FLIGHT ETIQUETTE Archives

Love is in the air: The most annoying things couples do when they travel (and what to do about them)

January 30, 2026January 11, 2026 by Christopher Elliott

Of all the annoying things couples do when they travel, the coerced seat swap may be the worst.

Kirstyn Allen saw it on a recent flight from Atlanta to the Caribbean island of St. Maarten. Two newlyweds boarded the plane after her and pressured another passenger to surrender her assigned seat so they could be together.

What do you regret doing on a plane? Chances are it involves a drink.

These are the things you do on a plane that you’ll really regret

November 10, 2025June 8, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

What do you regret doing on a plane? Chances are it involves a drink.

Air travelers often exhibit "exit envy," a phenomenon where passengers rush to disembark the moment the plane lands, leading to chaos and frustration. Whether driven by the need to make a tight connection or simply a desire to leave the plane as soon as possible, this behavior disrupts the usual deplaning process. However, there are courteous ways to ensure you can exit early without inconveniencing others, including enlisting the help of flight attendants or securing a seat near the front. Learn the art of exiting a plane early without stepping on toes.

Why does everyone want to get off the plane first? It’s exit envy!

August 10, 2025February 24, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Why do air travelers want to get off the plane first? As soon as the aircraft pulls up to the gate, it’s a mad stampede to the front.

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