Flying can be a stressful experience, and nothing makes it worse than dealing with inconsiderate fellow passengers. From those who treat the plane like their personal gym to those who seem to think flight attendants are their servants, some travellers just don’t know how to behave. If you recognise yourself in any of the categories below, it might be time to rethink your in-flight habits.

1. The Seat Kicker

There’s nothing worse than settling in for a long flight only to feel constant thumps on the back of your seat. Whether it’s an antsy child or an adult who can’t seem to sit still, seat kickers make for an incredibly frustrating experience. If you’re guilty of this, do everyone a favour and be mindful of your movements.

2. The Overhead Bin Hoarder

We all know this person—the one who stuffs the overhead bin with an oversized bag, their jacket, their shopping bags, and whatever else they can cram in. Meanwhile, other passengers struggle to find space for even a small carry-on. Overhead bins are shared space, not personal storage lockers. Pack smart and use only your fair share.

3. The Armrest Hog

Flying economy already means limited space, and it only gets worse when the person next to you decides to claim both armrests. While there’s an unspoken rule that the middle seat passenger gets both armrests, some people ignore this entirely. Be courteous—everyone deserves a bit of comfort.

4. The Loud Talker

Whether they’re loudly chatting with their seatmate, taking a work call before takeoff, or blasting music through bad headphones, these passengers make it impossible to relax. Aeroplanes are shared spaces—keep your voice and your volume down.

5. The Galley Lurker

Some passengers think the aircraft galley is the perfect place to stretch, socialise, or even chat up flight attendants. The reality? Flight attendants are busy working and need their space. If you need to stretch, do a quick walk down the aisle and avoid blocking essential areas.

6. The Barefoot Bandit

Few things are as unpleasant for the rest of the flight as seeing a passenger take off their shoes and prop their bare feet up on the seat in front of them—or worse, the armrest of another passenger. Keep your shoes on and respect the space of those around you.

7. The “Frequent Flyer” Know-It-All

We get it—you travel a lot. But loudly boasting about how many flights you’ve taken or trying to correct the flight crew on airline procedures is just obnoxious. This is rare but it does happen! Flight attendants work long hours and deal with countless passengers every day. Trust them to do their jobs without unnecessary commentary.

8. The Mess Maker

Some travelers treat the plane like a rubbish bin, leaving behind snack wrappers, empty cups, and even dirty tissues. Flight attendants and cleaning crews work hard, but that doesn’t mean you should make their jobs harder. Dispose of your rubbish properly—there’s no excuse for being lazy.

9. The Food Thief

Again, it’s quite rare but some people have no shame in swiping any unattended snacks or leftover food trays. Just because something is sitting out doesn’t mean it’s free for the taking. If you’re hungry, bring your own snacks or buy something before boarding.

10. The Entitled Passenger

Perhaps the worst of all, these travelers act as if they’re the most important person on the plane. They demand special treatment, ignore crew instructions, and complain about every little thing. Remember: everyone paid for a ticket, and no one is above the rules.

Flying is much more enjoyable when everyone follows basic etiquette. Be mindful, respectful, and considerate—your fellow passengers (and the crew) will thank you!

Picture credit: Canva