5 Unspoken Rules of Flying

It can often be a bear to fly anymore. With constant changes to FAA regulations, it’s not unlikely that the next time you fly there’ll be a new rule you’ll have to adhere to. Baggage charges, taxes, prohibited items and the list goes on. Many of these are rules we have to follow even before we get on the plane. Then once on the plane, you’re then under the sovereignty of the pilot, flight attendants and that particular airlines’ rules.

However, although the list of rules and regulations seems to grow longer and longer after every trip, there’s many implied rules when flying that should be visited every time you fly. These are more like common courtesies, than rules; but nonetheless make flying more enjoyable for everyone on the flight.

1. Use the bathroom right before boarding or as soon as you board.

This is the cardinal rule of flying. There is nothing passengers hate worse than someone who gets up from the inside seats of the plane during a flight. On long flights of course this can’t be helped; but there are pre-emptive measures that can cut down on the number of times you have to get up. Best case scenario, use the bathroom as soon as you get on the plane while passengers are still getting settled. If not, then go right before you board, even if you don’t have to go. This ultimately makes for a happier flight for you, but also your row buddies who are just trying to get a couple hours of uninterrupted sleep in.

2. Use courtesy when leaning your seat back.

Leaning back is often the point of the most discord when flying. How many times have you been enjoying an in-flight dinner or working on your laptop when abruptly the back of the chair in front of you leans backwards with no warning. If there’s someone behind me, I usually don’t even lean my chair back. Predominantly out of respect, but also because the chairs don’t go back enough to make of a different for me. Take a quick peek behind you to see if someone is using their tray table before leaning back. Consider too investing in a comfortable airplane pillow that will offer added support and comfort when trying to catch some sleep.

3. Put your music at a level that only you can hear.

There’s a reason for headphones, so other people don’t have to hear your music. I don’t want to hear your rap ditty, your stand-up comedy or whatever else you have. Start playing your music before putting the headphones in and that will give you an idea of whether it’s too loud or not. I honestly think some people just don’t realize how loud their music is.

4. Get everything you need out of your bag overhead before sitting down.

When you get on the plane, just go ahead and get everything out that you think you will need. Even if you don’t know if you’ll need it, just go ahead and get it out. Once again, this is a pre-emptive measure. You never know when your flight might be delayed on the ground or get behind schedule, and it’s those times people wish they would have pulled out both of their books, rather then just that one. Like the first point, it keeps from interrupting your seat buddies and flow of traffic down the aisles.

5. Don’t get inebriated.

Plain and simple, the airplane isn’t a bar. Of course, the plane is a great time and much needed time to have a drink. Have a couple bottles of wine and knock yourself out, but no one likes an airplane drunk. People who have too much to drink make the flight miserable for everyone.