10 Big Things Passengers Do Wrong on Airplanes

Flying can be a great experience, but we’ve all seen (or been) that passenger who makes things harder for everyone.

From the oversized carry-ons to the sudden seat reclining, these common mistakes turn flights into headaches.

Here’s a look at the 10 biggest passenger mistakes and how to avoid them – because a little consideration goes a long way in making air travel better for everyone.

Your fellow passengers will thank you. 😊

1. Overloading the Overhead Bin

a. The Problem

You’ll often notice passengers struggling with oversized bags or trying to squeeze in multiple items that exceed carry-on limits
Small items like coats and laptop bags take up space meant for larger carry-ons
You might be forced to check your bag at the gate if bins are full
Finding your bag stored far from your seat can really slow you down when it’s time to leave
Bin disputes often cause flight delays and create tension among passengers
Overstuffed bins can be dangerous – items might fall out when opened

b. Smart Solutions for Your Next Flight

Travel light and double-check your airline’s carry-on size limits before packing
Look for bin space close to your seat – but avoid storing items in bins behind your row
Keep your smaller items (purse, laptop, snacks) under the seat in front of you
Always ask a flight attendant or the bag’s owner before moving anyone else’s belongings

Read More: New Carry-On Rules for Flights

2. Reclining Their Seat Without Consideration

a. Understanding the Impact

Sudden reclining significantly reduces the already limited legroom of the passenger behind you
Can disrupt someone’s laptop work or meal experience without warning
Risks causing drink spills and food accidents during meal service
Makes the flight extremely uncomfortable for taller passengers who need more leg space
Leads to unnecessary tension and conflicts between passengers

b. Better Practices to Follow

Keep your seat upright during shorter flights whenever possible
If you need to recline, do it gradually and gently
Take a quick look behind you first – check if they’re eating or working
Simply ask the person behind if it’s okay to recline – a little courtesy goes a long way
Consider only reclining partially instead of going all the way back

3. Kicking or Bumping the Seat In Front Of Them

a. Impact on Other Passengers

The constant kicking and bumping seriously disrupts the passenger in front
Makes it hard for them to sleep, work, or relax during the flight
Can cause physical discomfort and pain from repeated jolts
Might cause spills if passengers are eating or drinking
Often leads to tension and unpleasant confrontations between passengers

b. Common Causes

Kids getting restless and fidgeting with seat-back screens
Trying to stretch legs in cramped spaces
Using the front seat for support when moving
Tall passengers struggling with limited legroom

c. Tips to Avoid Disturbing the Passenger in Front

Keep children’s feet away from the seat in front
Touch entertainment screens gently to avoid disturbing others
Try sitting cross-legged or make a simple footrest
Use your own armrests or seat for support when standing
Book exit rows or bulkhead seats if you’re tall

4. Taking Off Shoes and Socks, Exposing Bare Feet

a. How It Affects Your Fellow Passengers

Creates unpleasant odors in the confined cabin space
Can spread bacteria and fungus to other passengers
Walking barefoot exposes you to harmful bacteria, especially in lavatories
Putting bare feet on armrests or in others’ space is disrespectful
Makes other passengers uncomfortable in their shared space

b. Smart Solutions for Comfortable Travel

Keep shoes on for safety, especially during takeoff and landing
If removing shoes, wear clean socks at all times
Pack travel slippers for comfort during long flights
Use compression socks to manage foot swelling
Be mindful of others’ comfort and maintain basic hygiene

5. Rushing to Stand Up As Soon As the Plane Lands

a. Why It’s a Problem for Everyone

Blocking the aisle prevents others from accessing their bags
Standing before the seatbelt sign turns off risks your safety during taxiing
Grabbing overhead bags too early can cause accidents and injuries
Creates chaos and delays instead of an orderly exit
Causes stress and frustration for fellow passengers

b. Smart Ways to Handle Deplaning

Stay seated until the seatbelt sign turns off
Stand only when you have enough space to avoid blocking others
Wait for passengers in front to exit first
Prepare your belongings while seated to save time
If you have a tight connection, politely let others know – most will understand

6. Talking Loudly or Having Long Conversations

a. How Loud Talking Affects Others

Prevents passengers from sleeping, reading, or relaxing
Makes it hard to hear important crew announcements
Creates challenges for non-native English speakers
Can trigger a chain reaction of raised voices
Disrupts the overall peaceful cabin environment

b. Your Guide to Considerate Conversation

Keep your voice low and gentle
Be mindful that extended conversations can tire other passengers
Pay attention if your seatmate seems uninterested in chatting (like using headphones or focusing on a book)
Save lengthy chats for after the flight
Consider fellow passengers who might be trying to rest

7. Using Electronic Devices Without Headphones

a. Why It Disturbs Your Fellow Passengers

Disrupts others trying to rest, read, or enjoy their own entertainment
Especially bothersome during long-haul and overnight flights
Creates tension between passengers who want quiet
Multiple devices playing at once can create chaos
Makes it hard to hear important announcements

b. What Airlines Expect From You

Headphones are required for all audio content
Rules apply to phones, tablets, laptops, and gaming devices
Non-compliance might require you to turn off your device
These policies help maintain a peaceful cabin environment

c. Simple Solutions for Everyone’s Comfort

Always pack headphones in your carry-on
Keep your volume at a considerate level
Use subtitles if you don’t have headphones
Mute your device when not using headphones
Be extra mindful during quiet hours

8. Not Covering Mouth When Coughing or Sneezing

a. Why It Matters for Everyone’s Health

Releases germs and droplets into the shared cabin air
Contaminates surfaces like tray tables and armrests
Can severely affect those with respiratory conditions
Risks spreading colds, flu, and other infections
Makes fellow passengers anxious about their health

b. How to Protect Yourself and Others

Always cover your mouth with a tissue or elbow
Consider wearing a face mask if you have symptoms
Avoid traveling if you’re seriously ill
Keep hand sanitizer and tissues within easy reach
Request a window seat to minimize contact with others

9. Blocking the Aisle During Boarding

a. How Blocking the Aisle Affects Everyone

Delays boarding process for the entire flight
Creates frustrating bottlenecks and congestion
Risk of bumping seated passengers with bags
Makes it hard for those needing assistance to pass
Could be dangerous during emergency evacuations

b. Smart Ways to Board Efficiently

Wait your turn – let those in front of you move first
Have your essentials (books, headphones) ready before boarding
Store your carry-on in the overhead bin promptly
Carry backpacks in front or at your side to avoid hitting others
If you need extra time, step into your row or a vacant seat to allow others to pass

10. Taking Someone Else’s Seat

a. Why Taking the Wrong Seat Matters

Causes disruption and inconvenience for multiple passengers
Creates tension and arguments between travelers
Forces rightful seat owners into less comfortable spots
Unfair to those who paid extra for specific seats
Disrupts planned meal service and flight operations

b. The Right Way to Handle Seating

Always use your assigned seat unless staff say otherwise
Book seats together in advance for family travel
Request special seating needs before your flight
Ask politely if you want to swap, but accept “no” gracefully
If someone’s in your seat, show your boarding pass and get crew help if needed