10 Things to Never Do on a Flight

If you’re a frequent traveler, you know that flying comes with its own unspoken etiquette to make the experience more enjoyable for yourself and your fellow passengers. However, in a continuous effort to maximize your comfort in the sky, it’s not unheard of for some social norms to fall to the wayside for the sake of a nap.

The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice respect for other travelers when getting cozy during your next long-haul flight. Instead, Amazon is fully stocked with the sneakiest products to replace your worst habits, all while keeping you comfortable. Whether you’re prone to slipping off your shoes for the ride, or are notorious for reclining your seat to get some extra leg room during mealtime, we’ve identified the 10 worst habits you could adopt while traveling — along with the simple items you need to fix them. With everything available for under $30, you don’t have to upgrade your ticket to first class to achieve a relaxing in-flight experience.

Don’t: Take Your Shoes Off

Instead: Wear Compression Socks

Charmking Compression Socks

We get it. Long-haul flights are exhausting and you want to find ways to be as comfortable as possible throughout it all. With that being said, taking your shoes off and letting your bare feet roam free is simply not the answer — it’s unsanitary and potentially rude to your seatmates and other passengers. However, aside from packing a lightweight pair of slip-on shoes for your flight, another great solution is wearing compression socks. They help to promote healthy circulation and blood flow for your hours in the sky, and also create a barrier against the ground (and odors) if you do slip your shoes off to nap. There’s a reason why flight attendants swear by them, after all.

Don’t: Fall Asleep on Your Seatmates Shoulder

Instead: Pack a Neck Pillow

Dot&Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow

Listen, it’s one thing if you’re traveling with a partner or a friend, but if you’re sandwiched between two strangers, you don’t want to experience the awkwardness of accidentally falling asleep on their shoulder during an overnight flight. This is exactly where a cozy neck pillow enters the equation. This versatile option from Dot&Dot can be folded into numerous positions to best support your head and neck while you sleep, and the interior is filled with memory foam. Now you shouldn’t wake up with a crick in your neck, and your neighbor won’t have a new go-to story to share at parties.

Don’t: Recline Your Seat During Meal Service

Instead: Bring Along a Foot Hammock

Basic Concepts Airplane Foot Hammock

You deserve to be comfortable and have enough leg room while flying, even if you don’t have a first class ticket, but it’s fair to say that keeping your seat reclined during mealtime isn’t exactly kind to the passenger behind you. This memory foam foot hammock is a sneaky strategy for upping your leg space, even when you’re sitting upright as it allows you to stretch your limbs without impeding on other people’s space. The device simply hooks onto your tray table and can be positioned to several different heights, making it easy to find your ideal fit. The end result? Excellent leg support, all without reclining your seat.

Don’t: Ask for a Blanket Mid-flight

Instead: Pack Your Own

EverSnug Travel Blanket and Pillow Set

While there’s nothing rude about asking a flight attendant for a blanket mid-flight, the reality is that you’ll be much happier (and more comfortable) if you’ve already packed one of your own. Fortunately, this blanket and pillow duo from EverSnug is ultra-packable and will bring a taste of home to every overnight flight. Plus, it won’t break the bank at just $15 per piece. The back of the pillow is fitted with a sleeve so you can slip it over the handle of your suitcase for easy transport, and there’s no denying that it’s significantly softer and warmer than any flimsy plane blanket.

Don’t: Trap Passengers in With Corded Headphones

Instead: Use a Bluetooth Audio Converter

Ymoo Bluetooth Audio Adapter

Most people don’t prefer a middle seat while flying, whether that be for fear of being trapped by a sleeping seatmate, or the lack of space to spread out. The only thing that can make this feeling worse is if your seatmate is watching a movie with corded headphones, effectively creating yet another barrier between you and the aisle. It’s certainly a small thing and not intrinsically rude, but using a Bluetooth audio adapter will eliminate the use of cords while allowing you to use your own headphones — even noise-canceling ones. Your seatmate will find it easier to slip out to the bathroom as needed, and your audio quality will get a well-deserved upgrade.

Don’t: Subject Your Seatmate to a Blast of Cool Air

Instead: Use a Neck Fan

Civpower Neck Fan

Fussing around with the air conditioning is a rite of passage on any flight, but at the end of the day you probably want to be able to control your own temperature without having your AC controlled by an errant seatmate. A neck fan is the best way to ensure that you’re the only person being hit with a blast of air, and this particular option is fitted with three different speeds to best fit your needs. It’s blade-free so you don’t have to worry about your hair or fingers getting caught. Plus, it boasts up to 16 hours of battery life to carry you through the duration of your flight.

Don’t: Wear a Strong Perfume 

Instead: Try a Natural Odor-eliminating Balm 

StinkBalm Odor Blocker

Seeing as an airplane cabin is an enclosed space, it makes things like strong odors especially noxious to all those around. You may have good intentions by bathing in a delicious perfume before hopping on your next flight, but there’s a good chance that it’s not everybody’s aroma of choice. If you’re still looking for a way to make the plane ride smell more pleasant to you, these scented balms are an incredible hack that blocks out other unwanted smells — and best of all, you’ll be the only one who can smell it. Simply apply it under your nose, and you’ll be met with a fresh burst of lavender or evergreen, rather than stale plane air.

Don’t: Use Your Overhead Light When Everyone Is Sleeping

Instead: Keep a Reading Light Handy

Glocusent Book Light

I’ve always felt guilty about turning on my overhead light to keep reading my book during an overnight flight. If you feel the same, you’ll be happy to find that this lightweight, travel-ready neck light is currently on sale for just $20 at Amazon. The device contains up to 80 hours of battery so you don’t need to worry about packing an extra charger while you’re on the go, and it’s complete with three shade options and six brightness settings that are gentle on your eyes. Whether you’re knitting, reading, or doing a puzzle, this light is the perfect solution for bypassing the overhead light without giving up your in-flight activities.

Don’t: Let Your Seatback Pocket Overflow

Instead: Organize It for Longhaul Flights

Airplane Pockets Tray Table Cover with Organizer

Having your seatback pocket overflow with belongings can make it markedly more difficult for others to get out of the row mid-flight, especially if you’re sitting in an aisle seat. Not to mention that the seatback pocket is one of the least sanitary locations on any flight (the bathroom aside). This handy cover slides right over your tray table, in turn offering a clean and organized space for your essentials that’s easy to fold up at the end of your flight — and won’t overflow. You don’t have to worry about picking up the germs of previous passengers, and your seatmates will be thrilled to slip by without tripping on your cords, trash, and other items.

Don’t: Disrupt Your Seatmate Searching for a Lost Airpod

Instead: Try Over-ear Headphones

Doqaus Bluetooth Over-ear Headphones

Dropping your earbuds between or under your seat during a flight is incredibly inconvenient and frustrating, but the search also often ends up getting in the personal space of your seatmates. That’s why it’s typically advised to wait until the end of the flight before asking an airline worker for assistance. Instead, do away with this experience for good by investing in a good pair of over-ear headphones that can’t physically slip through cracks, and are also incredibly comfortable. This pair from Doqaus is currently on sale for 57 percent off, and with up to 90 hours of play time, you won’t even have to worry about packing an extra charger.

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