Using mediocre headphones
You’re using headphones to listen to your entertainment because you’re a decent human. Thank you! But have you tested your cans or buds to see just how well they encapsulate sound? Can Sandra Oh’s flustered Killing Eve dialogue be heard beyond your ear canal? If you have the volume cranked do the sick beats of Ariana Grande escape? If the answer is yes, invest in some better gear. Forcing someone to listen to your music – no matter how quiet it is – is unforgivable.
Stuffing the seat pocket
Two things to note here. First, seats are getting thinner, with less padding. Second, the seat-back pocket is not for garbage. So when you put large items in it – especially trash – you’re committing two offences. That poor person in front of you can 100-per-cent feel that Pringles can jabbing into their back. And don’t even think of putting an apple core in there. That’s just gross. If it’s a long-haul flight, bring a plastic bag you can toss stuff into and eventually hand over to the attendant.
Toting unnecessary bags
Recently, the couple before me in a security line was ordered to open up their hardside carry-on suitcase. One side contained a neck pillow. That’s it. The other was home to several full-size bottles of toiletries that each held less than 100 millilitres of liquid. Technically, these people were following the rules. But decant those products into travel containers and it all could have fit into a small backpack or purse, which would have freed up valuable overhead bin space and helped the boarding process. Just because you can bring a bag doesn’t mean you have to.
Taking too long in the bathroom
Listen, you gotta do what you gotta do and no one is arguing that. But taking pictures out the window (yes they exist on some planes), applying makeup, doing your hair and texting (you know people do this) do not fall into that category. Lines for the bathroom can grow pretty quickly, especially near landing. So don’t dilly-dally. But do make time to wipe down the counter. And while we’re on the topic of bathroom etiquette: Men, I know turbulence can knock a person around, but please give it your best shot.
Keeping your window shade down
Usually the flight crew will ask you to raise your window shade upon landing for safety reasons. But even if they don’t, do your seatmate a solid and push it up – especially if you’re landing somewhere scenic during daylight hours. Maybe you don’t care about seeing the sparkling turquoise waters and lush islands of the Caribbean from above (what’s wrong with you?), but other people do. Note: Aisle dwellers this doesn’t mean you’re allowed to lean over a stranger for a closer look.