The 12 things our editors never do on a flight

There is plenty of advice out there about all the things travellers should do when travelling, from how to get through the airport quickly to expert packing tips and which food you can bring through security. But what about the things travellers shouldn’t do? The things that make fellow passengers cringe, or have potential to cause delays, or – worst case scenario – are actually unhygienic? Below, we asked the Condé Nast Traveller editors about the things they never do on a flight, from weird superstitions and people-pleasing fears to die-hard habits.

I never take my socks off on a flight

Matt Buck, global visuals director

“I hate it when you see people barefoot on a flight, especially if the feet find their way up the side of your wall or toes appear in the area under your seat. Keep your goddamn socks on!”

Is it ever acceptable to remove your socks on a plane?

Our editors dig into the dos and don'ts of in-flight footwear in our latest Travel Debates column

I never look in the mirror in the plane toilet

Lauren Burvill, commerce editor

“That tiny bathroom with its deathly lighting is not the place to assess your skin’s texture or decide if you should change your hair colour. Nothing good can come from looking in that mirror. Keep your head down and get out as soon as you can.”

I never choose a window seat

Paula Ellis, art director

“I never sit by the window on a plane. You are trapped when you want to go to the loo, or have to wait for ages to get up and off the plane while you wait for other people when you've landed. The aisle seat is the best!”

The art of the window seat exit strategy

Whatever you do, do not climb over your fellow passenger.

I never touch the TV screen before cleaning it

Jessica Rach, global content planning manager

“I always disinfect the touch screen before using it. I’m grossed out by the number of people who have touched the plane’s TV screen with mucky fingers.”

I never drink coffee or tea on flights

Amber Port, audience development manager

“My friend, who is a flight attendant, clued me in that the water on planes is a no-go, and they only drink bottled water. I’ve been seriously put off ever since, so I never order hot drinks on flights and only accept bottled water.”

I never ignore the safety briefing

Olivia Morelli, senior digital writer

“A die-hard habit that likely stems from people-pleasing tendencies and a childhood fear of flying, but I always have to listen with a smile on my face when the flight attendant is giving the safety briefing. All the better if we make eye contact.”

I never touch the tray table on a plane

Sophie Knight, visuals editor

“I used to work as a flight attendant, so I know from first-hand experience that they don’t get wiped – and I’ve seen nappies changed on those things."

I never drink on a plane

Sarah Allard, digital editor

“While I maintain that there is something super glam about sipping a G&T on a plane, I just can’t handle feeling dehydrated, tipsy, or hungover by the time I arrive at my destination. As much as it pains me to turn down that glass of bubbly (after all, everyone knows the best Champagne is the free kind), I’m definitely thankful for it upon landing.”

I never clap when the plane lands

Lucy Bruton, social media manager

“Picture this – you’re about to embark on your first holiday with a new romantic partner. You’re a little bit nervous about this adventure but the prospect of walking hand-in-hand down foreign, winding streets is making the excitement course through your veins. The plane touches down and – they clap. Immediate, universal ‘ick’. My advice? Get on the first flight back home.”

I never spray anything on board a plane

Sarah James, deputy digital editor

“As tempting as it can be to use a calming pillow spray to lull you to sleep or spritz some perfume before landing so you feel fresh as a daisy, spraying anything in an enclosed area isn’t a great idea. Someone nearby might have asthma or allergies, and scents make some people feel nauseous. If you really want that soothing, spa-like fragrance experience while on board, spray a jumper, travel pillow or scarf before you fly, or pack a roll-on perfume to refresh with.”

I never poop on planes

Noo Saro-Wiwa, features writer

“Not sure my answer is suitable for public consumption, but I never poop on planes. I'm grossed out by the toilets. I even skip meals the day before a flight to prevent it happening…”

I never store anything in the seat pocket

Abigail Malbon, global audience development manager

“At least, I never do that any more. I’ve learnt the hard way that it’s a very easy way to lose your belongings – most recently, I left my AirPods in one, but the worst was when I left my passport in there, disembarked, got halfway to passport control and had to sprint back to the plane. Never again.”