The airplane is crowded and cramped—follow these 6 polite unwritten rules to avoid being inconsiderate!

▲Use headphones when using electronic devices on the plane (Photo / Reporter Lin Shiwen)

By Rita

Rewind 10 years—no one could have imagined how easy it has become to travel abroad. But before you know it, you’ll also realize that cramming all kinds of people into a tight cabin can cause problems, especially when rules aren’t followed. Are you also fed up with people who have zero flying etiquette?urboWe’ve compiled “Etiquette Everyone Must Follow During Air Travel”—check it out quickly and see if you’re one of those annoying passengers.

1. How to correctly go through airport security?
Plan the process in advance—don’t wait until you’re in front of the security officer to take off your shoes or remove your laptop. These things can be prepared ahead of time, such as taking off your belt or jewelry in advance. If you find yourself in a flurry realizing your liquids aren’t in a small bag, it’s best to move your luggage to a nearby bench to sort it out, rather than blocking the walkway and delaying others.

2. How to properly use the overhead compartments on the plane?
Many people have experienced this frustration: during layovers or long flight delays, you finally board the plane only to find your suitcase doesn’t fit in the overhead bin. Be mindful not to overstuff your luggage. If you’re boarding and notice that several seats in the front rows are fully occupied but their overhead bins are empty, you can place your carry-on there.

3. Where is it okay to use your phone?
Everyone knows that phones should be turned off or switched to airplane mode during takeoff and landing. Many people frantically turn on their phones after landing—often still stuck in the stuffy and tiring cabin—and start loudly announcing their arrival to family or friends at a volume everyone can hear. This is somewhat impolite. In fact, you can send a quick message to let them know you’ve landed, and make the call after exiting the cabin.

▲Cramped airplane spaces require extra attention to manners (Photo / Reporter Lin Shiwen)

4. When is it okay to chat with others?
Many passengers say they find it annoying when fellow travelers are too eager to strike up conversations. While many backpackers love chatting, most people just want to rest. If you don’t want to talk, respond with single-word answers or simply put on your headphones. People who like to chat should pay attention to whether the other person is willing to engage.

5. What are the rules for armrests?
If you’re in a window seat, use the window-side armrest; if you’re in an aisle seat, use the aisle-side armrest—that means leaving the middle armrest for the person in the middle seat. That seat is usually the least comfortable, so having an extra armrest helps.

6. What food is okay to bring on the plane?
It’s best to eat something before boarding. You can also bring snacks like dried fruit or fresh fruit, but avoid bringing tuna sandwiches, garlic bread, or any strongly scented foods—that can be really unpleasant.