When traveling by airplane, you’re sometimes forced to talk with people you don’t know. In close areas and for extended periods of time, a little consideration can go a long way. In order to have a smooth flight and avoid dirty looks, practice airplane etiquette as follows.
It is suggested that you carry your bag in front of you and low to the ground as you walk down the aisle to search your seat. Lifting it up and at your sides will surely knock seated passengers on their arms, shoulders, and heads.
Make use of the overhead space above your own seat row. Do not put your bags in the overhead at the front of the plane unless you are sitting in that row. Occupying the storage space of other passengers is impolite and can potentially delay flight as they seek storage.
Keep your chair upright at least until you’re told the back can be lowered. Don’t recline your chair as soon as you get on. When you do lean your chair back, do it slowly. Otherwise, you might bump the head of the passenger behind you who’s getting something from the bag at his/her feet but unaware of your action, or you could overturn the drink on his/her tray. If possible, wait until drinks are finished being served and cleaned up.
Do remember to check behind you if that person is tall, or they have a child on their lap? If so, keep your seat upright out of consideration, especially if it’s a short flight. By leaning back, you’re depriving the passenger behind you of some space. Never do anything to your profit at another’s expense. You can also ask them if leaning your seat back would be all right. If you’re someone who can only feel comfortable by reclining, then try your best to choose an aisle, bulkhead, or exit row seat when booking the flight so that the person behind you has more space.
If you’re a tall/big person or have a child on your lap and know that the reclined seat in front of you will make you uncomfortable, choose a bulkhead or exit row seat (If you have a child, you should never choose an exit row seat.). Both you and the person in front of you will have more space and he/she may decide not to recline his/her seat out of consideration for you. If you sit in the middle, however, the person in front of you is cramped, and will probably want to lean their seat back, whether you like it or not.