Top Its Off

01624682933
akib@topitsoff.com
MON - SAT 8:00 - 18:00

18 Unwritten Rules of Flying | that you’re probably breaking

“These are things I wish I knew, and I wish every passenger knew before taking their first flight.”

You might consider adding “that” before “every passenger” to make the sentence flow a bit more smoothly:

“These are things I wish I knew, and I wish that every passenger knew before taking their first flight.”

Especially number 13. Suitcases and large carry-on bags are the only items that should go in the overhead bin space.

“Anything that is considered a personal item, such as a jacket, backpack, or laptop case, should go under the seat in front of you. Put those items in the overhead bin only if there’s room to spare, which is a rarity on full flights these days. Don’t ask the flight attendant to lift your heavy suitcase into the overhead bin.”

Many airlines prohibit the lifting of heavy suitcases by flight attendants due to the risk of injury. If they decide to assist and injure themselves, they may not be covered by insurance, putting them in a difficult position. Instead, consider asking another passenger for assistance if needed. Additionally, the two middle armrests are reserved for the passenger sitting in the middle seat, so both belong to the unfortunate person occupying that seat. If they decide to assist and then injure themselves, they may not be covered by their insurance, putting them in a difficult position if you ask. Try asking another passenger instead if you really need assistance. Additionally, both middle armrests are reserved for the passenger sitting in the middle seat It’s annoying for you and the flight attendant, especially if your seat belt is on and fastened, but it’s just covered by a blanket or your jacket.

Do not attempt to move seats, especially before the flight takes off, and especially without asking the flight attendant first. It may seem tempting when you spot rows of empty seats, but until you land, you don’t know if those seats are reserved or if passengers are on their way.

If the seats are still empty after takeoff, once the seat belt sign turns off, ask a flight attendant if you can move. More often than not, you can. Be ready to place your drink order when it’s your turn.

When flight attendants approach with the drink cart, you’ll likely see them coming. Please be courteous when they ask for your drink preference. Have your order ready and consider a backup choice in case your first option is unavailable. Also, take out your headphones when you talk to them. It’s just the honorable thing. And try not to recline your seat as food service approaches.

When you recline your seat, the person behind you will have little room to enjoy a snack or their airplane meal 

The bulkhead seat is not a walkway. Located on a partition or wall that separates different parts of the aircraft cabin, these seats are typically found in the first row of each cabin section. Passengers often pay more for this seat because it offers more legroom. 

“Since there’s more legroom, it might appear as if you can walk through from one side of the cabin to the other. I attempted this on one of my flights until a lady looked at me and said, ‘Miss, that’s not a walkway.’ And you know what?” 

She was right; I wouldn’t want some random passenger walking past my row of seats. If someone is wearing headphones, it’s best not to disturb them unless necessary. This applies to those wearing large over-the-ear headphones, smaller earbuds, and even those using wired sets connected to entertainment systems. If you need to get up from your seat, you can politely ask someone with headphones to move. However, once someone puts on headphones, it’s a sign that general conversation should cease. If you are an aisle seat passenger, it is your responsibility to stand up when the people next to you need to get out of their seats. And don’t just half stand up and then awkwardly shimmy the person away from you, trying not to touch you. Stand up, move to the aisle, and let them get out of their seats and then either wait or stand again when they come back and have to go back to their seats.

If you’re flying an older airplane that still has window shades, keep the shades down when the cabin lights are turned off. This is especially relevant on a red-eye flight where you are flying overnight. As you change time zones, there may be some sunlight. Look around. If other shades are closed, keep your shade closed. There are no situations on an airplane where going barefoot is appropriate. Avoid taking off your shoes and socks, and refrain from curling your feet up on the seat next to you. Remember, legs are fat, and strangers’ legs are fatter. Additionally, it’s not advisable to walk around the plane barefoot, and even with socks on, avoid going to the washroom without shoes. The bathroom floor is often unclean. On the topic of cleanliness, try to keep your fur in the washroom as well.

I know it’s not always possible, but try your best. I was reading an article earlier today that said, don’t just walk down the airplane aisle and bite the dust when everyone is asleep. I thought both were funny, gross, but also accurate. Everyone knows what you’re doing. don’t do it Go to the bathroom, do your business and move on. On a similar note, don’t put on perfume or cologne before a flight. Many people have allergies and are very sensitive to certain smells. It can be extremely uncomfortable to sit next to someone whose smell you disagree with. Many of you know someone like my brother who happens to be very sensitive to smells. He will break out in hives on his neck as well as itchy red eyes because he sits next to someone who smells of flowers. You can bring food and drink on the plane with very few restrictions. But smelly foods, which often include hot foods, should be avoided for the comfort of those around you. 

We are so tightly packed on the plane, and if you are sick, consider wearing a mask. You can choose to wear a mask on an airplane if you want without any decision. If you are sick or even have a chronic cough, wearing a mask is much more comfortable for the people around you. 

So please consider others and follow this advice. When the plane has landed and it’s time to disembark, allow the passengers in front of you to deplane before attempting to exit yourself. Rushing to get off the plane and trying to get ahead of other passengers disrupts the flow of traffic immediately. These passengers can pay extra for seats closer to the front of the plane and are eligible to disembark first.

“Do you agree with these unspoken rules, or do you have any rules of your own that you’d like to add? Be sure to let us know in the comments section, and on the way there, consider subscribing because I’d love to see you here next week for more travel tips and hacks. Safe travels. b