The Dos and Don’ts of Airplane Travel Etiquette

The Dos and Don’ts of Airplane Travel Etiquette

Beth Glosner  | 

There’s something about air travel that turns otherwise normal people into… slightly stranger versions of themselves.

Maybe it’s the lack of legroom. Maybe it’s the time zones. Maybe it’s the strange reality of willingly climbing into a giant metal tube with strangers and hoping everyone collectively behaves for the next few hours.

Honestly, I’ve started thinking of flying like a group project you never volunteered for.

Everyone shows up with different expectations, different levels of preparation, and wildly different ideas of what acceptable behavior looks like. Someone always arrives overprepared, someone forgot something important, someone is doing the absolute most, and at least one person seems determined to make the experience harder than necessary for everyone else.

But when people cooperate—even in tiny ways—the whole experience runs smoother. A little awareness, a little patience, and basic travel etiquette can go a surprisingly long way when you’re sharing a cabin at 35,000 feet.

So before your next flight, here are my personal dos and don’ts for surviving airplane travel with your sanity (and dignity) intact.

Let’s Dig In!

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here.

DON’T Ask Someone to Switch Seats Unless You’re Offering an Upgrade

We’ve all seen it happen. I’ve experienced it a time or two.

Someone boards, realizes they’re separated from their travel companion, and suddenly starts negotiating seat swaps like they’re trading baseball cards.

If you want to switch, ask politely—but only if you’re offering something equal or better.

Window for window? Fair.

Aisle for middle? That’s a tough swap, especially if you’re tall and already negotiating every inch of legroom you can get.

If sitting together matters, arrive early and ask at check-in. Airlines can often help before boarding begins. Or pick your seat when you purchase them.

Seat swaps work best when everyone leaves happier than they started.

DO Respect Overhead Bin Boundaries

Your bag may fit… but someone else’s already does.

Sliding luggage to create room? Fine.

Removing someone’s suitcase and relocating it across the cabin? Absolutely not.

If the overhead situation starts feeling like advanced Tetris, call a flight attendant.

Overhead bins: not a free-for-all.

DO Help—But Don’t Become the Hero of Boarding

See someone struggling with a carry-on?

Offer help.

Holding a stroller? Offer help.

Trying to wrestle an overstuffed duffel into a space clearly meant for optimism and not luggage? Maybe help.

Quick boarding helps everyone.

Good travel karma starts before takeoff.

DO Choose Your Seat Strategically

Know yourself.

Weak bladder? Book aisle.

Love cloud watching? Window.

Need maximum personal space? (Relatable.) Aisle again.

Your future self will thank present-you.

Choose your seat like you choose your travel shoes—with intention.

DO Follow the Unwritten Armrest Treaty

Window seat gets the view.

Middle seat gets both armrests.

Aisle seat gets freedom.

This system isn’t legally binding, but civilization depends on it.

Middle seats deserve small victories.

DON’T Become the Plane’s Entertainment System

If your device makes a sound…

Headphones.

Every time.

No one wants surprise videos, movie explosions, phone speaker calls, or twenty-seven TikToks in a row.

And yes—that includes children’s shows.

Headphones: the true MVP of air travel.

DO Keep the Smells to Yourself

Airplane cabins are tiny ecosystems.

Strong perfume? Skip it.

Fast food feast? Maybe reconsider.

And yes…

Keep your socks and shoes on.

As someone who’s worked in an emergency room, I can confidently say: you do not want to know where shoes have been and what they are carrying.

Your seat neighbors should remember your kindness—not your tuna sandwich.

DON’T Mistake Headphones for an Invitation to Chat

Sometimes people want conversation.

Sometimes people want silence and a downloaded show.

Headphones are usually the universal sign for:

“I wish you well, but I’m unavailable.”

Respect it.

Noise cancellation works socially, too.

DO Practice Bathroom Decency

Flush.

Double check.

Leave it usable.

Be courteous to the next lav user.

That’s it.

That’s the section.

Leave it better than you found it.

DO Clean Up After Your Kids (But Also… Be Kind to Parents)

Traveling with children is hard.

Traveling with children while people silently judge you? Harder.

Parents: clean up messes and help your kids respect shared spaces.

Everyone else: show grace.

Babies don’t understand airplane etiquette yet.

Tiny travelers are still learning.

DON’T Parent Someone Else’s Child

Seat kicking?

Repeated tray table slamming?

Talk kindly to the parent first.

If needed, ask a flight attendant.

Correcting strangers’ children rarely goes the way people imagine.

Kind conversations usually land better.

DO Recline Responsibly

My personal rule:

Under three hours? Stay upright.

Long haul? Recline carefully.

Before reclining:

  • Check behind you
  • Move slowly
  • Return upright during meals

No one wants coffee in their lap.

Recline gently—your neighbor’s laptop depends on it.

DON’T Put Bare Feet Anywhere in Public

This includes:

  • armrests
  • walls
  • tray tables
  • other people’s personal space

It bears repeating: I’ve worked in an emergency room, so I always keep my shoes on during a flight.

Enough said.

Comfort and boundaries can coexist.

DO Pack a Few Comfort Items

A few things that make flights dramatically better:

  • Refillable water bottle
  • Noise-canceling headphones
  • Neck pillow
  • Lip balm
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Compression socks
  • Portable charger

Pro Tip: Download entertainment before leaving home. Airport Wi-Fi always becomes philosophical when you need it.

Small comforts make long flights feel shorter.

DO Be Ready Before Security and Boarding

Have your ID ready.

Boarding pass accessible.

Shoes removable if needed.

Nothing creates airport chaos faster than digging for documents while twenty people wait behind you.

Prepared travelers move smoother.

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DO Practice Patience When Landing

You know the moment.

Seatbelt sign clicks off.

Half the plane immediately stands.

You are not escaping.

You are participating in a very slow human zipper merge.

Relax.

Wait for your turn.

The exit still exists if you wait thirty seconds.

DO Be Kind to Airline Workers

Flight attendants, gate agents, and crew deal with delays, weather, seat changes, and stressed travelers all day long.

A smile.

A thank you.

Basic kindness.

It goes further than you think.

Kindness travels farther than complaints.

Final Boarding Call

At the end of the day, airplanes are shared spaces.

You can’t control delays.

You can’t control the weather.

You definitely can’t control the person eating suspiciously aromatic takeout in Row 18.

But you can control your reactions.

Travel with patience. Travel with humor. Travel like the kind of seatmate you’d want next to you.

And who knows, you might even land feeling a little less exhausted.

What airplane etiquette rule would you add?

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!


–Beth

20 Must-Have Road Trip Travel Essentials I Never Leave Home Without 

Beth Glosner  | 

There’s a certain rhythm to the way I travel now. It’s not rushed or overly planned. It’s a mix of intentional stops, spontaneous detours, and the occasional “that looks interesting, let’s pull over” moment. Over time, I’ve learned that what makes a trip smooth isn’t how much I pack—it’s what I choose to bring.

My travel essentials have slowly evolved through real experience. Some were added after forgetting them one too many times. Others earned their place after saving the day in small but meaningful ways. And a few are just part of my personality at this point.

This isn’t a “perfect packing list.” It’s a real one. The kind built from road trips through winding backroads, early morning coffee runs in unfamiliar towns, farmers’ markets and stand discoveries I didn’t plan for, and those quiet moments when I’m somewhere new and thinking, I’m really glad I came here.

So here it is—what always comes with me.

 Let’s Dig In!

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here.

1. Refillable Water Bottle

I never underestimate how quickly a simple travel day can turn into hours on the road, wandering through small towns or exploring a new trail. Having a refillable water bottle within reach has become second nature. It keeps me hydrated, saves money, and honestly just feels better than constantly buying plastic bottles along the way.

There’s something grounding about pausing at a rest stop or café, refilling it, and continuing without missing a beat.

2. Portable Charger

My phone works harder than I do on travel days: GPS, photos, notes, looking up coffee shops I probably don’t need but definitely want to visit. A portable charger keeps everything going when outlets are nowhere in sight.

It’s one of those items I forget I need until I absolutely need it, and then I remember why it never leaves my bag.

3. Lip Balm

This is the definition of a small thing that becomes a big deal when you don’t have it. Dry airplane air, long drives with the windows cracked, mountain towns with crisp air it all adds up.

Lip balm is one of those quiet essentials that just makes everything a little more comfortable without asking for attention.

4. Hand Sanitizer

Travel is full of shared surfaces: gas pumps, door handles, menus, railings, pot-a-pottys, and everything in between. A small bottle of hand sanitizer gives me a bit of peace of mind between stops.

It’s simple, practical, and always within reach.

5. Wet Wipes

If there’s one item that has earned its place through sheer usefulness, it’s wet wipes. They handle everything from sticky hands after a farmers market snack to unexpected coffee drips in the car.

They’re not glamorous, but they’ve saved more outfits, seats, and sanity than I can count.

6. Comfortable Walking Shoes

I’ve learned this the hard way: no scenic town is worth uncomfortable shoes. Cobblestone streets, long waterfront walks, and wandering through local markets all feel very different when your feet are unhappy. Travel is simply better when your feet are happy.

Comfortable shoes don’t just support your feet—they support your entire experience. And I’ve also learned the value of keeping an extra pair in the car for those moments when the shoes that felt great on hour one start feeling very different by hour four.

7. Crossbody Bag

A crossbody bag has become my travel companion no matter where I go for one simple reason: it keeps everything I actually need close without getting in the way.

It holds the essentials, stays secure, and leaves my hands free for what I usually end up doing anyway: taking photos or carrying something I didn’t plan on buying.

8. Lightweight Jacket or Sweater

Even in summer, I’ve learned not to trust the weather entirely. Mornings can start cool, evenings can surprise you, and mountain or coastal towns have their own rules.

A lightweight layer means I can stay out longer without thinking about the temperature shift.

9. Healthy Snacks

There’s always a stretch of road, or a longer-than-expected gap between meals, where I’m really grateful I planned ahead. A few simple snacks can make all the difference when café stops and restaurant hours don’t quite line up with hunger.

It’s less about planning every meal and more about avoiding that familiar “why didn’t I pack anything?” moment.

And when you’re driving for hours and trying to stay alert without making yet another coffee stop, those snacks quietly step in and save the day, keeping things steady until the next real break.

10. Sunglasses

Sunglasses are part practicality, part comfort, part mood. They make long drives easier on the eyes and help everything feel a little more relaxed, even when I’m navigating unfamiliar roads or trying to figure out where I’m supposed to turn next, even when I’m sitting there thinking, “Okay… where exactly am I supposed to turn again?”

That love-hate relationship with GPT

11. Compact Umbrella

There’s always one in my car, no matter the season. Not because I expect storms, but because I’ve learned they don’t always ask permission.

It’s been used in surprise rain, unexpected sun, and even as a quick shield while loading groceries in a parking lot.

It’s one of those items I rarely think about until I’m really glad it’s there.

12. Reusable Shopping Bags

These live in my car because I’ve learned I can’t trust myself to walk into a farmers market and “just look.”

Fresh pears, warm bread, handmade jams, and bakery stand treats (need I say more), along with flowers I didn’t plan on buying—it all happens fast. Having reusable bags means I can say yes in the moment without worrying about how I’m going to carry it all back to the car.

13. Tire Pressure Gauge

Not the most glamorous item on the list, but one of the most responsible. A quick tire check before a long drive gives me peace of mind, better fuel efficiency, and one less thing to worry about on the road.

It’s a small habit that has quietly become part of my routine before any trip.

14. Extra Napkins

This one feels almost funny until you realize how often it comes in handy. Coffee runs, drive-through breakfasts, farmers market snacks, or just life happening a little messier than expected.

Napkins in the car have saved seats, hands, and a few minor disasters more times than I can count.

15. First Aid Kit

I hope I never really need it—but I always carry it anyway. A small first aid kit takes up almost no space and covers the basics: bandages, ointment, and a few essentials for minor scrapes or unexpected moments.

It’s more about peace of mind than expectation.

16. Flashlight

Not something I use every day, but when I do need it, I’m always glad it’s there. Late arrivals, dark parking lots, or simply dropping something under a seat—having light makes everything easier.

Just remember to check a few times a year to make sure batteries still work.

17. Portable Phone Charger (Car Outlet)

My car already has a built-in charging outlet, and I rely on it constantly. It keeps my phone powered for GPS, photos, and everything else without me having to think twice about it. It also comes in handy during sudden stops or quick detours—basically acting like a bungee cord for my phone, keeping it charged and anchored through all the twists and turns of the drive.

18. Small Cooler

One of my favorite parts of travel is discovering local food farmers’ markets, bakeries, and small-town specialty shops. A small cooler makes it possible to bring those finds home without rushing.

Fresh fruit, pastries, local cheese, or something I didn’t plan on buying but absolutely couldn’t leave behind all travel better when I know they’ll make it home safely.

19. A Positive Attitude

Travel rarely goes exactly as planned. Roads close, weather shifts, detours happen, and sometimes even the car has opinions—like the time my GPS went out on the Highway of the Giants knowing I needed to make a right turn somewhere.

But those unexpected moments often become the stories I remember most.

20. Curiosity

If I had to choose just one thing to bring on every trip, it would be curiosity.

It’s what leads me down side streets instead of highways, into small cafés instead of chains, and toward conversations, places, and experiences I didn’t plan for.

Curiosity turns travel into discovery. And discovery is really what I’m after.

Bonus Travel Tip: Always Plan for the Way Back

This isn’t something you think about until you’re sitting at a toll booth doing mental math while holding up traffic.

If I know I’m traveling on a route with tolls or a turnpike where I’ll need to pay on the way out, I make a simple habit of setting aside the same amount for the return trip. It’s not complicated, but it removes that “wait… do I have enough for this again?” moment later on.

It’s one of those small travel habits that doesn’t feel important—until it suddenly is. And then you’re very glad you did it.

Final Thoughts

Over time, I’ve realized that travel isn’t about packing more—it’s about packing wisely. These 20 essentials don’t take up much space, but they shape the way I experience every trip.

They’ve been with me through quiet morning drives, busy market days, unexpected detours, and those perfect in-between moments that don’t always make it into photos—but stay with you anyway.

Now I’m curious… what’s one thing you never leave home without?

I might just add it to my list.

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!

–Beth

Road Trip Car Checklist: What to Ask Your Mechanic Before You Hit the Open Road

Road Trip Car Checklist: What to Ask Your Mechanic Before You Hit the Open Road

Beth Glosner  | 

I grew up lucky in a way I didn’t fully appreciate at the time. My dad treated all of his children equally when it came to road-trip knowledge—no “figure it out yourself” energy, just practical things like how to check the oil, top off the windshield washer fluid, and listen when a car starts sounding a little… off.

And then there was Pennsylvania, where annual state inspections meant my car was basically getting a yearly report card whether I asked for it or not.

Fast forward to Oregon, where inspections are more like “good luck out there, hope you’re doing okay.” That’s when I realized not everyone grows up knowing what to ask for before a road trip or even what should be checked.

So this is for you. If you’re a first-time road tripper, solo traveler, or just someone who’s ever stared at a dashboard light hoping it magically disappears, this is your simple, no-shame, real-world car checklist.

Let’s Dig In.

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here.

Before the miles begin—make sure your car is ready for the journey, not just the destination.

Quick-Glance Road Trip Safety Checklist

  • Best for safety-focused travelers: Full vehicle inspection before departure
  • Best for peace of mind: Brake + tire check
  • Best free activity: DIY fluid and tire pressure check at home
  • Best photo spot: Your fully packed car at sunrise
  • Best hidden gem: A trusted local mechanic who explains things clearly (gold!)

What to Ask a Mechanic Before a Road Trip

If you only remember one sentence, make it this:
“I’m going on a long road trip—can you do a full safety inspection?”

But if you want to sound like you know what you’re talking about (even if you’re silently Googling in the waiting room), here’s what that should include:

Brake Check (Non-Negotiable)

Ask them to inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid.
If your brakes squeak, feel soft, or make you question your life choices at stoplights—don’t ignore it.

Nothing like cruising a winding, hilly road while your brakes start complaining that they’ve officially quit the job and would like a transfer to “not today.”

If stopping feels dramatic… it’s time for a check

Tire Health + Tread Depth

This is where the “grooves” in your tires matter—the deeper they are, the better your grip on wet roads and sudden stops.

Ask for:

  • Tire tread depth
  • Air pressure
  • Uneven wear (can signal alignment issues)
Good grip = fewer road trip surprises.

Battery Check (Don’t Get Stranded Energy)

A weak battery doesn’t always warn you. It just… quits.

Ask them to test:

  • Battery charge level
  • Battery age/health
Silent until it isn’t.

Fluid Levels (Your Car’s Lifeblood Menu)

Have them check:

  • Engine oil
  • Coolant (prevents overheating on long drives)
  • Brake fluid
  • Transmission fluid
  • Windshield washer fluid (bug season is real)
Bug splatter waits for no traveler.

Lights, Wipers & Visibility

Because guessing where the road is at night is not the vibe.

Check:

  • Headlights
  • Brake lights
  • Turn signals
  • Wiper blades
Clear view, clearer mindset.

Suspension + Alignment (Optional but Smart)

If your car drifts like it has opinions, ask for:

  • Alignment check
  • Suspension inspection
No wobble. No wandering. Just the road.

What You Can Check Yourself (No Mechanic Degree Required)

Before your trip, do a quick driveway check:

  • Look at tire pressure (driver door sticker is your cheat sheet)
  • Check tread visually (if it looks bald… it probably is)
  • Test windshield wipers
  • Start your car and listen (yes, really)
  • Make sure dashboard lights are not staging a protest
Road trip essentials: snacks, vibes, and functioning brakes.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

Road trips are supposed to feel freeing—not like you’re crossing your fingers at every mile marker.

A simple inspection before you leave can prevent:

  • Unexpected breakdowns
  • Expensive roadside calls
  • That sinking feeling of being stuck somewhere unfamiliar

And honestly? It’s not about being “car savvy.” It’s about knowing how to ask the right questions so someone else can do the technical part for you.

Think of it like ordering coffee: you don’t need to know how the machine works—you just need to know what you want and who to ask.

Freedom feels better when your car is ready for it.

Final Thoughts

A road trip should feel like possibility—not panic. A little preparation goes a long way, especially when you’re miles from home, and the only thing between you and the next stop is your car.

And if no one ever taught you this stuff? You’re not behind. You’re just starting now.

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!


– Beth