Let’s be honest—air travel can bring out the best and worst in people. While most of us just want to get from A to B with minimal fuss, there’s always that one passenger who seems determined to test everyone’s patience.
And if you’ve ever been on the receiving end of a sudden seat recline or an armrest hog, you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about!
Today, we’re diving into the controversial world of aeroplane etiquette—specifically, the rude habits that some say should earn you a permanent ban from flying. So, buckle up (and keep your seat upright for now), as we explore the dos and don’ts of being a courteous traveller.
The Great Seat Recline Debate
Since the dawn of commercial aviation, the humble reclining seat has sparked more mid-air drama than a free drinks trolley. While airlines do have rules about when you can recline, there’s always someone who ignores them—often with disastrous results.
Take, for example, a recent story from a long-haul flight to London. The author describes how the couple in front of them decided to recline their seats—forcefully—right in the middle of dinner service. The result? Dinner and wine all over their lap and neck pillow. Not exactly the relaxing start to a holiday you’d hope for!
Flight attendants tried to intervene, repeatedly asking the couple to return their seats to the upright position during meals, but to no avail. It’s enough to make even the calmest traveller see red.
When Is It Okay to Recline?
Etiquette expert Zarife Hardy has some sage advice for would-be recliners: Patience is a virtue. ‘Don’t push your seat back as soon as the aircraft literally takes off,’ she says. ‘Let people get settled into the flight first.’
According to Hardy, the polite time to recline is after the first meal service. ‘Sometimes they might do a drink service before a meal service. So I would always recommend just waiting until you’ve had that first meal,’ she explains. And when the crew asks you to return your seat to the upright position, do so promptly—no arguments.
As for short domestic flights? Hardy isn’t a fan of reclining at all, unless it’s one of those painfully early 4 AM or 5 AM departures when everyone’s desperate for a bit more shut-eye.
Armrest Wars: The Unspoken Rules
If you thought seat reclining was contentious, wait until you hear about armrest etiquette. It turns out, there are unwritten rules that seasoned travellers swear by.
Here’s the breakdown, according to office etiquette enthusiast Patrick (and backed up by Hardy herself):
- Window seat: Gets one armrest and a place to rest their head.
- Middle seat: Gets both armrests (because, let’s face it, they drew the short straw).
- Aisle seat: Gets one armrest and a bit of extra legroom.
‘Aeroplane etiquette 101, and anyone who does not follow should be permanently banned from flying,’ Patrick declares. Hardy agrees: ‘The middle person gets both arm rests because they’re in the most uncomfortable position.’
If you find yourself in the middle seat and someone’s encroaching on your territory, Hardy suggests a gentle approach: ‘If you can just place your elbow on the side of it, generally, people get the gist.’
Other In-Flight Faux Pas to Avoid
While seat reclining and armrest hogging are the big-ticket offences, there are a few other habits that can make you the least popular person on the plane:
- Kicking or pushing the seat in front of you: Accidents happen, but repeated jostling is a surefire way to annoy your fellow passengers.
- Loud conversations or phone calls: Remember, not everyone wants to hear about your grandkids or your latest medical procedure at 30,000 feet!
- Overhead bin hogging: Try to keep your carry-on within your own space, and don’t rearrange other people’s bags without asking.
- Ignoring crew instructions: The flight attendants are there for your safety and comfort—listen to them!
Why Etiquette Matters—Especially for Seniors
For many over-60s, flying is a chance to visit family, tick off bucket-list destinations, or simply enjoy a well-earned holiday. But cramped cabins and long flights can be tough on the body, making comfort and courtesy more important than ever.
By following a few simple etiquette rules, we can all help make air travel a little more pleasant—for ourselves and everyone else on board.
Key Takeaways
- Reclining your seat too early or during meal service on a flight is considered rude, and proper etiquette is to wait until after the first meal.
- Etiquette experts say the middle seat passenger is entitled to both armrests, while window and aisle seat passengers each get one.
- Pushing your seat back immediately after take-off, or on short domestic flights, is generally frowned upon unless it’s a very early flight.
- If someone is hogging the armrests or behaving rudely, it’s acceptable to politely inform them of standard aeroplane etiquette.
We’d love to hear from you! Have you ever had a run-in with a rude recliner or an armrest hog? Do you have your own tips for surviving long flights with your sanity intact? Share your stories and advice in the comments below—let’s make the skies friendlier for everyone!
Safe travels, and remember: good manners never go out of style—even at 35,000 feet.
