Travel Blinks Sunday Special Issue

30 Things You Should Never Do on a Plane

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30 Things You Should Never Do on a Plane

Air travel can be stressful, but following basic etiquette and safety rules ensures a smoother experience for everyone. Flight attendants and frequent flyers agree—some behaviors are just unacceptable at 30,000 feet. Here’s a detailed list of 30 things you should never do on a plane.

Etiquette & Common Courtesy

  1. Touch Flight Attendants Without Permission
    Flight attendants are safety professionals, not your personal assistants. Never grab or tap them to get their attention—just say "Excuse me" politely.

  2. Ask to Use the Lavatory Right After Boarding
    The crew is busy preparing for takeoff, and blocking the aisle delays departure. Use the airport restroom before boarding.

  3. Stretch Your Legs or Arms into the Aisle
    Keeping the aisle clear is crucial for safety. If you need to stretch, do so without obstructing others.

  4. Rush to the Front as Soon as the Plane Lands
    Everyone wants to deplane quickly, but crowding the aisle before your row is called is rude and slows things down.

  5. Recline Your Seat Without Warning
    Sudden reclining can spill drinks, crush laptops, or disturb sleeping passengers. Glance back first and recline slowly.

  6. Talk Loudly or Shout Across the Cabin
    Plane cabins amplify noise. Keep conversations at a low volume so others can rest or work.

  7. Hog the Armrests
    The middle seat passenger gets priority for the shared armrests—don’t elbow them out of the way.

  8. Put Your Feet on Someone Else’s Armrest
    No one wants your toes near their face. Keep your feet on the floor or your own seat.

  9. Go Barefoot or Wear Only Socks
    Cabin floors are dirty, and no one wants to smell your feet. Wear shoes if you need to walk around.

  10. Bring Strong-Smelling Food
    Skip the tuna sandwich, durian, or fast food—strong odors linger in the confined cabin space.

  11. Play Music or Videos Without Headphones
    Even if you think it’s quiet, others can hear it. Always use earbuds or headphones.

  12. Lean on a Stranger While Sleeping
    If you nod off, avoid drooping onto your neighbor. Bring a neck pillow instead.

  13. Clip Your Nails Mid-Flight
    It’s unhygienic, and nail clippings can fly onto other passengers. Do it at home.

  14. Do Loud Exercises in the Aisle
    Stretching is fine, but jumping jacks or yoga poses disrupt others. Stick to subtle movements.

  15. Douse Yourself in Strong Perfume or Cologne
    Scents are amplified in recycled cabin air—what smells nice to you may trigger allergies for others.

Safety & Rule Violations

  1. Ignore Flight Attendant Instructions
    They’re trained for emergencies. If they ask you to do something (like fasten your seatbelt), comply immediately.

  2. Argue with the Crew Over Minor Issues
    If there’s a problem, stay calm. Yelling or refusing to cooperate can get you banned from future flights.

  3. Attempt to Open Emergency Exits
    This isn’t a joke—tampering with doors mid-flight is illegal and endangers everyone.

  4. Board Before Your Group is Called
    Airlines board in a specific order for efficiency. Cutting in line causes chaos.

  5. Let Kids Run Around Unsupervised
    Turbulence can send them flying, and they might disturb other passengers. Keep them seated.

  6. Sleep on the Tray Table
    It’s covered in germs and not sturdy enough to support your head. Use a travel pillow instead.

  7. Make Jokes About Bombs or Threats
    Even as a "prank," this can lead to arrest, fines, or being banned from flying.

  8. Smoke or Vape Onboard
    All airlines prohibit smoking, including e-cigarettes. Detectors will catch you, and penalties are severe.

  9. Drink Too Much Alcohol
    Altitude intensifies alcohol’s effects, increasing dehydration and the risk of disruptive behavior.

  10. Chug Carbonated Drinks
    The pressure changes causes bloating and discomfort. Stick to water or juice.

Health & Comfort Tips

  1. Stay Seated the Entire Flight
    Sitting too long increases blood clot risks. Stand up and stretch occasionally (when safe).

  2. Wear Contact Lenses for Long Flights
    Dry cabin air can irritate your eyes. Switch to glasses or use rewetting drops.

  3. Sleep If It’s Morning at Your Destination
    Adjusting to the new time zone early helps reduce jet lag. Stay awake if it’s daytime there.

  4. Overstuff the Overhead Bins
    One carry-on and a personal item max. Don’t take up space meant for others.

  5. Assume Everyone Loves Your Pet
    If traveling with an animal, keep them calm and contained. Not all passengers are pet-friendly.

A little consideration goes a long way in making flights pleasant for everyone. Follow these tips, respect the crew, and enjoy a smoother journey! ✈️

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