Frequent Travelers Share The Etiquette They Wish Every Traveler Followed
Whether you're a first-time traveler or an experienced traveler who has been racking up the flight miles for years, there's always something new to learn or something that you could do differently.
In one Reddit thread, frequent travelers decided to share some of the rules of etiquette that they follow while traveling and that they wish more people would follow. "Rules" might not sound like a word you want to hear on vacation, but listening to these travelers could make a trip more enjoyable for everyone.
Learn The Local Rules
"Before traveling to another country, learn about local etiquette and try to abide by it while you're there." —Reddit / not-a-real-username
It makes it easier for you while you're visiting and makes it more enjoyable for the people who actually live there to manage tourists.
Don't Crowd The Baggage Belt
"When you get to the baggage carousel, stand 1–2 steps back from the edge of the belt. This helps others see the bags, and lets people dart in and out to collect theirs should it come before yours does." —Reddit / UnusedWhitespace
Wait Your Turn
"Don't stand in the boarding line until it's your turn." —Reddit / JimmySaulGene
You've got an assigned seat, there's always going to be a spot for your bag somewhere on the plane, so there's no need to crowd the gate.
"Your Vacation Is Not Special"
"You are not the only traveler. Everyone in the airport is somewhat disoriented; everyone on the long-haul bus is tired and cranky; everyone on the plane is cramped. (Almost) everyone at the beach is on vacation, and almost everyone in the beach bar is too. Your vacation is not special." —Reddit / scubasue
Try Not To Be The Person Shuffling Bags At The Baggage Check-In
"If available at your airport, weigh your luggage at the scales provided prior to waiting in the check-in line. You really don't want to hold up the rest of the line while you scrounge through your luggage in front of everyone to remove 2 pairs of jeans." —Reddit / cousin_geri
Don't Make Yourself At Home Until Everyone Is Seated
"If you board a plane in an aisle seat and nobody is (yet) sat in the seat(s) next to you, don't buckle up and settle in for the flight—yet! Even worse, don't assume that the seats are going to stay empty, and start spreading your belongings around." —Reddit / newlosernew
Staff Are People Too
"Be respectful to waitstaff. Yes, you are on vacation. But if you're in someplace like Disney or a theme park, understand that those people are still people" —Reddit / emiijii
Let People Off Before You Get On
"Letting people off the train/bus/tram before rushing to get on. Seriously annoys the hell out of me." —Reddit / willZmode
The unspoken rule is you should let people off before you push your way on, but that's the problem with unspoken rules, they're not always followed.
Only The Flight Crew Are Allowed To Blind People
"When it's morning on a plane but the cabin is still dark and people are still sleeping with the window shades down, don’t be that guy who blinds 50 people by opening the shades." —Reddit / diatomicsoda
You Chose Not To Seat Swap, Now You Sit In Silence
"A couple was traveling together and booked a window and an aisle seat hoping no one would sit in the middle seat. I got assigned that middle seat. I asked if either of them wanted to trade and they both said no. I put on my headphones and started to watch a movie and they started to talk across me to each other. I said no! You guys don't get to talk across me for an 8hr flight if you don't want to sit together." —Reddit / jo_li-ja
Clean Up After Yourself
"Clean up after yourself. Don't dump all of your rubbish on the floor and expect the air hostesses to pick up after you." —Reddit / Blackcaaaat
Yes, they'll take your garbage from you, but you don't need to make their job harder or worse.
Watch Where You're Walking
"Walking on the correct side. In countries where they drive on the right-hand side, people understandably walk in the same fashion and use escalators in the same way. However, this generally translates as the complete opposite for countries where it's left-side centric.
"People who travel frequently know this and adapt accordingly to blend in seamlessly" —Reddit / NewLeaseOnLine
Prepare Before The Plane Lands
"What I don't understand is... WHY IT TAKES PEOPLE SO LONG TO EXIT A PLANE?!
"Before the plane has even reached the gate I’ve calculated my next moves. Everything is packed up and ready to go. I’ve already texted my ppl/checked Uber rates. The second my row FINALLY starts exiting, my suitcase is flung out of the overhead and I’d be off the plane in 30 seconds if it weren’t for the zombies in the aisles before me." —Reddit / danibaeee
Look Up The Tipping Standard
"When you go to another country, check out the tipping etiquette. Yes or no, and if it is a consumer thing, then how much is recommended. Same ideal with table manners." —Reddit / amandak1992
Keep Your Distance From Wildlife
"Some people don't seem to realize that the wildlife in America are not toys. You can’t just sidle up to a big ol grizzly in Yellowstone and try to get a selfie. Also, don’t litter, these animals are in national parks for a reason." —Reddit / ForeignNecessary
Keep Your Kid From Kicking The Seat
"Stop your kid if they're kicking my seat, please" —Reddit / emil199
Yes, flying can be long and boring for children, but that doesn't mean that their source of entertainment should be kicking the back of someone's seat.
There's No Reason To Be Rude
"I'd suggest the best etiquette is just BE NICE. A lot of us are pretty tired. We often get to the airport early to not have problems and suffer those that don't. We often are on long or multiple flights, so we might be completely worn out. Sometimes things go wrong that can't really be blamed on anyone. Things just happen. Just be nice." —Reddit / I-seddit
Always Bring Headphones For Your Children
"Bring something to entertain your children on long flights. If that something had sound, make sure they're wearing headphones. You might be used to little Billy's screams and Paw Patrol, but the rest of the plane doesn't want to hear it." —Reddit / BearCavalryCorpral
You Can Assume The First Few Rows Won't Be Yours
"If your seat is in row 30, don't start looking and counting at row number one. I can't believe how many adults don't understand the concept of counting when I see them stopping at every other aisle to check the aisle number when their seat is all the way in the back." —Reddit / bloatedkat
It's Okay To Break The Rules Sometimes
"Especially at airports, sometimes some people are in much more haste than you, give them way to catch their flight if you have the luxury of time. You don't always have to make people stand in line and follow the rules. Sometimes it's okay to let people go first." —Reddit / Wolfsangel-Dragon
