Let’s face it, we’ve all been that passenger at some point — wrestling with a wheelie case at security, hogging the armrest like it’s a property dispute, or standing in the aisle mid-flight doing yoga stretches. But if you really want to fly like a seasoned solo traveller — stylish, savvy and with your dignity intact — it’s worth knowing what the airline crew secretly wish passengers wouldn’t do.
I’ve consulted flight attendants (and eavesdropped shamelessly on a few mid-flight rants) to compile this cheeky, honest list of things not to do in the airport or on the plane. Think of it as your in-flight etiquette survival guide. Especially handy if you’re a solo woman traveller over 50 who prefers a glass of fizz and a novel to a full-on airport meltdown.
Let’s begin at the airport, shall we?
Airport Antics: What Not to Do Before You Even Board
- Don’t Treat Security Like a Surprise Pop Quiz
Yes, we all know security’s coming. It happens every single time. So why, oh why, are people still shocked when asked to remove laptops, liquids, and belts?
Cabin crew say: “We see it every flight. People holding up the queue because they’ve packed a litre of shampoo and a metal hip flask in their carry-on. One woman tried to argue that her hairspray was ‘essential travel equipment’. Points for style, though.”
Tip: Pre-pack your liquids in that teeny resealable bag (yes, before you get to the scanner), wear slip-on shoes, and for the love of efficiency, know where your laptop is.
- Don’t Camp at the Gate Like It’s Glastonbury
No, boarding hasn’t started. Yes, you still have time to pop to the loo. Hovering anxiously near the gate and eyeing up the boarding queue like it’s a Black Friday sale won’t get you on any faster.
Cabin crew say: “Gate loiterers are like pigeons in a park — everywhere and oddly aggressive.”
Tip: Wait for your group to be called, then saunter up gracefully. You’re not in a race — you’ve got an allocated seat.
- Don’t Argue with the Airline Staff — You Won’t Win
Yes, that carry-on bag is too big. No, pointing to someone else’s oversized suitcase won’t help. Cabin crew don’t make the rules — they just enforce them (with surprisingly good posture).
Cabin crew say: “We’ve been compared to prison guards, traffic wardens and ex-wives. But we’re just trying to get you safely to Alicante, love.”
Tip: Smile, nod, and save your indignation for your travel blog.
On the Plane: Things That Drive Crew (and Fellow Passengers) to Despair
- Don’t Immediately Recline Your Seat Like You’re at a Spa
There’s reclining — and then there’s catapulting your seat back the moment the wheels leave the tarmac. Usually with a cup of tea on the tray table behind you.
Cabin crew say: “We’ve seen fights over seat reclining. Actual fights. Please, check behind you. There could be a laptop, a nose, or a tray of gin.”
Tip: Recline slowly, with warning. Or better yet, skip it unless it’s a long-haul snooze fest. Your spine will cope.
- Don’t Get Weird About the Drinks Trolley
It’s not a mobile pub. Yes, they do carry gin. No, you can’t have six mini bottles “just in case”. Flight attendants are not your local barman, and those little bottles add up, darling — in both cost and altitude-induced tipsiness.
Cabin crew say: “We know who’s going to be ‘that passenger’ when they start with ‘Ooooh, do you have Baileys?’ at 9am.”
Tip: One drink is civilised. Two is festive. Three and you’re the story they’ll tell at crew parties for years.
- Don’t Go Barefoot — Ever
This one really gets their goat. Why? Because plane carpets are… let’s just say, not clean. That mysterious moisture in the loo? It’s not Evian.
Cabin crew say: “Feet are fine. Bare feet, however, are a no. Especially when rested on walls, seats or strangers’ armrests.”
Tip: Bring cosy socks or slippers if you must get comfy. But leave the trotters covered, please.
- Don’t Hit the Call Button for ‘Extra Peanuts’
Unless it’s an emergency — like, actual emergency — don’t summon the crew as though you’re ordering room service at The Ritz.
Cabin crew say: “We’re happy to help. But hitting the call bell three times because you need an extra napkin is peak diva behaviour.”
Tip: Be patient. They’ll be back with snacks soon enough. Also, they know who pressed the button. They always know.
- Don’t Treat the Toilet Like a Day Spa
We get it. You want to freshen up. But a full skincare routine, wardrobe change and a deep chat with yourself in the mirror? Save it for the arrivals lounge.
Cabin crew say: “We’ve fished lipstick out of sinks and bras out of bins. It’s not glamorous. It’s not cute.”
Tip: Quick dab, quick spray, and out. It’s a loo, not a powder room.
- Don’t Forget Your Manners
You’d be amazed how many people forget to say “please” and “thank you” at 35,000 feet. A bit of politeness goes a long way — and might just earn you a spare biscuit.
Cabin crew say: “The ones who smile and say thank you? We’d move mountains for them. The ones who snap their fingers? Good luck.”
Tip: You’re a solo traveller over 50 — charm is your superpower. Use it.
Bonus Tips: The “Absolutely Not” List
- Don’t clap when the plane lands. It’s not a pantomime.
- Don’t bring egg sandwiches on board. No one needs that at altitude.
- Don’t pack every tech item you own into one carry-on. The X-ray queue is not the place to unpack your life.
- Don’t hog the overhead lockers. Yes, we see you with your coat, your handbag, your weekender and your duty-free shopping.
Cabin Crew’s Secret Wishlist for Passengers
Just to balance things out, here’s what airline crew love to see:
- Passengers who clean up after themselves (yes, even the napkin).
- Passengers who don’t stand in the aisle the second the seatbelt sign goes off.
- Solo travellers who are friendly without being flirtatious.
- Anyone who offers them a smile and a bit of banter. (You’re British. You’re brilliant at this.)
In Conclusion: Fly High, Don’t Be a Nuisance
So, lovely reader, as you breeze through the terminal in your stylish flats and wrinkle-resistant travel trousers, remember: being a joy to fly with doesn’t take much. A bit of planning, a dash of manners, and perhaps refraining from doing downward dog in the galley.
Cabin crew work hard, often while jet-lagged, dehydrated and trying to placate a stag party in 27C. A little consideration goes a long way.
And remember — if you’re ever in doubt, just ask yourself: Would this make it into a cabin crew horror story on TikTok? If the answer is yes… maybe give it a miss.
