AIRPLANE ETIQUETTE: THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER DO ON A FLIGHT

Air travel is a wonderful way to explore the world and experience different cultures, but there are certain rules and regulations that must be followed. Breaking these rules can have serious consequences. In this article, we will discuss some things that you should never do on an airplane.

Dress appropriately

Different airlines have different dress codes, and it is essential to understand these rules before boarding a flight. Some countries have more conservative cultures, and as such, it is polite to cover up before boarding a plane. Dirty, torn, or revealing clothes can breach dress codes and lead to being removed from the flight.

In July 2021, Turkish bodybuilder Deniz Saypinar was denied entry onto an American Airlines flight to Miami because her shorts were too short. Saypinar took to social media to vent her frustrations, claiming that she was not dressed offensively, and that the situation was an attack on her freedoms as a woman. It is unclear if the airline staff was right or if Saypinar had a good point. It is essential to research the dress code before boarding a flight to avoid such situations.

Turn on airplane mode

It is a common belief that if you do not put your phone on airplane mode during a flight, planes will fall from the sky. However, this is not quite true. When you turn on airplane mode, it blocks your phone from searching for a signal. Some pieces of pilots' equipment use the same radio frequencies as cell phones and tablets to function. When your phone looks for a signal, it can intervene and disrupt the equipment's function. Pilots need this equipment to determine how far they are from the ground during takeoff and landing.

In January 2017, the pilots of a Boeing 737 lost all of their map displays and computers while in flight. The pilots managed to avoid crashing, but investigators believe that a cell phone signal may have been to blame. No planes have ever crashed due to cell phone interference, but it is still a good idea to text or call after the flight, not during.

Do not climb into overhead compartments

While overhead compartments are useful for storing carry-on luggage, climbing into them is a terrible idea. In 2017, a woman tried to put her bags in the overhead compartment, but they were too heavy. Rather than asking for assistance, she climbed into the compartment herself. The woman was injured and later sued the airline for not warning her that climbing into the overhead compartments was dangerous.

Never open the emergency exit door

While it may seem tempting to open the emergency exit door to get some fresh air, it is a terrible idea. Doing so can cause the slide to deploy, which will damage the plane and put lives at risk. In 2016, a passenger on a China Eastern Airlines flight decided to open the emergency exit door as he waited for the plane to take off. The passenger was arrested, and the flight was delayed for several hours.

Do not smoke

Smoking is not allowed on airplanes, and it is against the law. Not only is it hazardous to your health, but it can also cause fires and damage the airplane. In 2009, a Continental Airlines flight from Germany to Texas had to make an emergency landing in Ireland because a passenger smoked in the bathroom, which set off the smoke detector.

Do not ignore safety instructions

Ignoring safety instructions is a common mistake, but it can have serious consequences. In 2016, an AirAsia flight was forced to make an emergency landing after a passenger ignored safety instructions and tried to inflate a life jacket before the plane had even taken off. The passenger was arrested, and the flight was delayed for several hours.

Do not take too much alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol on a plane can be dangerous. The air pressure in the cabin affects the way alcohol is absorbed into the body