You may have seen those airport memes where people wonder whether it’s another person’s first day on earth based on their behavior.
It’s a bit harsh, sure, and navigating terminals and jet bridges is admittedly overwhelming if you’re not used to it, but you really do have to wonder what people are thinking sometimes.
Here’s the reality: being in an airport is a stressful environment with time crunches and unknown terrain. A little human decency and a dose of consideration go a long, long way. And as someone who travels routinely, I understand that being able to do so is an immense privilege.
However, there’s an agreed-upon, unspoken etiquette that all travelers should follow to make the process easier for all. If you don’t, you’ll come across as annoying at best, and rude and loathsome at worst. I’ve run into many annoying people at the airport, but these characters take the cake for worst offenders. Are you one of them?
In this article
The Person Not Wearing Headphones
Whether you’re waiting for your plane to board or soaring at 35,000 feet, not using your headphones is a nuisance to nearly every single person around you.
And yes, this also goes for parents with kiddos (arguably one of the worst offenders). I’m sure you have great taste in music, or the TikTok post you’re watching is hilarious, or you just want to keep your child entertained, but I’d prefer if your sounds didn’t interfere with mine.
Traveling already greatly reduces our personal bubble, and blasting your speaker infiltrates whatever semblance of space people still have. On that note, also be mindful when taking phone calls!
Dreaded ‘Gate Lice’
It’s a not-so-endearing term, and there’s a reason for that. Gate lice are the people who hover around the boarding gate well before their boarding class is called. This creates a ton of congestion for those trying to pass, and it also leads to confusion.
I get why they do it—they’re feeling anxious about making the flight—but it’s not a good look, friends.
There have been many times I’ve had to push my way through the gate lice crowd, asking, “Are you in line?” only for the person to either shake their head, look at me without saying anything, or not even acknowledge my presence!
Even if you’re kind enough to step aside, you’re contributing to the chaos by hovering around the gate. Please, I implore you, sit down until your boarding group is called.
People Crowding the Baggage Carousel
Similarly, crowding around the baggage carousel is a quick way to get on someone’s nerves.
Especially if you’re in the way when someone else’s bag has arrived, and they can’t access it because you won’t move. To those who do this: I promise your proximity to the luggage belt won’t make your bag come out any faster.
The courteous thing to do is to stand away from the carousel and observe the bag drop from a distance. Then, when your bag appears, you can walk up and grab it.
Should you find yourself dealing with someone in the way when you do this, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.
People Using the Overhead Compartment for Small Bags
This one wouldn’t be so annoying if it weren’t for the clear directives from flight attendants to only put larger carry-ons in the overhead compartments. The rule across all airlines is that small bags go underneath the seat in front of you, and big bags go above.
Many of us are trying to save a buck (and time) by only bringing a carry-on suitcase, but when all that space is taken by shopping bags and coats and bookbags, there’s no more room, and we’re left scrambling.
I once was the last person to board a plane due to a last-minute flight change returning from an international trip, and the woman I sat next to refused to put her purse underneath the seat in front of her. I had to check my bag, holding up the plane and adding to an already long, stressful journey. My tip is to wait until everyone’s boarded, then squeeze a smaller item up there if you wish.
The Hallway Stoppers
Airports are often jam-packed with people on a mission, sometimes with only a few minutes to spare in order to make their flight.
It’s so frustrating when I’m trying to make it to my gate, and others are walking slowly or aimlessly in the corridors, or they suddenly stop walking or are just standing in the middle of the hall.
This forces others to react to what you’re doing. In the past, I’ve accidentally run into these people, or I’ve had to swerve to avoid a collision. It’s OK to switch directions or reassess where you’re going (it happens to all of us), but move to the side while you figure it out in order to keep the halls clear for traffic.
The ‘Smelly’ and Bare Feet Crew
On the topic of infringing on others’ personal space, smells are such a big offender at the airport and on airplanes.
We’re all in tight quarters, which means that anyone sitting next to you can smell what’s going on. This isn’t just reserved to body odor, but please shower before a flight and wear clean clothes.
Smelly food is a big one that frustrates people, with tuna, eggs, and onions really permeating the air around you.
I’ve also experienced people painting their nails on a flight, or even taking off their shoes, both of which are pretty rude to everyone else. But the latter deserves its own shoutout, as well.
We don’t want to smell that, and we don’t want to see your bare toenails. If your feet are sore, just slip on some socks to contain the sight and smell.
I’d also suggest keeping perfume and cologne to a minimum since some people are very sensitive to smells, and every odor can be extra intense inside an airplane cabin.
The Shortcut
Gate lice are the cardinal sin: crowding the gate before your group is called just creates congestion and confusion. Sit down; the plane won't leave without you.
Your noise travels. Headphones in, speaker off, calls kept low, and yes, that includes the kid's tablet.
Overhead bins are for big carry-ons, not your purse and shopping bags. Small stuff goes under the seat so the last people boarding aren't left scrambling.
Don't camp on the baggage carousel. Standing right on the belt won't make your bag come out any faster.
Keep the halls clear and the feet covered. Step aside if you need to stop walking, and nobody wants to see or smell bare toes in a packed cabin.
