Worst Airplane Habits That Secretly Annoy Everyone
Flying is already stressful enough—squeezing into cramped seats, navigating TSA, and hoping your luggage arrives on time. But what really grinds the gears of American travelers are those inconsiderate airplane habits that turn a routine flight into a test of patience. Here are the top offenses that drive passengers crazy.
Kicking, Bumping, or Shoving the Seat Back
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Few things are as irritating as finally getting comfortable in your seat, only to feel an unwelcome thud against your back. Maybe it’s a restless child, an oblivious adult stretching, or someone aggressively using your seat to stand up. The worst offenders keep at it throughout the flight and make it impossible to relax. If you’re seated behind someone, be mindful of how much you’re moving. And if a child is doing the kicking, it’s on the parents to intervene.
Reclining Without a Thought
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Sure, airplane seats recline, but just because you can doesn’t mean you should—at least not without considering the person behind you. The space between seats is already tight—reclining suddenly can spill drinks, smash laptop screens, and leave the person behind you feeling trapped. If you plan to recline, do so gradually, check behind you first, and try to sit upright during meal service.
Hogging the Bathroom
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Airplane restrooms are tiny, limited, and often in high demand, especially on long-haul flights. Taking an eternity in there—whether you’re freshening up, changing clothes, or simply scrolling through your phone—is inconsiderate. Other passengers might be silently suffering while waiting. A good rule of thumb is to get in, handle your business, and get out.
Bare Feet in the Aisle, on the Seat, or Anywhere Else
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There’s something unsettling about seeing someone’s bare toes creeping up on an armrest or, worse, touching the seat next to you. And let’s not even talk about the poor souls who walk into the lavatory barefoot. Airplane floors are not as clean as you’d hope. If you must remove your shoes, wear socks or slippers.
Neglecting Personal Hygiene
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Trapped inside a metal tube for hours, there’s no escape from bad body odor, overpowering cologne, or breath that could peel paint. Airplanes are the last place you want to be that person. A little deodorant, some breath mints, and fresh clothing make a world of difference. And if you’re sick, make sure to cover that cough and contain keep the sniffles.
Rushing to Disembark From the Back
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You’d think the plane was sinking with how fast some passengers from the back rows push forward once the seatbelt sign dings off. Disembarking works best when passengers exit row by row. Forcing your way through before it’s your turn just slows things down and irritates everyone else. Unless you have a tight connection, take a deep breath and wait.
Rolling Massive Suitcases Up the Aisle
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Wheeling an oversized carry-on through a packed aisle, knocking knees and smashing toes along the way, is a surefire way to make enemies. And don’t even think about stuffing it into an overhead bin that can barely handle a backpack. If your bag is too big to lift without assistance, it probably should have been checked.
Playing Games Without Turning the Sound Off
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Tapping away on Candy Crush or watching TikTok videos is fine—if you use headphones. But nothing is more grating than the repetitive beeps, dings, and theme music of a phone game played at full volume, especially on flights where people are trying to sleep. The same goes for FaceTiming in speaker mode. Keep it quiet.
Boarding Before Your Group Is Called
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Airlines have a system for a reason, yet some travelers seem to think they’re exempt. Lining up 15 minutes before your boarding group or trying to sneak past when it’s not your turn just clogs the gate and slows things down for everyone. Unless you’re in first class or have priority boarding, just wait. You’ll get on the plane soon enough.
Taking Over the Armrests
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The armrest debate is as old as air travel itself. The unwritten rule is that the poor soul stuck in the middle seat gets both armrests. Window and aisle passengers have their own space to lean into, but the person sandwiched in the middle has nowhere to go. Be considerate—don’t muscle in on your neighbor’s already limited real estate.
Bringing Stinky Food on Board
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Bringing food on a plane makes sense, but choosing something that reeks of garlic, onions, or fried fish is practically a crime. The scent of a tuna sandwich lingers far longer than your flight, and no one wants to inhale the fumes of a greasy fast-food burger at 30,000 feet. Stick to neutral snacks if you’re bringing your own meal.
Loudly Chatting on the Phone
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The moment the wheels touch down, some passengers treat their phones like an emergency hotline. While it’s understandable to check in with loved ones, there’s no need to announce your entire itinerary at top volume. Keep calls brief and quiet, and wait until you’re in the terminal if it’s a long conversation.
Getting Irritated Over Bathroom Visits
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It’s inevitable on any flight—someone in your row will need to use the restroom. Rolling your eyes, sighing loudly, or refusing to get up only makes things awkward for everyone involved. The polite move is to stand up and give your seatmate enough space to pass comfortably. Flights are a shared experience, so patience and cooperation go a long way in keeping things pleasant.
Taking Someone Else’s Seat
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Few things start a flight off on the wrong foot faster than finding someone in your assigned seat. It’s uncomfortable for everyone involved, even if it was just an honest mistake or a deliberate attempt to grab a better spot. Double-check your boarding pass before sitting down, and if you’re hoping to switch seats, ask politely instead of assuming it’s fine to take someone else’s.
Not Putting Your Phone on Airplane Mode
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Switching your phone to airplane mode might feel like a minor inconvenience, but it’s one of those little rules that keeps everything running smoothly. Although the chances of your phone interfering with the plane’s communication systems are slim, it’s still possible to cause unnecessary static or disruptions. And let’s be honest—ignoring the announcement isn’t going to win you any points with the crew or your fellow passengers.