8 in-flight behaviors that other passengers quietly judge you for, according to flight attendants

I’ve been there, and chances are, you have too.

You’re seated comfortably in an airplane, cruising at 35,000 feet, blissfully enjoying your in-flight movie or book, when suddenly, you feel the piercing gaze of disapproval from a fellow passenger.

You look around, puzzled, wondering what you could have possibly done to earn such a silent judgment.

Or perhaps you’re the one casting that disapproving glance, silently wishing for some peace and quiet, or just a little bit of common courtesy from the passenger next to you.

In this bustling ecosystem of passengers and flight attendants high above the ground, there’s a unique set of unspoken rules that many of us might not even realize we’re breaking.

Drawing from candid revelations of flight attendants and seasoned travelers alike, I’ve rounded up some of the most common in-flight behaviors that are likely to earn you some side-eye from your fellow passengers – all without them uttering a word.

Trust me, you’ll want to be aware of these unwritten rules the next time you’re jetting off for that important business meeting or much-needed vacation.

Not only will it make your journey more pleasant, but it might also save you from being “that person” everyone on the flight secretly wishes they could avoid.

So buckle up and get ready to discover these eight in-flight behaviors that might be making your travel companions quietly judge you—according to those who see it all from the front lines: the flight attendants.

1) Ignoring personal space boundaries

The first rule of flying? Respect thy neighbor’s personal space.

We’ve all been there – crammed in economy, knees touching the seat in front, elbows jostling for the armrest.

Space is at a premium, and the last thing anyone wants is a fellow passenger invading what little they have.

You may not think much of it as you spread out your belongings, stretch your legs into the aisle, or lean your seat back without a second thought.

But believe me when I tell you, these are the things that make fellow passengers’ blood boil in silence.

Flight attendants see it all the time – the quiet sighs of exasperation, the glares cast over the top of a book.

And while they might not say anything, for fear of causing a scene, their judgment is clear as day.

2) Excessive noise

Now, let’s talk about noise.

In a confined space like an airplane, sound travels. Fast. Whether it’s the loud chatter, the sound of your music leaking from your headphones, or that action movie you’re watching without earbuds— it’s all magnified.

I remember this one time, I was on a red-eye flight to a crucial business conference. Desperate for some shut-eye, I was jolted awake by the loud laughter of a group of passengers watching a comedy show on their iPad without headphones.

The frustration in the cabin was palpable, but nobody voiced their annoyance.

Flight attendants witness this all too often – passengers silently stewing in their seats, throwing annoyed glances at the culprits.

And while most people refrain from saying anything to maintain peace, know that they’re quietly judging you for your lack of consideration.

So, the next time you’re on a flight, do remember to keep your volume down or use headphones. It’s not just about you; it’s about everyone else sharing that trip with you.

3) Disregarding the flight attendants

Albert Einstein once said, “I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university.” This quote resonates particularly when you’re 35,000 feet in the air.

In the context of a flight, everyone plays an important role. The pilots, the flight attendants, even the passengers – we’re all part of this temporary airborne community.

And just as you wouldn’t ignore or disrespect your neighbor on land, the same should hold true on a plane.

I’ve seen it – passengers who disregard flight attendants’ instructions, who don’t pay attention during the safety briefing, or who treat these hardworking professionals as if they’re invisible.

And believe me, fellow passengers notice. They see the rolled eyes, the dismissive gestures, and they judge silently.

Flight attendants may brush it off with a professional smile, but other passengers? They’re not as forgiving.

Remember Einstein’s words next time you’re flying.

Treat everyone aboard with respect and courtesy – it’s quietly noted and appreciated by those around you.

4) Bringing strong-smelling food onboard

Ever been in an elevator with someone who’s just enjoyed a hefty serving of garlic-filled lunch?

Now, imagine that in a pressurized cabin with recycled air.

Your senses are heightened on an airplane. The lack of humidity and low pressure can heighten your sense of taste and smell.

This is why airplane food is often heavily seasoned.

But this also means that the tuna sandwich or onion-filled bagel you brought on board? It smells ten times stronger to everyone else on the plane than it would on the ground.

I’ve seen passengers’ noses wrinkle in annoyance, their eyes darting around to locate the source of the smell, silently wishing it away.

Flight attendants might not say anything, but they’ve seen it too, and they know just who’s causing that olfactory discomfort.

Next time you’re packing a snack for your flight, consider your fellow passengers and opt for something less aromatic.

It’s a small action, but it can make a world of difference to those around you.

5) Repeatedly hitting the call button

Imagine being in a busy restaurant and constantly snapping your fingers to get the waiter’s attention.

Annoying, right? The same principle applies when you’re up in the air.

The call button is there for a reason, and it’s not to have flight attendants on speed dial for every minor need.

It’s for emergencies, for those instances when you really need assistance.

Hitting that call button repeatedly for trivial requests not only disrupts the workflow of the cabin crew but is also a source of irritation for fellow passengers who can hear that chime go off time and again.

I’ve seen passengers roll their eyes and shake their heads as the “bing” of the call button goes off multiple times from the same seat.

Silent judgment? You bet.

The next time you’re tempted to hit that call button, consider if it’s really necessary.

Your fellow passengers – and the flight attendants – will thank you for it.

6) Not using headphones

We’ve all been there: you’re in the middle of a gripping movie or an exciting game on your device when you realize, with a sinking feeling, that you’ve forgotten your headphones.

Well, let me tell you, playing audio out loud on a plane is an unwritten no-no.

You may think that the sound from your device isn’t loud enough to disturb others.

But in the small, confined space of an airplane cabin, even the slightest noise can carry and become a nuisance to your fellow passengers.

I’ve seen the annoyed looks, the subtle gestures asking for the noise to be turned down, and trust me, it’s not pleasant.

So next time you travel, make sure you pack your headphones. It’s a small act of consideration that your fellow passengers will silently thank you for.

7) Neglecting personal hygiene

Let’s talk about something that can be a sensitive topic: personal hygiene.

On long-haul flights, we’re all in a confined space for an extended period of time. Keeping yourself clean and fresh is not just for your comfort, but it’s also a courtesy to those around you.

The person sitting next to you probably doesn’t want to smell your feet if you decide to take off your shoes.

Nor do they want to be in the splash zone if you’re not careful when freshening up.

I’ve seen passengers wince, subtly try to cover their noses, or inch away from the offender.

Their silent judgment is clear, and it’s not a situation you want to find yourself in.

So next time you’re prepping for a flight, remember the golden rule of air travel hygiene: keep yourself clean, your space clean, and be mindful of those around you.

8) Not being patient during deplaning

Finally, let’s talk about one of the most common scenarios where passengers silently judge each other – deplaning.

We’ve all been eager to get off a plane after a long flight. But there’s an unspoken order to things: you wait for the rows in front of you to exit before you leave your seat.

Rushing to stand up, pulling your suitcase from the overhead bin, and trying to bulldoze your way out isn’t just considered rude—it’s also unsafe. It disrupts the flow and can cause unnecessary delay.

I’ve seen the disapproving looks, heard the muttered comments, and felt the tension rise when someone breaks this unwritten rule.

So, next time you’re about to land, remember – patience is a virtue that your fellow passengers will appreciate. Take a breath, wait your turn, and make the deplaning process smoother for everyone.