Humans often maintain civilized behavior. We avoid going barefoot in restaurants or treating friends’ homes like trash bins. Yet, when we enter airports or planes, those manners sometimes vanish. Travel might create a sense of rule exemption, similar to ignoring calories on holiday or thinking foreign cash isn’t real. Perhaps proper passenger behavior lacked guidelines until now. In 2021, more than 2 million people pass through security daily, according to the Transportation Security Administration. Poorly placed limbs or pungent snacks can ruin air travel for many.

We’ve provided 52 rules covering each step of flying, from arriving at the airport to setting foot outside the aircraft. Pop quizzes throughout will help reinforce these lessons. Master these behaviors to become a model passenger.

Pre-flight

1. Dress appropriately. Heading to an airport resembles visiting a doctor’s office. While there’s no need for a full suit, aim for a look above the bare minimum. Avoid controversial shirts to ensure you’re not barred from a flight.

2. Avoid asking friends for a ride. Traffic makes airport trips unpleasant. However, if a close friend asks, oblige them.

3. Arrive on time. Enjoy the thrill of cutting it close. Be prepared to face lines when you arrive late.

4. Don’t wait for your partner without TSA PreCheck. Encourage them to apply for TSA PreCheck. Meet them after passing security.

5. Prepare before security. Without TSA PreCheck, security is more demanding. Remove boots and have personal items ready before reaching the X-ray machine.

Quiz: Who deserves a ride to the airport?

6. Follow TSA rules for liquids. Packing contraband delays security. Check TSA rules beforehand to avoid mistakes like packing full-sized shampoo. Most liquid products over 3.4 ounces will be confiscated.

7. Pack odorless snacks. Plan for snacks on the go. Avoid depending on airport options like Starbucks with long lines.

8. Airport food is fair game. Airport norms differ, allowing burgers for breakfast. Avoid getting too intoxicated.

9. Bring a water bottle. Airport water is costly or unavailable. A reusable bottle post-security ensures hydration.

10. Tip appropriately. Tip service providers like Uber drivers and porters. Forget about tipping at retail purchases.

11. Avoid phone speaker mode. Use headphones for calls and FaceTime.

12. No calls in the bathroom. Avoid this behavior.

13. Control your dog. Airports aren’t dog parks. Keep pets leashed.

14. Don’t treat the gate area like a living room. Maintain spatial awareness and clean up any messes.

15. The gate area isn’t a bedroom either. Be aware of your space even if you need to sleep.

Quiz: Who gets a tip at the airport?

16. Don’t monopolize outlets. Share outlets with others. Use a laptop to charge phones or bring a portable charger.

17. Follow boarding group assignments. Your boarding pass indicates your group. Avoid crowding until called.

18. Respect carry-on limits. You’re allowed one personal item and one carry-on; a crossbody bag counts as a personal item.

19. Accept baggage check decisions gracefully. Accept assigned bag checks due to flight constraints.

The Flight

20. Greet your crew. Set a positive tone by acknowledging flight attendants upon boarding.

21. Quickly stow your belongings. Prepare to store carry-ons efficiently to avoid blocking aisles.

22. Do not touch others’ luggage. Request assistance from flight attendants for adjusting overhead bin items.

23. Conserve bin space. Use overhead lockers primarily for larger carry-ons. Other items should only occupy leftover space.

24. Don’t request seat changes. Only offer seat swaps for equivalent or superior seating.

25. Recognize non-chatty neighbors. Watch for nonverbal cues like headphones or sleeping masks.

26. Comply with flight attendants. Prioritize safety briefings and directives over personal requests.

27. Avoid tampering with emergency doors. Unauthorized attempts lead to severe consequences.

Quiz: Is it okay to recline your seat?

28. Stay within your seat boundary. Keep limbs confined to your seat area.

29. Consider reclining exceptions. Recline only on redeye flights or if the seat behind you allows.

30. Middle seats deserve both armrests. Provide armrests to those seated in the middle.

31. The aisle occupant must accommodate the row. Allow partners to exit and reenter freely.

32. Window seats control shade use. Passengers in window seats decide shade settings.

33. Keep footwear on. Maintain shoes and socks while onboard.

34. Limit grooming activities. Avoid tasks that risk affecting others with odors or debris.

35. Choose content wisely. Avoid inappropriate media viewing on flights as screens are visible.

36. Use headphones. Watching or listening without headphones breaches airline conduct.

37. Avoid bringing soup on flights. Pack spill-proof and non-odorous foods.

38. Use flight attendant buttons sparingly. Save requests for urgent needs.

39. Avoid confrontational behavior. Refrain from conflicts during a flight.

40. Use your own space. Keep from leaning on neighboring passengers.

41. Observe seat belt signs. Comply for both lit and unlit icons for safety.

42. No vaping or smoking allowed. Both are banned on airplanes.

43. Drink responsibly. Limit alcohol consumption. Avoid opening duty-free alcohol on board.

44. Leave restroom areas tidy. Clean up after use and dispose of waste correctly.

45. Avoid confronting upset children. Noise-canceling headphones can mitigate disturbances without confrontation.

Post-flight

Quiz: Is it okay to stand while deplaning?

46. Avoid clapping after landing. Hold applause and express gratitude when deplaning.

47. Wait your turn to deplane. Allow orderly deplaning and prioritize those with tight connections.

48. Clean after yourself before leaving. Return trash to proper receptacles before disembarking.

49. Offer assistance to fellow passengers. Help others with retrieving their bags from overhead bins.

50. Thank flight staff. Show recognition for crew efforts upon departure.

51. Maintain order at baggage claim. Approach the carousel calmly and avoid unnecessary competition for bags.

52. Don’t ask for a pickup. Arrivals are often harder than departures, so plan alternate transport.