Flight attendant shares 12 etiquette rules for summer flyers: Says you CAN refuse to swap seats, while revealing who is entitled to which arm rest – and the WORST thing you can do in the sky
- Flight attendant Kristie Koerbel dished on the dos and don’ts of plane etiquette
- In her New York Times article, Koerbel urged travelers to never take their socks off and to always flush the lavatory toilet
- Koerbel’s 12 rules can lead to a stress and a drama free flight
A flight attendant revealed 12 rules for summer flyers while dishing on the worst things a passenger can possibly do in the sky.
Kristie Koerbel advised on proper flying etiquette ahead of summer travels in a New York Times piece that reads, ‘Never a Reason to Take Off Your Socks’: A Flight Attendant’s 12 Etiquette Rules.
Koerbel exposed her biggest pet peeves as a flight attendant, including when passengers fail to flush the toilet. She also revealed who has the right to the middle armrests and whether swapping seats is required.
Kristie Koerbel exposed her biggest pet peeves as a flight attendant, including when passengers fail to flush the toilet. She also revealed who has the right to the middle armrests and whether swapping seats is required
What bags can go in the overhead bins?
Koerbel urged passengers to remember that their largest carry-on item is supposed to be stored in an overhead bin while their smallest item goes under their seat.
Since the bins are first-come, first-serve, Koerbel insisted travelers should respect the unspoken rule and not remove the baggage of other passengers in an attempt to fit their own.
‘Sliding bags to maximize space is fine but save the complex puzzle solving for the flight attendant,’ Koerbel wrote in The New York Times.
What is the proper way to recline my seat?
While Koerbel reassures fliers that everyone can recline their seat, she warned them to be cautious of those sitting behind them.
‘Before reclining, peek behind you and see what the situation is, and nicely ask if that person minds,’ she wrote.
Koerbel shared that rush to recline can lead to the spillage of drinks and damage to electronics. These common incidents have often led to physical arguments, according to the flight attendant.
What If I forget my headphones?
A flight without headphones can be dreadful, but Koerbel insisted passengers should refrain from chatting over FaceTime, watching a movie, or listening to music without earbuds.
And yes, that includes children too.
What is the best way to handle kids on a flight?
Koerbel wrote that children should also be extensively looked after. She begged parents to be cautious of what they hand to their children and urged them to pick up after them.
She added that dealing with a disruptive child can be tricky and advised to always have a chat with a parent rather than a toddler, or even a teenager.
‘A nice way to approach this is to ask the parents calmly, and with a smile if they realize their child is kicking your seat. Then say it’s bothersome; is there any way you can you make the child stop?’ she wrote in The New York Times article.
Koerbel dished on disruptive children and advised passengers to always have a chat with a parent rather than a toddler, or even a teenager
Can I take my shoes off?
Comfort is key to a stress-free flight, which means that passengers might be eager to take off their shoes, sit back and relax.
Koerbel reassured travelers that they can take off their shoes on flights but urged them to not go as far as taking off their socks.
While insisting passengers should keep their feet directly in front of them and on the floor, she warned that travelers slide their shoes back on while heading to the bathroom.
Who has the right to an armrest and how can I stop a chatty neighbor?
Travelers don’t always get to choose who they sit by on a plane, which can lead to unpleasant experiences if proper flying etiquette isn’t followed.
Armrests tend to serve as a divider between each passenger, but they have sparked debate on who has the right to them.
When it comes to the middle armrest, the traveler sitting in the middle seat automatically gets dibs on both in exchange for being squished in the middle of two people during a potentially lengthy flight, Koerbel wrote.
As for how to stop a neighbor from talking, sliding on headphones tend to do the trick.
Koerbel settled the debate on armrests and claimed middle seat passengers have the right to ones in the center since they have to be squished in the middle
What is the best way to handle seating issues?
When it comes to seating inquiries, Koerbel recommended travelers chat with gate agents before boarding.
The agents have access to the plane seating arrangements and are able to accommodate families.
She added that once on board, it is not required to agree to a seat change.
Do I have to flush the toilet?
One of Koerbel’s biggest flight pet peeves is when she has to flush other people’s waste.
‘If you can’t find the button, please look for it: I guarantee it’s there. On every airplane,’ she wrote.
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