxiety as your bubble shrinks without your permission.
Most people expect at least 2-3 feet of personal space. You may find it frustrating when a seatmate reaches into your area, especially if they do it repeatedly.
This often happens during boarding, or when trying to access overhead bins. Politely asking them to respect your space can help prevent awkward moments.
If you struggle to speak up, practicing with a friend can build your confidence. A gentle but firm tone usually works best.
Interrupting flight attendants repeatedly
When you keep interrupting flight attendants, it can disrupt their workflow and delay service for everyone.
They have a tight schedule and many tasks to handle.
If you have a question or need assistance, try to time it when they’re not busy.
Speaking loudly or calling repeatedly can be frustrating for both the crew and your seatmates.
Remember, flight attendants are there to help but also need space to do their jobs.
Being considerate of their time makes the flight more pleasant for you and those around you.
