Airplane Etiquette: The ‘Most Offensive’ Behaviors
In 2022, U.S. airlines transported 853 million passengers, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Transportation. Given the rising interest in travel, it’s anticipated that these figures will likely see an increase this year. However, despite the excitement of journeying to new destinations, the actual experience of being on an airplane can sometimes be less pleasant.
Recently, USA Today compiled a list of behaviors observed on airplanes that are often deemed inconsiderate. They collaborated with Skyscanner, a travel planning company, which conducted a survey from September 27 to October 2. This survey involved 2,000 American adults who had taken a leisure trip within the past three years, seeking their opinions on which airplane etiquette rules are considered the most offensive.
A decline in proper flying etiquette.
With several recent news stories highlighting incidents during flights, it is not surprising that there appears to be a decline in proper flying etiquette among some passengers. One incident includes a viral video of a passenger expressing frustration with a crying baby. Another incident is a social media uproar following a tweet by Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Anthony Bass. He recounts a flight attendant’s request for his wife to clean up their children’s mess on an airplane.
Whether you find yourself on the receiving end of inconsiderate passenger behavior or you’re the person inadvertently engaging in such behavior, here is what USA Today has deemed as the most offensive airplane behaviors.
Switching Seats
According to the survey, approximately 31% of those polled consider seat switching to be an offensive behavior. They noted that this issue became a subject of discussion after a viral TikTok video. It featured a woman who had chosen a window seat due to motion sickness and declined to exchange seats with a mother who wanted to sit next to her children.
Another behavior on the list that many American travelers find inconsiderate is the use of both armrests. This applies to passengers in the middle seat as well, as indicated by almost one-third of the respondents.
Clipping toenails
At the top of the list of behaviors considered offensive is personal grooming, which includes activities such as painting nails, clipping nails, and trimming beards.
Check out the full list of what was deemed as the most offensive airplane behaviors here.
Steer Clear: 8 Grocery Store Behaviors to Avoid
Disrespecting Employees
This should be common sense, but one of the fundamental rules of grocery store etiquette is to treat employees with respect and kindness. While it’s understandable to occasionally have moments of price shock or policy gripes. But don’t take it out on the people working at the grocery store. They’re not the ones setting the prices. Venting your frustration on employees is never the right approach. Refrain from raising your voice or engaging in arguments with cashiers and staff members on the sales floor.
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Packing Out the Express Checkout
We all love the quick in-and-out experience of using self-checkout for those small hauls. But the self-service lane loses its charm when people with massive shopping carts, loaded with groceries decide to set up camp there. It’s even worse when they have items needing special codes. So, think of self-checkout as the express lane, where it’s best to stick to around ten items or less. Using the express checkout lane with more items than the posted limit can hold up the line for others who are following the rules. It’s worth mentioning that many grocery stores are opting for more self-checkout lanes in their stores.
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Aisle Bites
You’ve probably seen people snacking on food they haven’t paid for yet at the grocery store. Some even take half-eaten items to the cashier to scan. This is not only rude but also unhygienic. It’s like treating the store as your personal buffet and it makes others uncomfortable. While satisfying your cravings is perfectly fine, there are better ways to go about it.
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Grocery Blocker
You’re bound to bump into a friend or neighbor while grocery shopping, but consider where you stop for a chat. If you see someone eyeing the produce behind you, it’s a good sign to wrap up and find a quieter spot. Keep in mind that grocery store catch-ups should be relatively short. It’s not the ideal time for lengthy reunions, especially if others are waiting to shop. The same courtesy applies to your shopping cart. Don’t park your cart smack in the middle and block the way for everyone else.
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Stashing Unwanted Groceries and Trash
If you change your mind about something while shopping, do everyone a favor and return it to where it belongs. Dumping unwanted items in random aisles instead of returning them to their proper creates frustration for both store employees and fellow shoppers. Nobody wants to discover a rogue carton of buttermilk sitting next to the potato chips. It makes the store messy, confuses people, and turns a simple grocery trip into a weird scavenger hunt. In some grocery stores, you might find cafes where you can stroll the aisles with a coffee or beverage in hand. Chances are you’ve come across half-empty Starbucks cups or abandoned water bottles among the store shelves. When you’ve finished your drink, it’s best to dispose of the cup or bottle properly.
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Leaving Your Grocery Cart Wherever
Bringing back your shopping cart is the most basic form of grocery store courtesy. Returning your shopping cart is a quick task and it’s a huge help for the store staff. Additionally, left-behind carts can lead to more significant problems. A deserted cart in the parking area may potentially cause damage to vehicles. A cart left behind inside can cause a roadblock in the store.
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Lack of Personal Space
When we’re shopping at the grocery store, give people their personal space. Whether browsing the aisles for your favorite snacks or waiting in line at the checkout, respecting personal space is key. No one likes feeling crowded or rushed while making their selections, and we all appreciate a bit of privacy when completing our transactions.
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Rude Cellphone Usage
When you’re at the store, try not to use your phone too much. It’s okay to make a quick call to roomie to ask about ketchup, but keep it quiet and brief. Save the catching up for later. Also, don’t text and push your cart at the same time because you might bump into something or someone. Lastly, unless you’re using your phone for digital coupons or rewards, it’s best to put it away during checkout.
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