Air Travel Tips: What Not to Do
Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re discussing what NOT to do when planning a trip by plane. Whether you’re a newer traveler or haven’t flown in a while, we’re sharing our air travel tips for being a good air passenger so we don’t see you on the news!
Don’t Forget the TSA Rules
Before you even start packing for your trip, check what the latest TSA requirements are. We haven’t been allowed to take any liquid larger than 3 oz through security for at least 15 years, but there’s always someone that forgets and holds up the security line.
Don’t Forget to Check the Boards
Once you get through the security screening, look up and check the boards for your flight information. Things change, including gates and terminals, so the boarding pass you printed last night at home might not be accurate. Take a few seconds to match up the gates listed on the board so you don’t waste time going to the wrong place.
Don’t Think the Plane Doors Close at Departure Time
The departure time printed on your boarding pass is when the plane is supposed to push back from the jet bridge, not when the doors close. Some people like to be the last ones to board, but once that plane door closes, it will not reopen for you.
Don’t Join the Gate Lice
Gate lice are the travelers who get to the gate early and then crowd the boarding area, regardless of their boarding group. All this does is create congestion and the people who are supposed to be boarding have to wade through all the other groups waiting to board. It just clogs everything up and slows everyone down.
Don’t Overstuff the Overhead
If you have overstuffed your carry-on and you know it’s going to be tight, just check it at the gate. If you try to shove it in, it’s not going to work and then you’ll have to disrupt the entire boarding process to make your way back to the front to check your bag. This will delay boarding and possibly even lead to a late departure.
Also, once you’ve placed your bag in the overhead compartment, don’t close the door. Let the flight attendants do that once all the bins are full.
Additionally, the personal items you are allowed to bring on board should go under the seat in front of you, not in the overhead bin. It’s common courtesy to only take up space for one carry on and leave room for your fellow passengers. Plus, if you put a purse or other bag overhead, there’s a good chance it will be smashed by someone trying to squeeze their bag in.
Lastly, DO NOT put your stuff in someone else’s space without asking. The space under your seat is for the person behind you, not for you. Don’t help yourself to your neighbors’ space just because you overpacked.
Don’t Be Late to Check Your Bags
Even if you have Global Entry or Clear, you still need to check your bag well in advance of your flight. Each airline will vary, but many stop accepting checked bags 45 minutes to one hour before your departure time. If you cut it too close, your bag could be left behind.
Don’t Stand on the Left
Whether you’re on the moving walkway, escalators, or the jetbridge, don’t stand on the left and block traffic. Just like when driving, the left “lane” is for people who are moving faster than you. If you are resting or walking slowly, keep your luggage and yourself on the right side so people can pass you.
Likewise, if you have to stop and look at your phone or your boarding pass, pull over to do that. Don’t just stop abruptly in the middle of the hallway.
Don’t Use the Flight for Personal Hygiene
This is not the time for grooming. We have seen people cutting their fingernails or toenails, flossing their teeth, and painting their fingernails. Some of these are downright gross, while others are just inconsiderate of your fellow passengers.
Don’t Be Barefoot on the Plane
This is not just for other passengers, it’s for your own health and safety, too. I’ve actually seen people walk into the airport lavatory with no shoes on. Here’s a tip – it’s not water on the floor in the airplane bathroom! (If you can, just use the bathroom at the airport before boarding and avoid the aircraft lavatory!)
Don’t Take Your Pet Out
Many people fly with their small cat or dog in a carrier under the seat. Most airlines require that the animal is kept contained in its carrier for the duration of the flight. Don’t ignore the rules and take your pet out. It could have a serious effect on someone with allergies!
Don’t Be in a Rush to DePlane
Unless you’re going to miss your connection, don’t be that guy who stands up as soon as the plane lands. This just clogs up the aisles and slows down the entire process. Keep the aisle clear until the row before you are exiting. If you do have a tight connection, let a flight attendant know during the flight. There’s a chance they will make an announcement and ask everyone to remain seated while you exit the plane.
Don’t Be on Speaker Phone
This is a huge pet peeve everywhere, not just in the airport. Nobody wants to hear your conversations or be subjected to them on a plane or in the airport. Keep your conversations private by taking your phone off speaker, or using earbuds.
Don’t Forget Armrest Etiquette
If you’re in a row with three seats, the middle seat gets the armrest. This is because both the window and aisle seats have a little extra room to lean. You can share it, but the middle seat gets first dibs.
Don’t Complain About Kids or Old People
Sure, kids can slow things down or babies might cry, but that’s just part of traveling on a commercial airliner. Older people might be slow, too, but we were all babies once and hopefully we’ll still be traveling when we are older, so don’t complain. If you have a private jet, then you can decide who you fly with, but otherwise remember the Golden Rule.
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
You may have noticed that many of these tips apply to all travel situations and even everyday life. It all boils down to having good manners and treating your fellow travelers with respect. It’s actually pretty simple. Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the journey!
Want more family travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts: