The biggest part of air travel is the flight. The often cramped seats can sometimes bring out the worst in people, while others spend hours trying to keep everyone else happy. If that sounds familiar, then it could be time to learn everything there is to know about seat etiquette on a plane.
Do you share an armrest?
Who gets the armrest if you’re in the middle seat? According to etiquette experts, this is one of the most common questions and doesn’t necessarily have an answer. When it comes to plane etiquette, the common response is the middle seat is the most uncomfortable, so they should have access to both. The exceptions come when you have someone struggling in their seat and might need more room, meaning the armrest should become shared.
Can you swap seats?
Swapping seats is something many people have tried to do on planes, but is it correct? If you’re on a row with three seats and there are two passengers, moving so the middle seat is free is often seen to be polite. When it comes to swapping with a passenger, think about whether the trade is equal. If you go from an aisle seat to a middle seat, so someone is with their family, it’s not equal. However, if you go from aisle seat to aisle seat, no one misses out.
Should you recline your seat?
To some, the idea you can recline your seat means you always should, while others believe this is the ultimate flying sin. So what’s the deal? The best idea is to make yourself as comfortable as possible without inconveniencing anyone else. If you’re on a long-haul flight, etiquette experts say a reclined seat is to be expected. However, a flight less than two hours should see all seats remain in the upright position. Just always check with whoever is behind first.
How do you deal with the back of your seat?
Many of us have dealt with someone kicking the back of our seat on a plane or constantly rummaging for something they’ve dropped. Sound familiar? When it comes to etiquette on planes, treat your neighbor in front as you want to be treated. That means not kicking the seat, minimizing the time you look in the pocket of the seat, and not using your tray to pound on the keyboard of your laptop.
Is it acceptable to leave your seat?
Most of us need to get up once or twice, especially during a long-haul flight. If you need to, then be sure to ask permission before climbing over someone. However, be sure not to take advantage and get up every few minutes. That said, if you’re in the aisle seat, then you need to be prepared for people to ask you to move, so you might need to let them know if you’re planning a nap.
When it comes to everything there is to know about etiquette on a plane, it might not be as tough to get along with everyone else as it seems.
