Am I allowed to

when flying?

See how other passengers think you should behave.

The rules of travel have always felt up in the air. Until now. Instead of just searching travel sites for great deals, KAYAK searched the public opinion of the internet to see how you should behave when flying – and put it all in one convenient place. Happier travels.

You are allowed to recline your seat.

Because 88% of travelers think the button is there for a reason.

You are not allowed to claim both armrests just because you’re the middle seat.

Because 57% of travelers think everybody has arms that need resting.

You are not allowed to use the restroom without shoes.

Because 79% of travelers worry what your socks are bringing back.

You are not allowed to bring a rack of BBQ ribs.

Because 84% of travelers will happily cancel you online.

You are allowed to bring a bowling ball.

Because 57% of travelers know you’ll have to carry it.

You are not allowed to clap when the plane lands.

Because 51% of travelers think it’s pointless since the pilots can’t hear you.

You are not allowed to climb over other passengers.

Because 95% of travelers don’t like your crotch in their ear.

You are not allowed to clip your nails.

Because 92% of travelers don’t like nails flying through the cabin.

You are allowed to wait to deplane last.

Because 57% of travelers love getting ahead of you through customs.

You are not allowed to rush to deplane.

Because 58% of travelers seem to think you should stay put. Even if you have a flight connection.

You are allowed to not greet crew members.

Because 65% of travelers think common courtesy should be less common.

You are not allowed to hang your hair over the headrest.

Because 74% of travelers don’t want your mullet in their fruit salad.

You are not allowed to watch anything without headphones.

Because 70% of travelers like hearing their own music.

You are allowed to ask someone to stop kicking the seat.

Because 72% of travelers think stopping is a good compromise.

You are not allowed to tell off other people’s kids for misbehaving.

Because 90% of travelers think that’s not your job.

You are not allowed to apply makeup.

Because 55% of travelers don’t like wheezing from the powder.

You are not allowed to ask seat neighbors to climb over you.

Because 75% of travelers think you should get with the program.

You are allowed to use another row’s overhead bin.

Because 55% of travelers think that overhead bin sharing is caring.

You are not allowed to call someone before you’re off the plane.

Because 69% of travelers get exhausted from strangers’ voices.

You are not allowed to take off your shoes.

Because 56% of travelers think there’s a difference between a plane and a beach.

You are not allowed to stand still on the moving sidewalk.

Because 57% of travelers don’t think it’s a joyride.

You are not allowed to bring smelly food.

Because 92% of travelers have fully functioning olfactory sensory neurons.

You are not allowed to take off your socks.

Because 76% of travelers prefer their vision free of toes.

You are allowed to stream movies on the plane wifi.

Because 90% of travelers think your wifi fee is your prerogative.

You are allowed to control the window shade if you have the window seat.

Because 77% of travelers think window democracy is a pipe dream.

You are not allowed to do yoga in the aisle.

Because 83% of travelers think you can lotus later.

All the rules.

Asking to sneak ahead

You are allowed to ask to go ahead of someone if you’re late. Because 57% of travelers have mercy for latecomers.

Brushing teeth

You are allowed to brush your teeth in the bathroom. Because 53% of travelers think brushing benefits everyone.

Checking In

You are allowed to check in in-person at the airport. Because 68% of travelers understand that others are living their own lives.

Exercise while waiting

You are allowed to exercise while waiting for your flight. Because 73% of travelers think it’s better here than in the air.

Grabbing luggage

You are not allowed to grab luggage without double checking the name tag. Because 62% of travelers try to avoid ruining someone else’s vacation.

Luggage cart

You are not allowed to leave your luggage cart wherever you want. Because 59% of travelers think airport personnel have better things to do.

Moving sidewalk

You are not allowed to stand still on the moving sidewalk. Because 57% of travelers don’t think it’s a joyride.

Passing on the way to customs

You are not allowed to pass people on the way to customs. Because 90% of travelers think it’s cheating.

Returning the security tray

You are allowed to not return the security tray. Because 72% of travelers seem to think that’s somebody else’s job.

Running to catch a flight

You are allowed to run to catch your flight. Because 59% of travelers sympathize with other people’s stress.

Shaving

You are not allowed to shave in the airport bathroom. Because 76% of travelers don’t want six hundred hairs in the sink.

Sitting on the baggage carousel

You are not allowed to sit on the baggage carousel. Because 75% of travelers think you can sit practically anywhere else.

Standing by the baggage belt

You are allowed to stand up close to the baggage carousel. Because 71% of travelers know the anxiety of missing your bag.

Switching passport lanes

You are allowed to switch lanes at passport control. Because 66% of travelers aren’t complete sticklers.

Unprepared at security

You are not allowed to be unprepared pre-security. Because 60% of travelers appreciate the ability to think one step ahead.

Watching the luggage

You are allowed to ask others to keep an eye on your luggage. Because 63% of travelers seem to ignore public announcements.

Wearing laced boots

You are allowed to wear boots that take time to take off. Because 66% of travelers happily spare some seconds for good looking boots.

Blocking the gate

You are not allowed to block the gate before your zone is called. Because 73% of travelers think you should understand what groups 1,2,3 and 4 mean.

Children roaming

You are not allowed to let young kids roam free. Because 90% of travelers didn’t come here to babysit.

Napping at the gate

You are not allowed to take a nap across multiple seats at the gate. Because 77% of travelers think sharing is caring.

Seats at the gate

You are not allowed to take up more than one seat at the gate. Because 63% of travelers think other humans also matter.

Sitting on the floor

You are not allowed to sit on the floor. Because 60% of travelers think you’re dragging dust onboard.

Sleeping on the floor

You are not allowed to sleep on the floor. Because 75% of travelers think the airport isn’t a hotel.

Bathroom after landing

You are not allowed to go to the bathroom after the plane has landed. Because 75% of travelers seem to yearn for perfect cohesion.

Blocking the plane aisle

You are not allowed to block the aisle as people are coming in. Because 80% of travelers understand how a chain effect works.

Calling on arrival

You are not allowed to call someone before you’re off the plane. Because 69% of travelers get exhausted from strangers’ voices.

Clapping

You are not allowed to clap when the plane lands. Because 51% of travelers think it’s pointless since the pilots can’t hear you.

Climbing over seatmates

You are not allowed to climb over other passengers. Because 95% of travelers don’t like your crotch in their ear.

Greeting crew members

You are allowed to not greet crew members. Because 65% of travelers think common courtesy should be less common.

Ignoring crew members

You are not allowed to ignore the crew members when leaving the plane. Because 88% of travelers are grateful you got them home safely.

Leaving trash

You are not allowed to leave trash where you’ve been sitting. Because 94% of travelers think that’s nobody else’s job.

Not getting up

You are not allowed to ask seat neighbors to climb over you. Because 75% of travelers think you should get with the program.

Others’ overhead bin

You are allowed to use another row’s overhead bin. Because 55% of travelers think that overhead bin sharing is caring.

Overhead bin assistance

You are not allowed to ask others to grab your carry-on from the overhead bin. Because 66% of travelers seem to have no empathy with your lack of height or strength.

Overhead bin storage

You are allowed to store small items or jackets in the overhead bin. Because 73% of travelers like to be able to move their feet.

Rushing to deplane

You are not allowed to rush to deplane. Because 58% of travelers seem to think you should stay put. Even if you have a flight connection.

Seatbelt sign

You are not allowed to get up immediately as the crew turns off the seatbelt sign. Because 67% of travelers think there’s no point.

Waiting to deplane

You are allowed to wait to deplane last. Because 57% of travelers love getting ahead of you through customs.

Airport fast food

You are allowed to bring airport fast food. Because 61% of travelers don’t mind the smell of burger.

Antlers

You are not allowed to bring antlers. Because 67% of travelers aren’t into your trophies.

Arm rests

You are not allowed to claim both armrests just because you’re the middle seat. Because 57% of travelers think everybody has arms that need resting.

Asking to sit next to a friend/partner/family member

You are allowed to ask to sit next to a family member/partner/friend. Because 58% of travelers have a grain of empathy.

Asking to switch seats

You are allowed to ask to switch seats if you ask politely. Because 54% of travelers have a soft spot for common courtesy.

BBQ ribs

You are not allowed to bring a rack of BBQ ribs. Because 84% of travelers will happily cancel you online.

Borrowing items

You are not allowed to ask to borrow something from your seat neighbor. Because 86% of travelers think it puts people in an uncomfortable position.

Bowling ball

You are allowed to bring a bowling ball. Because 57% of travelers know you’ll have to carry it.

Bringing a baby

You are allowed to bring a baby. Because 74% of travelers aren’t monsters.

Bringing a toddler

You are allowed to bring a toddler. Because 78% of travelers don’t put themselves before the well-being of families.

Call button

You are not allowed to call the flight attendant over more than once. Because 66% of travelers think there are also other people here.

Clipping nails

You are not allowed to clip your nails. Because 92% of travelers don’t like nails flying through the cabin.

Covering your mouth

You are not allowed to cough or sneeze without covering your mouth and nose. Because 68% of travelers don’t want whatever you’ve got.

Cremated remains

You are allowed to bring cremated remains. Because 72% of travelers assume you’re not gonna open the bag.

Crunchy food

You are not allowed to bring crunchy food. Because 55% of travelers prefer mouths not munching.

Drooling

You are not allowed to drool. Because 57% of travelers don’t salute the saliva.

Ear picking

You are not allowed to pick your ears. Because 93% of travelers would love an earwax free flight.

Eyebrow plucking

You are not allowed to pluck your eyebrows. Because 90% of travelers don’t want your monobrow in their eye.

Farting

You are not allowed to fart. Because 91% of travelers don’t welcome bottom burps. Nevermind the other 9%.

Feet placement

You are not allowed to put your feet against the seat in front of you. Because 68% of travelers think feet belong on the ground.

Filing your nails

You are not allowed to file your nails. Because 81% of travelers have something against nail dust.

Finger food

You are allowed to bring finger food. Because 54% of travelers also like to get their hands dirty.

Flip flops

You are allowed to wear flip flops. Because 64% of travelers think beach footwear is better than no footwear.

Flossing

You are not allowed to floss. Because 89% of travelers don’t need to see the inside of your mouth.

Fresh eggs

You are not allowed to bring fresh eggs. Because 66% of travelers think it’s asking for trouble.

Gassy foods

You are not allowed to bring food that makes you gassy. Because 85% of travelers know who’s gonna pay the price.

Hair brushing

You are not allowed to brush your hair. Because 72% of travelers don’t want your follicles free-ranging.

Hair placement

You are not allowed to hang your hair over the headrest. Because 74% of travelers don’t want your mullet in their fruit salad.

Hard-boiled eggs

You are not allowed to bring hard-boiled eggs. Because 74% of travelers will boil over.

Headphones

You are not allowed to watch anything without headphones. Because 70% of travelers like hearing their own music.

High heels

You are allowed to wear high heels. Because 67% of travelers think fancy footwear is better than no footwear.

Knitting needles

You are allowed to bring knitting needles. Because 58% of travelers have got 99 problems but a stitch ain’t one.

Legs in the aisle

You are not allowed to fall asleep with your legs in the aisle. Because 78% of travelers know other humans use the aisle, too.

LOL-ing

You are not allowed to laugh loudly at a movie. Because 58% of travelers weigh their peace over your joy.

Makeup

You are not allowed to apply makeup. Because 55% of travelers don’t like wheezing from the powder.

Meeting seatmates

You are allowed to introduce yourself to your seatmate. Because 72% of travelers don’t think it’s thaaat creepy.

Nail painting

You are not allowed to paint your nails. Because 92% of travelers know turbulence isn’t french tip friendly.

Open-toed shoes

You are allowed to wear open-toed shoes. Because 80% of travelers think any footwear is better than no footwear.

Perfume

You are not allowed to spray perfume. Because 92% of travelers want to breathe freely.

Pizza

You are not allowed to eat a full pizza. Because 76% of travelers don’t like smelling good things they can’t have.

Power outlets

You are not allowed to claim more than one power outlet. Because 67% of travelers might be on 5% battery too.

Pretending to sleep

You are not allowed to pretend you’re asleep when your seatmate needs you to get up. Because 66% of travelers think that’s just cruel.

Raw fish

You are not allowed to bring raw fish Because 91% of travelers think it’s a crime against airplane humanity.

Raw meat

You are not allowed to bring raw meat. Because 80% of travelers think your meat can wait.

Reading light

You are allowed to turn on your reading light at night. Because 80% of travelers think you always have the right to read.

Removing nail polish

You are not allowed to remove nail polish. Because 92% of travelers prefer most smells to acetone.

Restroom without shoes

You are not allowed to use the restroom without shoes. Because 79% of travelers worry what your socks are bringing back.

Scary or violent movies

You are allowed to watch scary or violent movies. Because 78% of travelers think offended passengers can look away.

Seafood

You are not allowed to bring live seafood. Because 78% of travelers can’t understand why you’d need to.

Seat grabbing

You are not allowed to grab the front seat when getting up. Because 76% of travelers don’t like to literally get taken aback.

Seat kicking

You are allowed to ask someone to stop kicking the seat. Because 72% of travelers think stopping is a good compromise.

Seat reclining

You are allowed to recline your seat. Because 88% of travelers think the button is there for a reason.

Seatmate’s screen

You are allowed to watch your seatmate’s screen. Because 61% of travelers don’t think it’s weird.

Shock collar

You are not allowed to bring a shock collar. Because 68% of travelers think… seriously, it’s a shock collar.

Shoes

You are not allowed to take off your shoes. Because 56% of travelers think there’s a difference between a plane and a beach.

Shoulder to lean on

You are not allowed to lean on other people’s shoulders. Because 81% of travelers like their shoulders free of strangers.

Skeleton bones

You are not allowed to bring artificial skeleton bones. Because 52% of travelers don’t care if they’re artificial.

Skincare routine

You are not allowed to do a skincare routine. Because 78% of travelers think it can wait for the hotel bathroom.

Sleeping

You are not allowed to sleep across multiple seats if they are all free. Because 64% of travelers think your good fortune should go punished.

Sleeping on the tray table

You are allowed to sleep on the tray table. Because 59% of travelers think you should do what your spine allows.

Sleeping through the meal

You are allowed to sleep through the meal. Because 88% of travelers know sometimes sleep > food.

Slippers

You are allowed to wear slippers. Because 58% of travelers think snuggly footwear is better than no footwear.

Smelly food

You are not allowed to bring smelly food. Because 92% of travelers have fully functioning olfactory sensory neurons.

Sneakers

You are allowed to wear sneakers. Because 95% of travelers think comfy footwear is better than no footwear.

Snoring

You are not allowed to snore loudly. Because 66% of travelers would rather listen to anything else.

Socks

You are not allowed to take off your socks. Because 76% of travelers prefer their vision free of toes.

Speaking to people wearing headphones

You are not allowed to speak to people who are wearing headphones. Because 90% of travelers understand it’s the universal signal for “do not disturb.”

Streaming movies

You are allowed to stream movies on the plane wifi. Because 90% of travelers think your wifi fee is your prerogative.

Switching seat because nervous

You are not allowed to ask to switch seats just because you’re a nervous flyer. Because 64% of travelers think everyone’s a little nervous, not just you.

Switching seat because why not

You are not allowed to ask to switch seats just because you don’t like your seat. Because 77% of travelers think you get what you get and you don’t get upset.

Talking to friends in other rows

You are not allowed to talk to friends in other rows. Because 80% of travelers don’t care about your buddy, pal.

Talking with seatmate

You are allowed to talk non-stop with your seatmate. Because 52% of travelers don’t mind chit chat.

Telling off others’ kids

You are not allowed to tell off other people’s kids for misbehaving. Because 90% of travelers think that’s not your job.

Texting with sound

You are not allowed to text with the sound on. Because 94% of travelers aren’t fond of ding, ding, ding, ding, ding.

Tinned fish

You are not allowed to bring tinned fish. Because 89% of travelers think it’s literally like opening a can of worms.

Toothpicks

You are not allowed to use a toothpick. Because 77% of travelers think this isn’t a rodeo.

Waking up for bathroom

You are allowed to wake people up so you can use the bathroom. Because 64% of travelers think the alternative is way more disgusting.

Waking up for food

You are not allowed to wake people up for food. Because 76% of travelers know sometimes sleep > food.

Windows

You are allowed to control the window shade if you have the window seat. Because 77% of travelers think window democracy is a pipe dream.

Yoga

You are not allowed to do yoga in the aisle. Because 83% of travelers think you can lotus later.

Zit popping

You are not allowed to pop zits. Because 94% of travelers prefer pimple popping on TV.

Now that you know the rules of air travel, search for your next trip.

Go to KAYAK

KAYAK, part of Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG), is the world’s leading travel search engine. With billions of queries across our platforms, we help people find their perfect flight, stay, rental car and vacation packages. We also support business travelers with KAYAK for Business, our free corporate travel solution, and are transforming the in-travel experience with our app and new hotel and accommodation software.

For more information, visit www.KAYAK.com.

Brandwatch Methodology
KAYAK considered all resources available through Brandwatch’s Consumer Research Platform posted between May 2022 and May 2023 to determine the most debated topics around air travel by analyzing the frequency of specific keywords on the internet. Certain words and phrases including, but not limited to, racially insensitive or politically motivated comments were excluded from content that was considered.

*aytm Survey Methodology
The survey was conducted on behalf of KAYAK from June 7 to 12, 2023. It took place online, with a cross-section of 1000 adults from the US and Canada, age 18 and over, who’ve traveled by air in the past three years.

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Am I allowed to when flying?