Top Airplane Travel Mistakes to Avoid

Air travel is already stressful so common airplane travel mistakes to avoid.

Don’t make people behind you wait in the security line. Be prepared ahead of time to move quickly through security.

Travelers with luggage waiting in line at TSA PreCheck security screening in airport — *Travelers wait in line at a busy TSA security checkpoint in an airport.*

Be friendly with the flight crew. When you board, make a point to greet the pilot and crew members. A little respect and basic courtesy goes a long way. Don’t be a Karen or a Kyle as you may need the help of the flight crew while your onboard.

Serious woman passenger holding boarding pass walking past smiling airline pilot and two flight attendants — *A serious woman passenger walks past smiling pilots and flight attendants at the airplane entrance*.

Don’t think the flight crew will help you with your baggage. If you are struggling to load your bag into the overhead bin, it’s always a good idea to ask for help but don’t expect that this is the job of the flight crew.

Elderly woman placing suitcase in airplane overhead bin while other passengers are seated or standing — *An elderly woman lifts her suitcase into the overhead compartment on a busy airplane.*

Taking off your shoes on an airplane. Noone wants to smell your stinky feet. It’s rude to take your shoes off as all passengers are sharing the same air. Gross. Be mindful of the folks around you. This is not your home and you should not think that removing your shoes to relax while flying is appropriate. It’s not.