10 Things to Never Do on an Airplane

Getting ready for your next flight? Before you board, there are 10 crucial things you should know never to do on an airplane.

These essential tips will help protect your health, ensure your safety, and make your journey more enjoyable. Let’s dive into the details. 😊

1. Be Cautious with Aircraft Seat Area and Amenities

a. Tray Tables

High Contact: Used for eating, working, and various activities by every passenger.
Cleaning Status: Only cleaned during major cleanings, not between flights.
Germ Alert: Contains more bacteria than airplane toilets.
Health Risk: Often used for diaper changes by some passengers.
Smart Move: Always wipe down with disinfectant wipes before use.

b. Seat Pockets

Common Items: Often contain used tissues, trash, and sometimes dirty diapers.
Cleaning Schedule: Not regularly emptied or sanitized between flights.
Health Risk: Can harbor harmful bacteria from leftover items.
Smart Move: Keep your items in your carry-on instead.
Safety Tip: If needed, use a plastic bag before placing items inside.

c. Blankets & Pillows

Usage Pattern: Often reused multiple times before washing.
Cleaning Reality: Rarely thoroughly cleaned between flights.
Health Risk: Can contain germs, bacteria, and mold from previous users.
Important Note: Plastic wrapping doesn’t mean it’s clean or new.
Smart Move: Pack your own travel blanket and pillow.

d. Seat Belts & Buckles

Contact Level: Touched by every passenger in that seat.
Cleaning Status: Rarely sanitized between flights.
Health Risk: Easy transfer point for bacteria to hands.
Smart Move: Wipe down with sanitizing wipes before use.

e. Headrests & Armrests

Contact Points: Constantly touched by hands and heads.
Cleaning Status: Not regularly sanitized between flights.
Health Risk: Studies show significant bacterial presence.
Smart Move: Use a clean cloth or scarf over headrest.
Safety Tip: Sanitize hands after touching armrests.

f. General Health Tips

Hand Care: Use hand sanitizer frequently, especially after touching common surfaces.
Face Protection: Avoid touching your face during flight.
Personal Items: Bring your own travel essentials when possible.
Surface Safety: Pack disinfectant wipes for cleaning your seating area.

Read More: New Carry-On Rules for Flights

2. Be Careful with Beverages and Alcohol on Flights

a. Alcohol Consumption

Dehydration Risk: The cabin’s dry air makes alcohol dehydrate you faster than usual.
Altitude Effect: You’ll feel intoxicated more quickly due to lower oxygen levels.
Sleep Impact: Drinking can mess with your in-flight sleep quality.
Health Warning: Worsens jet lag and affects your heart rate and oxygen levels.
Behavior Alert: Getting drunk could lead to serious legal trouble – don’t risk it!

b. Airline Alcohol Policies

Free Service: Many airlines offer complimentary drinks on long-haul flights.
Premium Perks: First class and premium seats often include free alcohol.
Important Rule: Personal alcohol is strictly forbidden – only accept drinks from crew.

c. Smart Beverage Choices

Best Choice: Water – bring your own bottle to stay hydrated.
Watch Out: Fizzy drinks can make you bloated; coffee uses potentially unclean tank water.
Better Options: Go for fruit juices – they’re hydrating and nutritious.
Safety Tip: Avoid ice in drinks – water tanks and ice trays aren’t always clean.
Pro Tip: Bring an empty water bottle through security and fill it after.

3. Don’t Ignore Safety Signs and Instructions

a. Why the Seatbelt Sign Matters

Primary Purpose: Protects passengers during turbulence, takeoff, and landing.
Safety Impact: Prevents injuries from sudden aircraft movements.
Timing Factor: Can turn on anytime, even in seemingly smooth conditions.

b. Important Safety Actions

Initial Step: Buckle up immediately after sitting down.
Visibility Rule: Keep seatbelt visible over blankets for crew checks.
Movement Guide: Only move around when the sign is off.
Response Time: Follow crew instructions promptly when sign illuminates.
Duration Rule: Keep fastened throughout the flight, even when sign is off.

c. Common Misconceptions

Comfort Concern: Modern belts are adjustable; extenders available if needed.
Self-Protection: Human reactions too slow for sudden turbulence.
Weather Assumption: Clear skies don’t guarantee smooth flights.
Exercise Need: Wait for appropriate times when sign is off.
Flight Duration: Short flights equally susceptible to turbulence.

d. Real Incidents

Recent Case: Singapore Airlines (2024) – The flight encountered severe turbulence, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. Many affected passengers were not wearing seatbelts at the time.
Historical Example: United Airlines (2010) – 25 injuries from severe turbulence.
Latest Event: LATAM Airlines (2024) – 50+ injuries from unexpected turbulence.
Common Factor: Most serious injuries involved unbelted passengers.
Learning Point: All incidents preventable with proper seatbelt use.

4. Don’t Recline Your Seat During Boarding, Take-off, Meals, or Landing

a. During Boarding

Aisle Space: Keep your seat upright to maintain clear pathways for others.
Bin Access: Makes it easier for passengers behind you to store luggage.
Smooth Flow: Helps everyone find and settle into their seats quickly.
Time Factor: Speeds up the boarding process for the entire flight.

b. During Take-off and Landing

Safety Priority: Ensures faster evacuation if needed.
Protection: Upright seats act as safety barriers during sudden stops.
Crew Checks: Allows flight attendants to verify cabin safety quickly.

c. During Meal Service

Eating Space: Gives the person behind you enough room to eat.
Safety First: Prevents spills and accidents with food trays.
Service Flow: Helps crew serve meals more efficiently.

d. Reclining Etiquette

Check First: Always look behind before reclining your seat.
Go Slow: Recline gently to avoid surprising others.
Be Kind: Adjust your seat if someone politely asks you to.

5. Don’t Stay in Your Seat for the Entire Long Flight

a. Why Moving During Long Flights Matters

Blood Flow: Regular movement prevents dangerous blood clots in your legs.
Comfort: Helps avoid muscle stiffness and joint pain.
Better Digestion: Keeps your digestive system working properly.
Less Swelling: Prevents fluid buildup in your feet and ankles.

b. Simple Exercises in Your Seat

Ankle Work: Draw circles with your feet in both directions.
Leg Exercise: Lift your legs straight out while sitting.
Upper Body: Roll your shoulders and stretch your arms overhead.
Neck Relief: Gently stretch your neck side to side.
Quick Stretches: Extend your arms out whenever possible.

c. Tips for Moving Around the Cabin

Smart Seating: Pick an aisle seat for easy movement.
Regular Walks: Take short strolls when the seatbelt sign is off.
Bathroom Strategy: Use bathroom trips as an excuse to walk, even if you don’t need to go.
Back Space: Visit the area near the rear lavatories where there’s often room to stretch.
Timing: Move when there’s less traffic in the aisles (like after meal service).
Safety First: Always check the seatbelt sign and follow crew instructions.

6. Be Mindful of Window Seat

a. Health Risks at Window Seats

Germ Contact: Previous passengers may have left germs on windows and surrounding surfaces.
Common Contaminants: Includes saliva, skin oils, and respiratory droplets.
High-Touch Areas: Window walls and ledges often collect bacteria.
Transfer Risk: Especially high when leaning or sleeping against windows.

b. UV Exposure Concerns

Higher Intensity: Closer to sun means stronger UV radiation.
Window Effects: Airplane windows block UVB but allow UVA rays through.
Cloud Factor: Surrounding clouds can reflect and amplify UV exposure.
Extended Exposure: Long flights increase UV radiation risks.

c. Protection Tips

Surface Cleaning: Wipe window area with antibacterial wipes before use.
Barrier Method: Use a clean scarf or clothing when resting against window.
Sun Protection: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen before and during flight.
Shade Management: Keep window shade down during peak daylight hours.
Clothing Choice: Wear long sleeves or bring a light scarf for extra coverage.

7. Don’t Store Valuables in the Seatback Pocket

a. Why Seatback Pockets Are Risky

Easy to Forget: Items slip out of mind during the rush to leave the plane.
Hard to Return: Once you exit, getting back on the plane is usually impossible.
Common Problem: Many passengers lose valuable items this way each day.
Travel Disruption: Lost essentials can seriously derail your plans.

b. Items Most Often Lost

Important Documents: Passports, boarding passes, ID cards.
Electronics: Phones, tablets, e-readers, chargers.
Valuables: Wallets, cash, credit cards.
Personal Items: Reading glasses, medications, keys.

c. Security Risks to Consider

Easy Access: Anyone sitting in front of you can reach back into their seatback pocket.
Vulnerable Times: Items are exposed when you sleep or use the restroom.
Public Space: Remember you’re sharing space with strangers.
Limited Control: You can’t always watch your items during the flight.

d. Smart Ways to Keep Items Safe

Use Your Bag: Keep a small bag under the seat for easy access.
Wear It Close: Use a money belt for important documents and cash.
Secure Pockets: Choose clothing with zippered pockets for small valuables.
Stay Alert: Keep important items within sight throughout your flight.
Quick Check: Always look inside the pocket before leaving your seat.

8. Avoid Wearing Contact Lenses During Flights

a. Why Avoid Contact Lenses on Flights

Dry Environment: Airplane cabins have very low humidity that can quickly dry out your eyes.
Physical Discomfort: Your contacts might feel scratchy and irritating during the flight.
Health Risk: Dry eyes are more likely to get infected when wearing contacts.
Sleep Issues: Taking a nap with contacts in can make your eyes extra dry and uncomfortable.

b. Tips If You Must Wear Contact Lenses

Choose Wisely: Go for daily disposable lenses if possible – they’re more hygienic for travel.
Keep Them Moist: Use approved eye drops before and during your flight.
Watch Your Screen Time: Take regular breaks from your phone or laptop.
Remember to Blink: Make a conscious effort to blink more often than usual.
Bring Backup: Pack your glasses and spare contacts just in case.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout your flight.

9. Don’t Sleep During Take-off and Landing Due to Ear Pressure

a. Why You Shouldn’t Sleep During Take-off and Landing

Ear Pressure Problems: Quick altitude changes can make your ears hurt and feel blocked.
No Natural Relief: When you’re asleep, you can’t do simple actions like yawning to help your ears adjust.
Wake-up Pain: You might wake up with uncomfortable or painful ear pressure.
Safety First: Being asleep means you’re not alert during these important flight phases.

b. What to Do Instead of Sleeping During Take-off and Landing

Keep Swallowing: Either swallow naturally or sip water to help your ears adjust.
Pop in Some Gum: Chewing helps balance the pressure in your ears naturally.
Try the Easy Trick: Gently blow while holding your nose closed – it helps equalize pressure.
Drink Water: Staying hydrated helps your ears adjust more easily.
For Kids: Give them something to suck on – a pacifier or drink works great.

10. Avoid Swapping Seats on a Plane

a. Safety Reasons to Keep Your Assigned Seat

Meal Service: Special meals are delivered based on seat assignments. Changing seats can cause confusion and delays.
Exit Row Requirements: Exit row seats have specific safety requirements. Moving there without authorization can compromise emergency protocols.
Lost Items: Moving seats increases the risk of leaving personal items behind or mixing them up with someone else’s belongings.

b. Common Swap Situations to Avoid

Hidden Motives: Be careful when someone offers a “better” seat – it might be worse.
Comfort Issues: New seat might have less legroom or limited reclining.
Seat Preferences: Window vs. aisle preferences matter for your comfort.
Location Changes: Your distance to restrooms or exits might change unexpectedly.

c. Considerate Passenger Guidelines

Personal Choices: Remember others chose their seats for specific reasons.
Avoid Conflicts: Seat swaps often create uncomfortable situations.
Polite Requests: If asking to swap, be courteous and accept refusals gracefully.
Special Cases: Consider families with small children or those with special needs.

d. Planning and Prevention Tips

Early Selection: Book your preferred seat during ticket purchase.
Paid Options: Consider paying extra for seat selection if important.
Staff Assistance: Ask flight attendants for help with seating issues.
Advance Planning: Choose seats that meet your needs when booking.

Extra Tip #1: Don’t Leave Trash or Make a Mess

a. Why Keeping It Clean Matters

Health Safety: Food leftovers and trash attract bacteria and bugs, risking everyone’s health.
Flight Safety: Loose items can block emergency exits and aisles, creating dangerous situations.
Common Courtesy: A messy space affects other passengers’ comfort and creates extra work for crew.
Aircraft Hygiene: Clean spaces help maintain the plane’s overall cleanliness between flights.

b. How to Keep Your Area Clean

Use Trash Bags: Always take the waste bag offered by flight attendants.
Regular Disposal: Hand over your trash when crew members collect it – don’t wait.
Quick Clean-ups: Wipe spills immediately to prevent spreading.
Personal Space: Keep your seat area, pocket, and floor space tidy.
Tray Table Care: Return it to its original clean state after use.

c. Smart Tips for a Mess-Free Flight

Careful Eating: Use napkins and eat over your tray to catch crumbs.
Seal Food Waste: Close food wrappers to prevent odors and spills.
Diaper Disposal: Use bathroom bins only – never seat pockets or floor.
Use Wet Wipes: Clean your hands and area after eating to prevent sticky residues

Extra Tip #2: Be Mindful of Common Areas in Flight

a. Airplane Floors

Traffic Level: Exposed to hundreds of shoes daily.
Cleaning Status: Only vacuumed, rarely disinfected between flights.
Risk Factors: Collects spills, food debris, and tracked-in dirt.
Safety Tip: Always wear shoes, especially in the lavatory.
Smart Move: Use overhead bins instead of placing items on floor.

b. In-Flight Materials

Usage Pattern: Handled by countless passengers over time.
Cleaning Status: Rarely cleaned or replaced.
Health Risk: Can accumulate bacteria and viruses.
Smart Move: Bring your own reading materials.
Safety Tip: Sanitize hands after handling.

c. Lavatory Surfaces

Usage Level: Shared by all passengers during flight.
High-Risk Areas: Flush buttons, door handles, faucets.
Cleaning Status: Cleaned regularly but gets dirty quickly.
Smart Move: Use tissue paper to touch surfaces.
Safety Tip: Always wash hands thoroughly after use.