Stewardess shares 12 etiquette rules for summer flyers

A flight attendant revealed 12 rules for summer fliers while doing the worst things a passenger can do in the air.

Kristie Koerbel advised on proper flight etiquette prior to summer travel in a New York Times piece that reads ‘Never a reason to take your socks off’: the 12 rules of etiquette of a flight attendant.

Koerbel exposed her biggest annoyances as a flight attendant, even when passengers don’t flush the toilet. She also revealed who is entitled to the center armrests and whether swapping seats is necessary.

Which bags are allowed in the overhead bins?

Koerbel urged passengers to remember that their largest piece of hand luggage should be stowed in an overhead compartment, while the smallest piece would fit under their seat.

Since the bins are first come, first served, Koerbel insisted that travelers respect the unspoken rule and not remove other passengers’ luggage in an attempt to fit their own.

“Sliding bags to maximize space is fine, but spare the flight attendant the complicated puzzles,” Koerbel wrote in The New York Times.

What is the correct way to recline my chair?

As Koerbel assures the fliers that everyone can sit back, she warned them to be careful of those behind them.

“Before you sit back, look behind you to see what the situation is, and kindly ask if that person mind,” she wrote.

Koerbel said that rushing to sit back can lead to spilled drinks and damage to electronics. These common incidents often led to physical altercations, the flight attendant said.

What if I forget my headphones?

A flight without headphones can be terrifying, but Koerbel insisted that passengers shouldn’t chat on FaceTime, watch a movie, or listen to music without earbuds.

And yes, that includes children.

What is the best way to handle children on a flight?

Koerbel wrote that children should also be taken care of extensively. She begged parents to be careful about what they give their children and urged them to pick up after them.

She added that dealing with a disruptive child can be difficult and recommended always talking to 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 notice their child kicking you. Then say it’s annoying; is there any way to stop the child?’ she wrote in the New York Times article.

Can I take off my shoes?

Comfort is key to a stress-free flight, meaning passengers are eager to kick off their shoes, sit back and relax.

Koerbel assured travelers that they can take off their shoes on flights, but urged them not to go so far as taking their socks off.

While urging passengers to keep their feet straight in front of them and on the floor, she cautioned travelers to put their shoes back on as they go to the bathroom.

Who is entitled to an armrest and how can I stop a talkative neighbor?

Travelers can’t always choose who to sit with on a plane, which can lead to unpleasant experiences if proper flight etiquette isn’t followed.

Armrests tend to act as a divider between each passenger, but they have sparked debate over who is entitled to them.

When it comes to the center armrest, the traveler sitting in the center seat automatically gets dibs on both in exchange for being squished in the middle of two people during a potentially long flight, Koerbel wrote.

As for how to stop a neighbor from talking, putting on headphones is often enough.

What is the best way to deal with sitting problems?

When it comes to questions about seating, Koerbel recommended that travelers speak to gate agents before boarding.

The agents have access to the seats on the plane and can accommodate families.

She added that once on board, it is not mandatory to agree to a seat change.

Do I have to flush the toilet?

One of Koerbel’s biggest annoyances is when she has to flush other people’s garbage.

“If you can’t find the button, look for it: I guarantee it’s there. In every plane,” she wrote.