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Summary

10 things Canadian travellers can't stand when flying that you might be guilty of

Do you do any these when on a plane? ✈️

The aisle of an airplane is seen with seats filled with passengers on either side.

Passengers on an airplane.

Writer

What's your biggest pet peeve when travelling? It turns out that many Canadians share common frustrations when it comes to proper airplane etiquette.

Travel experts have shared some of the top things Canadians hate when travelling, and you'll want to make sure you aren't unknowingly committing any of these travel don'ts.

In an email shared with Narcity, Skyscanner laid out some of the top pet peeves Canadian travellers have when flying.

From seat reclining to arm-rest hogging and deplaning too soon, here are the top 10 things Canuck travellers can't stand:

Little runaways

According to Skyscanner, 40% of Canadians agree that one of the biggest pet peeves when it comes to travel is children running around on the plane. So maybe keep your little ones seated, if you can.

Recline rage

Do you recline your seat when flying? You may be the annoyance of your fellow Canadians — apparently, 39% of Canadians really don't want to have to ask the person in front of them to move their seat up while they eat or drink.

@katarina.etiquette

AIR TRAVEL ETIQUETTE, Part 6: Seat reclining💺 A controversial yet necessary topic. Seat reclining is an available function on most flights, hence, it is not forbidden to do so.❗️However, it is good manners to always check on the passenger behind us before we recline. If they’re in the middle of a meal with the tray table open, or watching a movie on the seat screen, it is inconsiderate to disrupt it ❌ Personally, I would advise against seat reclining altogether on short haul flights ✈️ #etiquette #etiqueta #etiquettetips #etiquetterules #airplaneetiquette #manners #seatrecline #airplane #airtraveltips

Line cutting

Does line-cutting ruffle your feathers? You're not alone. According to Skyscanner, 33% of Canadians agree that a sneaky line cutter is "really not the vibe."

Space invaders

"An ongoing debate across the world, 33% of Canadians get ticked off when it comes to the seat in front of them reclining at any point during the flight," says Skyscanner.

While seat reclining, in general, can be a divisive topic, apparently, to avoid irking your fellow traveller, you may want to keep it in the full-upright-and-locked position.

Mile high boozers

There's nothing wrong with an enjoying a drink or a glass of wine on a flight.

However, annoyance among Canadian travellers comes from a flight turning into more of a "pub crawl," than a trip, with 32% of travellers agreeing that passengers who overdo it with the alcohol are a pet peeve.

Double armrest hoggers

Who gets which armrest on a plane? Does the middle seat get both armrests? Maybe not.

Apparently, 32% of Canadians can't stand "double-dippers," when it comes to airplane armrests. In this situation, it may be best to ask before claiming.

@rachelsheppick

Airplane etiquette people 😤#airplaneetiquette #nonspokenrules #fyp #middleseat #travelhacks

Gadget gabbers

To avoid being the irk of your fellow traveller, you'll want to remember the headphones! Thirty percent of Canadians agree that it's definitely unpleasant to hear another passenger's music or device sans headphones.

If you find you've left your pair at home, pick some up at the airport, or ask for some on the plane.

Hair hangers

Personal space is a must when travelling. And just as much as you want your own personal space, remember to afford the same to others! According to Skyscanner, 29% of Canadians can't stand hair hanging from another passenger hanging over the seat and into their personal bubble.

So if you've been gifted with long luscious locks, remember to keep them out of other travellers' space.

Premature exit enthusiasts

"We admire your eagerness, but 27% of Canadians know that standing as soon as the plane lands won't get us to the gate any faster," says Skyscanner.

While standing up as soon as the plane lands is understandable if you're trying to get to a connecting flight, if you have some time, your best bet is probably to stay seated and let the rows in front of you deplane first.

Bag benchers

Don't be one of those people who give their bag a seat on the plane! According to Skyscanner, 26% of Canadians are "over" bag benchers whose bag hogs the seat next to them.

Remember — your carry-on goes in the overhead bin, while your personal item should be stowed under the seat.

"Travelling to reach new destinations is like dancing," says Laura Lindsay, a Skyscanner travel expert.

"Always remember, being aware of your surroundings isn't just polite, it's the traveller's graceful waltz through respect and appreciation."

Happy travels!

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    • Contributing Writer

      Katherine Caspersz (she/her) is a contributing writer for Narcity Media, covering travel, things to do and more. She has written for various news sites and magazines, including Yahoo Canada and The National Post, and worked as an editor for the Toronto Star and The Globe and Mail. She loves shopping, travel and all things spooky.

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