WISE WORDS
Tips From a Flight Attendant on How to Be a Model Passenger
To keep those skies friendly, follow these recommendations from flight attendant Anne Smith.
By Nicole Keen | Illustrations by Maya Nguyen
Whether it’s for business or pleasure, airplane travel requires planning — and being considerate. In our efforts to get comfortable and pass the time in-flight, sometimes we forget that our decisions impact fellow air travellers, cabin crew included.
Montréal-based flight attendant Anne Smith agrees that a little consideration can go a long way. Over the past 10 years, Smith has seen it all, making her the perfect person to weigh in on touchy topics like reclining seats, ditching your shoes and indulging in Instagram Reels sans headphones. Read on to improve your understanding of the unspoken rules of in-flight travel.
What airplane travel essentials are always in your carry-on?
A small medical kit. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, a decongestant if your nose is blocked from a cold [which can become uncomfortable during takeoff and landing], as well as lip balm, hand cream and electrolytes.*
What is the best outfit for airplane travel?
We always keep the planes on the colder side, so layer up. Wear something loose and stretchy. The longer the flight, the more comfortable you want to be. Bring a pair of socks and definitely make sure you have enough warm clothes to be comfortable, because those little blankets won’t cut it.
What are some things you wish every passenger knew?
Please try not to touch us — especially poking at our backs or pulling on our arms. Also, [it can be challenging for us to deal with] liquids and drinks when we’re doing the garbage pickup. Passengers sometimes hand us drinks with a sip or two of liquid left in it, or put garbage in a cup with liquid still in it. Instead, just let us know you couldn’t finish your drink so we can deal with it properly. And finally, be aware of your cabin crew. When we come to your seat, please remove your headsets before we talk to you, so we can communicate effectively with you.
With limited leg room available, is reclining your seat on a plane considered impolite?
The etiquette is that when we serve dinner, you put your seat in the upright position, so everybody has room to eat. After that, to each their own. Get comfortable, recline your seat; everybody’s allowed to do that.
Is it inappropriate to remove your shoes during airplane travel?
We understand that people are just trying to get comfortable, but bare feet can be unsanitary and, even worse, they may smell. People often put their bare feet on the walls or on the seat in front of them. It’s courteous not to come in contact with other passengers, so feet should never be on an armrest. And especially when walking to the bathroom, put on your shoes. We always want to avoid the possibility of an in-flight emergency such as cutting your foot stepping on something, a slipping injury or having your foot get rolled over by the trolley.
During airplane travel, is it ever okay to play games or watch videos with the sound on (no headphones)?
Keeping yourself — and young children — entertained is great, but noise from your device is a complete no-go. When we do our announcements, we say that you cannot use any vocal applications. For young families with kids, please don’t give them the iPad and make everyone listen to whatever they’re listening to. Just bring earbuds for the device and enjoy the volume to yourself. We want people to be respectful. What you’re enjoying may not appeal to your neighbouring passengers.
Remember to be situationally aware, be kind to your seat neighbours and respect the cabin crew. Your safety is their top priority. Bon voyage! CAA
Related stories
How Travel Insurance Benefits Can Protect Your Trip
Wise Words: How to Plan Out a Road Trip Like a Pro
Tips for Your Next Solo Adventure
What airplane travel essentials are always in your carry-on?
A small medical kit. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, a decongestant if your nose is blocked from a cold [which can become uncomfortable during takeoff and landing], as well as lip balm, hand cream and electrolytes.*
What is the best outfit for airplane travel?
We always keep the planes on the colder side, so layer up. Wear something loose and stretchy. The longer the flight, the more comfortable you want to be. Bring a pair of socks and definitely make sure you have enough warm clothes to be comfortable, because those little blankets won’t cut it.
What are some things you wish every passenger knew?
Please try not to touch us — especially poking at our backs or pulling on our arms. Also, [it can be challenging for us to deal with] liquids and drinks when we’re doing the garbage pickup. Passengers sometimes hand us drinks with a sip or two of liquid left in it, or put garbage in a cup with liquid still in it. Instead, just let us know you couldn’t finish your drink so we can deal with it properly. And finally, be aware of your cabin crew. When we come to your seat, please remove your headsets before we talk to you, so we can communicate effectively with you.
With limited leg room available, is reclining your seat on a plane considered impolite?
The etiquette is that when we serve dinner, you put your seat in the upright position, so everybody has room to eat. After that, to each their own. Get comfortable, recline your seat; everybody’s allowed to do that.
Is it inappropriate to remove your shoes during airplane travel?
We understand that people are just trying to get comfortable, but bare feet can be unsanitary and, even worse, they may smell. People often put their bare feet on the walls or on the seat in front of them. It’s courteous not to come in contact with other passengers, so feet should never be on an armrest. And especially when walking to the bathroom, put on your shoes. We always want to avoid the possibility of an in-flight emergency such as cutting your foot stepping on something, a slipping injury or having your foot get rolled over by the trolley.
During airplane travel, is it ever okay to play games or watch videos with the sound on (no headphones)?
Keeping yourself — and young children — entertained is great, but noise from your device is a complete no-go. When we do our announcements, we say that you cannot use any vocal applications. For young families with kids, please don’t give them the iPad and make everyone listen to whatever they’re listening to. Just bring earbuds for the device and enjoy the volume to yourself. We want people to be respectful. What you’re enjoying may not appeal to your neighbouring passengers.
Whether it’s for business or pleasure, airplane travel requires planning — and being considerate. In our efforts to get comfortable and pass the time in-flight, sometimes we forget that our decisions impact fellow air travellers, cabin crew included.
Montréal-based flight attendant Anne Smith agrees that a little consideration can go a long way. Over the past 10 years, Smith has seen it all, making her the perfect person to weigh in on touchy topics like reclining seats, ditching your shoes and indulging in Instagram Reels sans headphones. Read on to improve your understanding of the unspoken rules of in-flight travel.