Air travel is notoriously stressful, bringing out the worst in even the most patient individuals. The combination of tight connections, long lines, and cramped cabins creates a perfect storm for transit fatigue. However, this doesn't excuse passengers from adding to the unpleasantness through discourteous behavior, particularly during the deplaning process.
August Abbott, an etiquette expert with JustAnswer, describes the current situation as alarming. "It's like a cattle call to both get on the plane and then get off," Abbott observed. "It's embarrassing to the whole human race to see otherwise caring, helpful and patient people lose all sense of their humanity and seemingly revert to instinctive behavior and act like animals fighting for survival."
To help restore civility to air travel, HuffPost consulted multiple etiquette professionals who identified the most common and disruptive behaviors exhibited when leaving an aircraft.
The Worst Offenses in Aircraft Deplaning
Not waiting your turn ranks as the most obvious breach of airplane etiquette. Diane Gottsman, an etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Texas, emphasizes that "waiting for your row to deplane is the most obvious and courteous behavior." Those who immediately stand and rush up the aisle the moment the plane arrives at the gate have earned themselves an unflattering nickname: aisle lice.
During significant flight delays, the flight crew often makes specific requests for passengers without tight connections to remain seated, allowing those in a rush to disembark first. Gottsman advises against assuming you're the only one with a connection. "If you are running late for another flight, so are the people in front of you and behind you," she noted, suggesting travelers should ask a flight attendant for assistance if truly needed.
Common Courtesy and Preparation
Ignoring flight crew requests regarding tight connections demonstrates particular inconsideration. Jodi R.R. Smith, president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting, stresses that "if a nearby passenger has a very tight connection, it is kind to allow them to exit as quickly as possible." Unfortunately, many passengers disregard these announcements, creating unnecessary obstacles for those racing to catch their next flight.
Being unprepared when it's your turn to exit creates significant delays. "Gather your belongings so you are ready when it is your turn to deplane," Smith advised, pointing to "clogging the aisle" as a frequent faux pas. Nick Leighton, an etiquette expert and podcast cohost, echoed this sentiment: "Be ready when it's time for your row. It's no secret when you're next. Be prepared!"
Smith recommends using the time after landing to thoroughly check around your seat for any items that may have fallen from your carry-on, including phones, snack containers, water bottles, and books.
Physical Space and Consideration
Shoving into crowded aisles represents another common breach of travel etiquette. "You should allow the row ahead of you to clear before you deplane," Smith explained. "It certainly is fine to stand in the aisle if there is space, but shoving is not going to speed your departure." Leighton questioned the logic behind this behavior, asking "Is shoving your way to the front so you can save 10 seconds really worth it? Probably not!"
Taking bags down from overhead bins when there's nowhere to place them creates unnecessary congestion. Smith identified "insisting on taking down items from the overhead bin when there is no physical space to put them yet" as particularly problematic. While everyone needs to retrieve their luggage eventually, proper timing ensures this process doesn't inconvenience fellow passengers.
Whacking people with luggage demonstrates a severe lack of spatial awareness. "It is never polite to hit another passenger in the head with your luggage," Smith stated bluntly. She specifically warned against "whipping your backpack or bag onto your back while standing in a crowded aisle," as this almost guarantees you'll inconvenience those around you.
Leaving a mess behind for the flight crew to clean shows disregard for the hardworking airline employees. Smith emphasized that modern air travel requires passenger cooperation: "Nowadays, it is polite to assist the crew in turning over your plane." This includes putting armrests up, lowering window shades (especially in warm climates), crossing seat belts, and carrying all trash, wrappers, empty drinks, and used tissues into the terminal for proper disposal.
Complaining without helping might be the most frustrating behavior of all. Abbott expressed particular dismay at passengers who "complain about someone struggling to collect their carry-ons ― instead of just helping them." She questioned the mentality behind this approach, asking "Is it that much easier to rant and rage than to be kind and caring?" Instead of growing impatient with those ahead of you who might be struggling with overhead luggage, Abbott suggests offering assistance or finding someone who can help.
By avoiding these eight common behaviors, air travelers can contribute to a more pleasant and efficient deplaning experience for everyone involved, restoring a measure of civility to the often-stressful journey through the skies.
