21 Unwritten Rules for the Airport (that you're probably breaking)

Are You Breaking These 21 Hidden Airport Rules? Find out now!

Missing just one document can derail your international adventure. Grab the free checklist and ensure you're fully prepped for takeoff.

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These are the Major AIRPORT MISTAKES Travelers Need to STOP Making in 2024. Learn how you can escape embarrassment by avoiding these 21 airport no-no's the next time you fly. We cover everything from airport check-in procedure to the TSA airport security line to boarding the flight in your proper zone. These are the things all airport staff and flight attendants wish travelers knew when flying in 2024.
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00:00 Unwritten rules for the airport
00:28 #1 Airport check-in process
00:50 #2 Avoid baggage fees (but move to the side!)
01:13 #3 Prepare for TSA Airport Security
01:52 #4 When speaking to agents...
02:13 #5 DO NOT say this
02:57 #7 See something, say something
03:12 #8 Stay away from dogs
03:31 #9 Don't touch it, seriously
04:03 #10 Stack empty security bins
04:16 #11 Gate etiquette
05:05 #12 Food rules
05:30 #13 Mind your noise level
06:06 #14 Crying baby? DON'T do this.
06:23 #15 Major security concern
07:12 #16 Charging your phone
07:27 #17 Gross, but too common
07:55 #18 Never press this button
08:05 #19 Know your boarding zone
08:55 #20 Please do this when boarding
09:30 #21 Keep boarding pass out for...
10:09 Unwritten Airplane rules
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// ABOUT

Welcome to Portable Professional, your go-to resource for stress-free travel.

Megan here, Hello! I’ve taken well over 300 flights and countless trips in the last decade. I have learned how to have seamless travel experiences without unnecessary stress and anxiety. I’m here to help you also feel confident about your travels while making the most of every trip.

Ready for stress-free travels? Subscribe and join us every Wednesday and Sunday for informative videos full of practical tips. You'll learn how to navigate airport security, pack like a pro, identify scams, and even uncover little-known hacks to take your travel to the next level. (these are my specialty!)

[jeffgorham]

One thing I would add to your list - if you ask someone to switch seats with you (for any reason) and the say no, just politely thank them and move on. There seems to be a rash of entitled folks who got get upset over not getting to swap seats.

[dennisspackman]

On a long haul flight over the Pacific Ocean last year I payed an extra fee for an isle seat. Shortly after takeoff a man approached me an asked if I would give up my isle seat because his wife did not like her middle seat several rows back. I told him no as I had paid for the seat I was sitting in. The man went away and I thought that was it. A few minutes later the man returned with a member of the flight crew to try to get me to take his wife’s middle seat and give her my isle seat. A bit of an discussion ensued, but I kept my seat. The nerve of some people

[cijmo]

Flight attendants have to say the same thing hundreds of times a day and they don't know if this is your 65th flight or first time flying. Sometimes they'll tell you things that you already know, oh, let's say what the best way to get to your seat is. "I know" or "I've done this before" isn't necessary. "Thank you" is sufficient.

[SheriWinston]

Your tip about saying the word 'bomb', even as a joke, is true. I had a friend who had a paper receipt in her pocket. When asked to remove it, the security agent asked what she had, and she jokingly replied, "it's a bomb". 5 hours later she was released from security, having missed her flight. So, it's no joke about the no jokes rule!

[Sh]

Take your backpack off your back before getting on the plane. It’s amazing how many people turn around in the isle and hit others sitting down in the head and say nothing.

[meeshgardner]

My rule - when getting onto the plan, DO NOT shove your carryon luggage into the first available space, particularly if your seat is at the back of the plane! You're stealing space from those who haven't boarded yet. Instead, always walk to your seating area, then find the closest available space for your carry-on luggage.

And i mean your CARRY-ON BAG only. People always shove their extra stuff into the luggage space so that they don't have anything at their seat. I've seen them place 2-3 bags worth of items...again, stealing space from other passengers. It's incredibly self-centered of them.

[sunshinesmile]

I would add:
22. Don't take off your shoes on the plane. Especially if you have smelly feet. Because even if you put on a clean pair of complimentary socks, if your feet smell, chances are your emptied smelly shoes will smell.
23. Don't forget to put your reclined seat upright during meal times. Even if you yourself are not partaking, chances are the person behind you is.
24. Don't hog the armrest
25. Don't talk loudly and incessantly the entire flight duration. It is a tight space... Speak with a modified volume
24. Don't spray overspray heavy perfume at duty free and then hop on a long flight. Again, tight spaces. Not everyone is going to want your fragrance invading their personal space.
26. If you happen to meet a friend and want to hang around chatting with them in the aisle, be aware of your surroundings... Don't put your backside up against the neighbouring seated passenger as you chat with your seated friend. Aim it towards the aisle.
27. If you are standing in line for the toilet, don't keep staring at a particular seated individual or try to read what is on their laptop. It's rude.
28. The rule is one personal item in the overhead bin, one under the seat. So don't take up valuable overhead bin space by putting your coats and personal item up there as well as your carry on... Because then people boarding later have no space to put their designated carry on... Because you already hogged the space.

[jackybraun]

Rule no 22: If you are using a backpack, PLEASE consider the people behind and beside you. Don't turn round quickly and knock someone's glasses off or biff them in the guts (depending on whether you are taller or shorter than them)

[spydude]

I was in Munich at the gate and it was crowded with people. There was a tall male who was laying across four seats. He was talking on his cell phone loudly so that everyone was able to share in his conversation. He never once sat up to allow other passengers who needed a seat to sit until the boarding process began. That is blatant and disgusting that people only care about themselves.

[petertarantelli]

This should be mandatory viewing for EVERY person when they arrive at the airport! I’ve definitely seen that person passed out over multiple chairs at a busy gate. Thanks Megan, another great video.

[katherinezulick]

Had an older man ask me to watch his bags seconds after yet another announcement to not leave bags with strangers or accept others’ bags you don’t know. I said no I couldn’t watch it and he was super surprised and seemed annoyed. Sorry, but I’m not watching strangers’ bags. Thank you for including that one on the list.

[DaveTexas]

I’m disabled and walk with a cane. I can’t stand for extended periods without extreme pain. I might look like a healthy middle-aged guy, but that doesn’t mean I am.

Don’t sit in seats reserved for the disabled if you’re not disabled. Don’t push in front of a disabled person in a queue just because you’re faster. Basically, don’t be a jerk around disabled people. I know it can be annoying when we don’t move as fast as you do, but getting to your seat five seconds faster won’t change anything for you. Being a jerk to a disabled person WILL make the disabled person feel worse, though.

[michaelgordon]

Hello Megan,
I work for Catsa in Canada. A big problem a lot of screening officers are experiencing is over weight carry on suitcases. A lot of us are hurting ourselves. When we have to move and search the passengers baggage. Plus passengers get mad at us when they have too many carry ons. A lot of passengers still are not paying attention to the size, and quantity of their liquids.
Thank you, for all your hard work making these videos.

[seanf]

Some people aren't trying to be annoying and you can tell, for example I took a flight (the first time in over ten years), and I was we'll say, and I was flying alone. Yes, I know all these things can be looked up online but for a new flyer it can all be overwhelming and they may unintentionally do something wrong or make a mistake which can hold things up a bit and if you're behind them heaven forbid you get to your seat 53 seconds later than you would have because of it. If you're a frequent flyer and you know all the rules and all the ins and outs like the back of your hand, why not help a fellow passenger out who obviously doesn't instead of giving them the looks of love when they didn't put a gel in a plastic sealed bag or packed something over 100ml or didn't have their passport ready in hand the moment they were at the gate for example? Just because it's your 4 hundredth time flying somewhere it could be someone else's absolute first. If I have the time I've never had issues helping someone else out who clearly doesn't understand the rules ✌️ ... My unwritten rule

[BJ]

Yes, number 11! But that also applies to the departure and arrival halls! I worked at an airport this summer, and it is so frustrating when people take up 2-4 seats in the departure hall, and other people start sitting in seats reserved for people waiting for special assistance or even sit/sleep in wheelchairs when they don't need them (to be clear, if you need a wheelchair, you are welcome to it and airport staff will even help you with getting around). And don't say, "Ohh, I'll move if someone needs it." The people who need it will assume you are using it because you need it and will not be coming up to you to ask you to move!

[aalflyguy]

TSA is not the only place to watch your words. I’ve been a flight attendant for over 30 years. I have had people removed, detained & arrested for “joking” about doing harm to the plane or passengers. We take our jobs seriously and just an overheard whisper regarding explosives or weapons could result in fines, jail time & being banned from flying in the future!

[marthamcdonald]

Suggestion - Use a bright colored suitcase if you’re going to be checking your bag. I was in London about 8 years ago and was traveling with a bright orange print suitcase. The baggage claim track area was about the size of a football field, at least that’s how it felt. As soon as mine came out on the track, I could see it and I just waited for it to come to me. I didn’t have to check every black or gray bag to see if it was mine. This saved me a lot of stress.

[TheBexi]

Don't scoff at the disabled group that gets to board first just because you feel certain people there look like they can manage just fine. Trust me, disabilities come in many forms and having that extra couple of minutes to get to our seats before people try and start shoving through is a godsend! Not all pain is visible to people who don't understand it

[julieolson]

My additional unwritten rule is please don’t crowd the boarding area making it difficult for people who need to preboard due to disability. My husband and I both have mobility issues and we often have to wade through a bunch of people crowding the area to board at our appropriate time.

[drmyers]

Great tips, Megan! Did I miss the reminder for people to EMPTY their re-usable water bottles before getting into the security screening line? This is one issue that can really slow down the process for everyone!