The thing about life that I’ve come to realize is that there are very few activities that are both blissful and stressful at the same time. Starting a new job, performing in front of people, moving to a new home, and even hosting a big event or party—all of these can fill us with excitement and joy, yet also bring a fair share of stress. Traveling by air is right up there on that list. Do you agree? One more thing I’ll say: these are all always worth it in the end.
There’s something uniquely exhilarating about air travel—the anticipation of being en route to your dream destination, the thrill of packing your outfits and planning your itinerary—but it can also be overwhelming, from navigating airports (like LAX) to managing unexpected delays (never a good time). The good news? Following a few essential flight etiquette tips can make the journey smoother and more pleasant for everyone on board. As someone who’s spent countless hours in airports and airplanes, I know firsthand how much these small gestures can impact the overall vibe of a flight.
Here are my must-follow manners for a better flight experience.
Do’s & Don’ts of Flying by Nica Lina
Be Considerate During Boarding
One of my top flight etiquette tips, and one of the more obvious ones, is to greet the flight crew and your fellow passengers with a smile. Board efficiently by stowing your bags quickly and moving out of the aisle as soon as possible. This helps everyone get settled faster and reduces unnecessary delays.
Small Gestures that Make a Big Difference
Here’s an extra tip to take your boarding etiquette to the next level: If you want to truly brighten someone’s day, consider giving a small gift card (like for coffee or a popular café) to a few members of the flight crew as you board.
It’s a thoughtful gesture that shows appreciation for all they do—and it can lead to little perks, like extra attention or a warmer in-flight experience. Small acts of kindness can go a long way at 30,000 feet!
Add these Airplane Travel Essentials to your cart
Respect Personal Space
Sharing tight quarters is part of flying, so respecting personal space is crucial. Remember the classic flight etiquette tip: the middle seat gets priority for the armrests. Keep your arms, legs, and belongings within your seat area, and avoid abrupt seat reclining or “manspreading.”
Some tips to make your economy seat a bit more cozy…
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Bring a supportive neck pillow and a compact lumbar cushion. These help maintain good posture and prevent stiffness, making long flights much more bearable.
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Choose your seat strategically. Opt for aisle or exit row seats if possible for extra legroom, or select a window seat if you prefer to lean and rest undisturbed.
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Use layers and adjust your clothing. Dress in soft, breathable layers so you can easily adapt to changing cabin temperatures and avoid discomfort from tight or restrictive outfits.
The Best Flights Can Be Found Here
Speaking of flights.. If you’ve been following By Nica Lina for a while, you know I’m all about intentional travel and finding those little hacks that make the journey smoother (and friendlier on the wallet). When it comes to booking flights, I’ve tried just about every platform out there—and honestly, WayAway has been my go-to for scoring the best deals in the last few years.
What makes WayAway so special? It’s not just another flight search engine. WayAway pulls together options from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies, so you can see the absolute cheapest fares in one beautiful, easy-to-use dashboard. It’s pretty much SkyScanner, but so much better. I love how you can filter by price, stops, airlines, and even use their calendar and map tools to spot the lowest fares for your dream destination. No more endless tabs or second-guessing if you’re missing out on a better deal!
And here’s the best part: WayAway offers real-time price tracking, instant alerts for fare drops, and even cash-back on bookings. Also there are no hidden fees, just honest prices and all the info you need to book your next flight asap.
If you’re planning your next adventure (maybe a spontaneous trip to Southeast Asia?), you’re going to love how easy it is to find cheap flights to Bangkok and beyond. I’ve added a widget below so you can start using it and see how cheap flights are to Bangkok! Happy travels, and thank me later!
Mind Your Hygiene and Attire
Clean, comfortable clothing is a must—leave pajamas and revealing outfits at home. If you remove your shoes, keep your socks on and your feet to yourself. Good hygiene is a simple but often overlooked flight etiquette tip that makes a big difference for those around you.
Did you know airplanes are actually really gross? Studies have shown that tray tables, seat belts, and even seat pockets can harbor more bacteria than a household toilet seat..
Staying hygienic on a flight isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your health, too. Here are three tips to help you stay fresh and germ-free in the sky:
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Wipe down your seat area before settling in. Use disinfectant wipes to clean your tray table, armrests, seat belt, and screen, as these are some of the dirtiest surfaces on a plane.
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Use hand sanitizer regularly. Apply hand sanitizer after touching shared surfaces like overhead bins, lavatory handles, or seat back pockets, and always before eating or touching your face.
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Bring your own travel pillow and blanket. Avoid using airline-provided pillows and blankets, as they are often reused and may not be thoroughly cleaned between flight.
Practice Good In-Flight Etiquette
Use headphones for all audio, and keep the volume low. Avoid bringing strong-smelling foods on board, and use tray tables and seat pockets responsibly—no sticky messes or overflowing trash. These flight etiquette tips help keep the cabin clean and comfortable for everyone.
Be Thoughtful with Conversation
Not everyone wants to chat at 30,000 feet. I sure as heck don’t. Pay attention to social cues—if your seatmate seems uninterested, respect their space. If you do engage, keep your voice down and avoid oversharing personal details.
Bathroom and Aisle Etiquette
When you need to get up, move gently past seatmates and always say “excuse me” rather than climbing over them. Don’t linger in the aisle or block the galley, as flight attendants and other passengers need to move freely—another important flight etiquette tip.
During my flight back home from the Philippines to San Francisco, I was seated on an aisle seat, and every time my seatmates wanted to use the restroom, they would kick my leg to wake me up or get my attention. That is a no-no! Don’t be that person.
Respect the Cabin Crew
Cabin crew are there for your safety and comfort, so always follow their instructions promptly and be polite in every interaction. This is one of the most essential flight etiquette tips and goes a long way in creating a positive atmosphere on board.
Handle Sticky Situations Gracefully
If someone asks you to switch seats, it’s okay to politely decline unless it’s for a child or someone with special needs. If you encounter issues like seat kicking or disruptive behavior, address them calmly and respectfully or seek help from the crew if needed.
Disembark with Patience
When the plane lands, wait your turn to stand and collect your luggage. Don’t push ahead—this simple flight etiquette tip ensures a smoother exit for everyone. Offer assistance to those who may need extra help, such as elderly passengers or families with young children.
By following these flight etiquette tips, you’ll contribute to a more enjoyable flight for yourself, your fellow travelers, and the hardworking crew. Have your own favorite flight etiquette tips or stories? Share them in the comments below and help inspire the By Nica Lina community to travel with kindness and respect every time they take to the skies.
