Flying: The Ultimate Guide to Avoiding Becoming 'That' Person

We've all been there. You're strapped into your seat on a commercial flight, excited for your destination, only to find yourself seated next to "that" person. You know who I'm talking about—the one who seems to have missed their daily deodorant application or thinks it's perfectly acceptable to blast their music without headphones. It could even be the person who treats the entire plane as their personal living room, invading everyone else's space or refusing to budge when nature calls. Ah, the joys of air travel!

But fear not, fellow travellers! In an effort to shed some light on the mysterious world of travel etiquette, the folks at Kayak, the popular travel search site, conducted a study to uncover the thoughts and opinions of American travelers. The results are in, and they might just save you from becoming "that" person on your next flight.

Let's dive into the fascinating realm of seat etiquette first. According to the study, 88% of people are fine with reclining their seats, but here's the catch—it depends on the length of the flight. One in three respondents believe that reclining is only acceptable on long-haul flights. So, before you press that recline button, consider the duration of your journey and the comfort of your fellow passengers.

Now, let's talk about the middle seat—a dreaded spot for many travellers. Turns out, 57% of respondents believe that the occupant of the middle seat is not entitled to both armrests. Sorry, middle seat dwellers, but it seems like you'll have to share your armrest real estate with your neighbours.

Comfort etiquette is another crucial aspect of a pleasant flight experience. According to the survey, 56% of people think passengers should keep their shoes on, and a whopping 76% insist that socks must stay on. And here's a pro tip: 68% of respondents believe that feet should remain firmly planted on the floor and not find their way onto the seat in front of you. No matter how tempting it may be to prop up your tired tootsies, resist the urge!

Now, let's tackle the delicate issue of napping. You might think that catching some z's would keep you out of trouble, but think again. If you're a snorer, 68% of respondents say you shouldn't be napping in the first place. And leaning on a stranger's shoulder while you're asleep? A big no-no for 77% of respondents. Sorry, heavy sleepers, but you might want to reconsider your napping strategy.

Moving on to sounds and smells, it's essential to mind your audio and olfactory experiences. Making phone calls onboard is frowned upon by 69% of respondents. So, unless you want the entire plane to resent you, save the chit-chat for when you touch down. And don't forget your headphones! A whopping 94% of respondents agree that headphones are the universal symbol for "do not disturb" when watching or listening to something on your device. And be careful not to burst into laughter too loudly—if what you're watching is hilarious, 58% of passengers might take issue with it.

Now, let's talk about food. We all get hungry during flights, but not all foods are created equal when it comes to in-flight consumption. According to the survey, a staggering 92% of respondents say that stinky foods have no place on a flight. So, leave the tinned fish, hard-boiled eggs, and racks of ribs at home, folks. Additionally, 55% of people take offense to fellow passengers chowing down on crunchy foods. Looks like those potato chips might have to wait until you're back on solid ground.

Hygiene is another area where you need to tread carefully. Nail care, it seems, is near-universally problematic. A resounding 92% of respondents agree that clipping or painting nails on a plane is a big no-no. And don't even think about filing those nails either—81% of respondents consider it equally unacceptable. Oh, and if you have long hair, be mindful of the seat in front of you. A staggering 74% of respondents say they'd rather not have someone's locks hanging over their headrest.

So, armed with this newfound knowledge, you can now navigate the treacherous world of travel etiquette like a pro. These rules will be hard to miss for passengers traveling in the US this summer, as Kayak plans to display them in airports across the country as part of an ad campaign. Who knows, with better awareness and adherence to these guidelines, we might all enjoy smoother, more enjoyable flights.

So, let's buckle up and keep our shoes on and no cheese and onion crisps — it's time to fly the friendly skies with grace and consideration for our fellow travellers!