【Epoch Times August 30, 2025】When airline pilots fly as passengers, they bring the unique perspective of the cockpit into the cabin, giving insights on what passengers should avoid doing.
In an interview with pilots, the Huffington Post asked what behaviors passengers should avoid while flying.
Stefán Dór Arnarsson, a pilot for Iceland’s airline PLAY, told the Huffington Post, “Many passengers take off their shoes for comfort when they sit down, which is understandable, but I always wear shoes when I go to the bathroom.”
There is a high possibility of urine or other bodily fluids on the bathroom floor, but some passengers still insist on going barefoot into the restroom.
“I would never go to the restroom barefoot,” said Michelle Gooris, a pilot for a private charter airline, writing under the blog account “Dutch Pilot Girl.”
“I would never stand in the aisle before the plane reaches the gate without my seatbelt fastened,” Gooris said. “Although it may seem like common sense, you would be surprised at how many times passengers stand up before the plane reaches the gate.”
She mentioned that unfastening your seatbelt while the fasten seatbelt sign is on is not only against the rules but also dangerous.
Gooris said that sometimes pilots need to brake suddenly, like when the aircraft’s docking system indicates pilots to wait. “You can imagine the high risk of injury when people are standing in the aisle,” Gooris said.
She also pointed out that she would not stand in the aisle before it is her row’s turn to deplane.
“I always stop at the airport’s shops or anywhere selling bottled water, and then carry my own beverages onboard,” said Jeanie Carter, a pilot for the private airline Wheels Up.
“On commercial flights, I have found that sometimes flight attendants may not be able to provide any refreshments due to the short flight duration or encountering turbulence,” Carter said.
To avoid feeling thirsty during these unexpected situations, it is advised to purchase drinks at the airport before boarding or refill a reusable water bottle.
“Turbulence can be annoying for most people, but the plane will not fall from the sky,” Carter said. “Usually, as long as you follow the crew’s instructions — sitting in your seat and fastening your seatbelt when required, there is no danger at all.”
Although turbulence can be scary, she recommended staying calm, especially during rough moments.
“I liken turbulence to sailing,” Carter said. “On a boat, you can see the waves because you are rocking. The air is as fluid as water, but in the air, you cannot see the ‘waves.’ It is very safe, and the aircraft can handle it.”
“In the early days of my career, when I traveled on commercial flights, I put both of my bags in the overhead bin without much thought until the last boarding passenger couldn’t find space for his luggage,” Carter said.
In fact, many passengers ignore the airline’s regulations that allow only one carry-on in the overhead bin and another under the front seat.
“Since that day, I have always placed my backpack under the front seat,” Carter added. “If everyone could do this little thing, travel would be much smoother.”
“I never pull down the window shades during takeoff and landing,” said pilot and blogger Mindy Lindheim. “This not only provides the best views but also allows passengers to be extra observers! Pilots can hardly see the wings from the cockpit, so passengers might be the first to notice anything unusual and alert the crew.”
However, she emphasized that air travel is still safer than many passengers worry about.
“We pilots are prepared for the worst-case scenario, but such situations are not common,” Lindheim said. “Driving to the airport is much riskier than flying.”
“From a pilot’s perspective, I hope the boarding process is as smooth as possible,” Arnarsson said. “Before boarding, I organize my belongings to minimize the time it takes to get to my seat. I take all items I want to carry during the flight out of the overhead bin.”
Just a few minutes to check personal items and ensure important belongings are in their proper place can reduce aisle blockage and delay for others.
Recognizing the work of the crew is significant in a challenging work environment.
“Every time I get off the plane, I always say ‘thank you’ to the crew,” Carter said. “I try to express my gratitude, thanking them for getting me to my destination on time or safely. Even if the flight is delayed, or we encounter bad weather, I still say ‘thank you’ to them.”