‘Super annoying’ airplane mistake you might not even realise you’re making

If you’ve ever flown on a long-haul international flight, you know the feeling that comes after being trapped in your seat for too long.

It can only be cured by standing up and walking around – which isn’t an easy feat when you’re in a metal tube 30,000 feet in the air.

One traveller took to Reddit to air their grievances after a long-haul economy flight, questioning whether it’s ok for passengers to take up space in the aisles and communal areas of the plane.

“The spaces are so crowded and they were leaning on my seat and pushing into my space,” they wrote, questioning whether this was against some unwritten etiquette rule.

“I didn’t say anything since I don’t know if I was being tired and overly irritable.”

While it is certainly uncomfortable to remain seated for an entire flight, how reasonable is it to spend time standing in the aisle... especially if it ends up irritating other passengers?

Read more

The rude practice that should ‘permanently ban you from flying’

Etiquette expert Jo Hayes told nine.com.au this is “very poor airline travel etiquette”.

“It’s not ok to stand or linger in the aisles (beyond simply standing up to, say, reach for something in the overhead locker), nor is it ok to touch other people’s seats unless unavoidable,” she said.

“Nor is it ok to lean into or encroach on another person’s seat space,” she added. “This is basic self-awareness and other-awareness.”

“Standing in the aisles is super annoying for those you’re hovering over, and impedes the path of airline stewards and those needing to get to the bathroom,” she added.  

So what is the right way to stretch your legs on a long-haul flights?

“The key to getting movement in is to make the most of bathroom trips, or ‘walking the aisles’ instead of standing in them. Walk up one aisle, do a U-turn at the top and walk back down the other aisle,” suggested Jo.

If you want to stop and do some stretches, she says the best place to do it is at the bulkhead, which is usually just outside where the bathrooms are situated. Don’t stand in front of anyone’s seats, but find a small area where there’s a bit of space.

“But be socially aware – if there’s a queue for the loo, don’t linger and take up space.”

Also, try to avoid heading into the galley to stand or stretch. A flight attendant has previously called this out as one of her least favourite passenger behaviours.

This small space – basically the plane’s kitchen - is already tiny, and often occupied by cabin crew.

It’s also the place where most crew members sit and eat their own meals mid-flight.

“Having someone putting their bum in our face as we do so definitely makes flight attendants cringe,” the crew member said.