I get it, it can be terrifying for anyone to fly on an airplane for the first time. But it can be especially scary when you aren’t familiar with the ins and outs of flying. Add the risk of accidentally offending someone on top of all that, and flying can be downright intimidating! Never fear to be up in the air, though, read my list of flying faux pas and how to avoid them for a perfectly normal (and conflict-free) flying experience.

Flying Tips

Be Ready For The Security Check

It happens every time you go to the airport, and everyone has to do it so it’s in your best interest to be prepared for the security check! Don’t be one of those passengers who are completely unprepared when it comes time to take your laptop out of the back and untie your shoelaces. After all, you had tons of time in line to do all of these things, so do them then. Don’t hold up the line when going through security and you’ll look like a seasoned veteran.

An Airplane Is A Shared Space. Respect It

Really. It’s just poor manners to throw your belongings all over the seat next to you. It’s even poorer manners to put your feet on the seat in front of you. And if you need to recline your seat, look back to ensure that the person behind you isn’t going to wind up with a lap full of soda because you reclined too quickly. Your seat is the one you are sitting in, so make do with the room you have or buy two tickets. Seriously.

Don’t Throw A Fit About The Internet

Sometimes the in-flight entertainment and wifi systems work fine, and sometimes they don’t. If you are having troubles, you can kindly ask the flight attendant to reset the system, but that is all they are likely able to do. Don’t be a jerk! Yeah, it sucks to go without internet on a long flight, but it sucks, even more, to be “that” person, so don’t be!

Don’t Get Too Drunk

This can be tricky. Especially on all of those international flights with free wine and beer. And while it’s completely acceptable to indulge in a glass of complimentary wine or beer, no one wants a drunk and smelly seatmate. You can always hit the bar again, once you land, so just think of the flight as kind of a pregame.

Wait Your Turn To Board

You board an airline in sections. Those with disabilities and small children always board first, followed by those in zones 1, 2, and then 3. You can find your boarding zone on your boarding pass. Instead of crowding around the ticket desk, wait until your zone is called to begin boarding. There’s no sense in just standing around waiting for others to board, so you may as well stay seated until your zone is called. Don’t worry, everyone will make it onto the plane.