These Are the Rudest Things You Can Do on a Plane, According to Flight Attendants—From Being Messy to Going Barefoot

Flight attendants interact with hundreds of strangers on a daily basis—it's a uniquely social career setting that can be taxing on the mind and the body. Not only are they responsible for passenger safety, but they also have to maintain a pleasant demeanor while assisting customers and making flights comfortable. One thing that can make doing their jobs more difficult? Rude travelers—particularly on long-haul flights .

We chatted with a few flight attendants to find out the rudest things passengers do while flying the friendly (or not-so-friendly) skies. Here are the five most common offenses.

Poor Manners

The most consistent feedback centered on passengers' discourteous behavior toward flight attendants and fellow travelers. Modern air travel has invited a sense of entitlement that makes the job more stressful than it should be. Worst of all, most incidents of impoliteness and disrespect are entirely preventable.

"On most flights, I would encounter rude passengers : people who don't acknowledge you as they pass or as you serve them, or who don't remove their earbuds when you ask them a question," shared Ally Murphy, a former flight attendant and host of The Red Eye podcast. "The lack of respect some people have for the role of cabin crew is awful … I've had a parent tell me that their kid doesn't need to say 'please' or 'thank you' when asking me for a drink because it's my job to serve them."

Other instances of incivility include loud conversations, streaming music or videos on a phone or tablet without headphones (which is now banned on some airlines ), and not allowing passengers in the rows ahead to deplane first.

Practicing Bad Hygiene

It's important for travelers to keep personal hygiene in mind before sharing a pressurized vessel with dozens of other people. "Please… take a shower and put on deodorant before heading to the airport," stressed an anonymous American Airlines flight attendant via email. "And if you have a tight connection after a long day of travel, pack an extra set of clothes in a carry-on bag to change into."

On the flip side, while a spritz of cologne or perfume may have good intentions, extreme fragrances can induce headaches and nausea for those with sensitive noses. It's wise to limit their use and, instead, opt for unscented alternatives to ward off unpleasant smells.

"I've also seen people file and clip their nails mid-flight. Leave these grooming habits for the nail tech or your bathroom," the source added.

Going Barefoot

While it may be your first instinct to ditch your shoes on a longer flight, walking around with bare feet should be saved for your hotel room. "At bare minimum—pun intended—passengers should be wearing some type of barrier between their skin and the floor," a retired United Airlines flight attendant shared with Travel + Leisure . "It's a gross sight for people around you, and I can guarantee that you also don't want to put your soles on the carpet of an aircraft."

Should the continuous tying of laces or buckling of straps prove to be too laborious, a thick sock with sole grips can suffice, though shoes are always recommended for trips to the lavatory. "It's a cramped space, and many gentlemen don't have good aim," joked the United source. "The last thing you want to do is step in an unidentified liquid and not be able to comfortably wash your feet."

Reclining Seats Without Warning or During Mealtimes

In the great seat recline debate , most airline professionals argue that it's A-OK for passengers to utilize the feature. After all, the button is built into aircraft armrests for a reason. "That doesn't mean you should abuse this privilege," shared an anonymous Alaska Airlines flight attendant. "I've seen enough instances of broken laptop screens that I recommend turning around and seeing what's behind you."

"Also, if we're serving drinks and meals, bringing your seat up is appreciated so that the person behind you has more room to sip and eat," she added, noting that sudden movements can actually spill what's on a tray table. "We understand that you may want to rest or sleep, but wait until we dim the cabin lights so that people aren't eating with their knees in their faces."

Leaving a Mess Behind

For one anonymous Southwest Airlines flight attendant, leaving behind trash is a certifiable way to grind his gears. "You're an adult," he wrote via text. "If you're not, you're traveling with one who should be cleaning up after you."

There are multiple instances when flight attendants will pass through the aisles to collect trash. "Take advantage of these moments. We are more than happy to dispose of anything that may end up in a seatback pocket or on the floor," he reminded. "And say 'thank you.' Never underestimate the power of a simple thank you to help us get through what is usually a tough and long workday."

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