Airport Etiquette: How to Not Piss People Off at the Airport

NAIA is already stressful enough. Let’s not add to the chaos. From the long lines at immigration to potential flight delays, airports cause all sorts of anxiety. Some things are out of our control, like delayed flights and gate changes, but we can make things easier for ourselves and the people around us by showing just a modicum of decorum. As stressful as airports can be, it’s never an excuse to display horrendous behavior. This isn’t Hunger Games, so we might as well act like proper adults.

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Here are our eight commandments on airport etiquette.

Be respectful to the airline staff.

We’ve seen it all before, whether in person or on TikTok: Passengers screaming at airline staff at the counter because their flight has been delayed or canceled. But here’s the thing that people tend to forget in their righteous fury: The airline staff have nothing to do with your flights. They don’t determine what’s delayed or rescheduled, and they most definitely don’t fly the planes or direct tarmac traffic. Screaming at them is pointless—and ignorant. Knowing that airline staff deal with angry customers on a regular basis, be kind. They deserve your respect.

Don’t throw a tantrum at immigration.

No one likes going through immigration, especially in the Philippines, but having a temper tantrum will only work against you. You might dislike their intrusive questions, and you might have to present an absurd amount of paperwork, but never let your ire be shown. Be cool, calm, and collected so you can get through immigration faster.

Don’t lie down on the seats.

For the love of God, don’t lie down on the seats. Airport benches were designed to be sat on. They aren’t meant to be your sofa beds. Not only is it an unseemly sight, it’s also downright rude to take up space meant for other passengers. We get it—everyone gets tired waiting for boarding, but that’s no excuse to take over an entire bench that could seat four other people.

Don’t cut in line.

Don’t let your intrusive thoughts win. Skipping the line will win you no friends. Unless you want to be enemy number one at all the lines in immigration, security, check-in, then know your place. Line up like the rest of our plebeians. But there are exceptions, of course. If the PWD/senior lane is closed, make way for seniors and people who are disabled. And if someone’s gate is about to close, let them jump the queue. Don’t ruin someone’s day just because you can’t skip the line with them.

Photo by Unsplash.

Get out of people’s way.

If you need to unpack something from your bag or check your documents, don’t do it in the middle of the hall. You’re effectively blocking everyone coming your way. Instead, just step to the side so you aren’t obstructing anyone’s path and finish your business there.

Don’t block the walkway.

People often forget that the walkway has two lines: The right side is for people standing still, and the left side is for people in a rush. Unless you’re speed-walking to your gate, keep to the right and do not block the left lane. If you’re in Japan or the U.K., the opposite applies: Keep to the left. But regardless of where you are, the rule is simple enough—don’t block the bloody walkway. 

Let senior citizens and families with children board the plane first.

When it’s time for boarding, follow instructions like a normal person. Airline staff will prioritize first class and business class passengers. Unless you have a premium ticket, sit your ass down. After, they’ll call on senior citizens and families with young children. Unless you’re any of the two, sit your ass down. When it’s your turn to board, then you can stand up and patiently wait in line.

For whatever reason, some people treat boarding time like it’s the Hunger Games, never mind the fact that everyone already has assigned seating and you’ll all get on the plane just the same. These are also the people who aren’t ashamed to cut in front of seniors and babies or try to board the plane with first class passengers as if they’ve got the same tickets. Don’t be these people.

Help people at the baggage carousel.

After a long flight, you’ll probably be exhausted by the time you get to the baggage carousel. But you should never be too tired to forget how to be a decent human. If you see someone of a small stature struggling to get their bags on the carousel, don’t stand by and do nothing. Help them out. They might just pay forward that kindness to someone else.