Flight Attendant Reveals Rude Mistakes Passengers Commonly Make

Flying can be a stressful experience for even the most seasoned of travelers, which may cause otherwise conscientious passengers to fall into bad habits or rude behavior without even realizing it. Thankfully, one flight attendant has opened up about the rude mistakes she commonly sees, so you know what to avoid doing on your next flight.

Yana Biryukova is a Dallas-based international flight attendant who shares travel tips and tricks to her popular TikTok account. In one of her latest videos, Biryukova asks: "Are you unknowingly making these mistakes on a flight? Here are the subtle things that could be considered rude your fellow travelers."

In the short clip, the blonde runs down the most egregious behavior she witnesses, which includes suddenly reclining your seat without warning the person seated behind you, claiming both armrests on either side of your seat, taking your shoes off, being too chatty with your neighbors, and standing in the aisle during meal service.

@itsyanachka

Are you unknowingly making these mistakes on a flight? ???? From hogging armrests to taking off your sneakers, here are the subtle things that could be considered rude your fellow travelers ????✨ I’d love to know your thoughts about this in the comments ❤️ #TravelEtiquette #FlySmart #AirplaneTips

♬ Life Will Be - Cleo Sol

While these mistake may seem obvious, it's clearly enough of a problem that Biryukova felt compelled to make a PSA to warn potential offenders.

Though, there are varying schools of thought when it comes to reclining your seat, which regularly sparks conflict between passengers. While Biryukova notes that you should warn your neighbor, others advise against the practice altogether.

Etiquette expert Diane Gottsman, who runs the Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and business etiquette training, told USA Today back in 2023 ruled that reclining your seat is "inconsiderate" under any circumstances.

"Unless you were sitting in a seat with extra legroom, or in first class, it would be inconsiderate to recline your seat," Gottsman said at the time. "Space is tight, and it's common knowledge and no surprise that you will be sitting in tight quarters."

While the debate may never be definitively settled, at least most of us know better than to remove our shoes during a flight. Wear Crocs, Uggs, slippers, or whatever you need to do to feel comfortable—but keep those feet where they belong.