This airport ‘no-no’ is the ultimate etiquette problem

If you’re a regular traveller, you have probably rolled your eyes about this. You might have even done a big sigh and shook your head.

We are, of course, talking about those folk who wait until they get to the front of the security line to start slowly unloading items out of their bag.

They might have even (finally) sorted their luggage and walked off, before being called back again to remove their belt or shoes.

It can be infuriating, especially if you’re in a rush.

While new technology means you now can often leave things inside your hand luggage to go through the scanners, it can still be a massive pain to impatient passengers lined up behind.

And according to an expert on manners it’s one of the biggest airport blunders made by travellers.

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British etiquette expert Grant Harrold urged fliers to sort it out and get prepared for security.

“Don’t wait until the last minute to get your liquids and electronics out because if you have to do it while at the tray queue it slows everyone down,” he told SMC Coach Hire.

“Get everything ready ahead of time. It’s not fair to others if you’re holding everyone else up.”

Grant also had some other airport gaffes on his list, and you’ll probably agree.

Running to the gate as soon as it’s announced, which can be common in smaller airports overseas is another taboo.

This can also be aggravated by people wanting to get on first, perhaps because they want to try and get that precious spot in the overhead locker.

“If you’re so keen, pay for speedy boarding,” Grant said.

“People also seem to make a run for it as soon as the plane lands,” he added.

In fact, one airline is cracking down and threatening fines on push passengers who do that.

The proper etiquette is to wait your turn.

In a similar vein, make sure you have your passport and boarding pass out and in your hand when you do get to board.

Delving into your bag to find it when the assistant is holding out their hand is bad form.

Another etiquette faux pax, which applies to almost any public area and sadly now needs drilling into passengers, is not using headphones.

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Remarkably, not all fliers realise the whole airport doesn’t want to hear your latest binge-watch on full volume.

Some airlines have started to crack down on the annoying behaviour. United Airlines updated its policy and now has the right to refuse transport or remove “passengers who fail to use headphones while listening to audio or video content”.

With plane Wi-Fi becoming more common it is a new flashpoint for travellers.

“If you want to be the perfect airport customer, you should do what you can to make the whole experience seamless and stress-free, but not just for you but also for the others around you,” Grant said.