
Mariah Grumet told Business Insider to recline mindfully, be kind to parents of crying kids, avoid strong smells, and let front rows deboard first. Exception: tight connection.
Etiquette coach Mariah Grumet shared four common missteps travelers make on flights. Her advice, given to Business Insider, covers reclining, children, strong smells, and deboarding.
Reclining your seat is not inherently rude, Grumet said. Passengers paid for that space. The key is timing. If the person behind you is eating or has items on the tray table, wait until they finish. Grumet said a quick check before leaning back prevents friction.
Young children may cry or run down the aisle. Grumet urged fellow passengers to show grace. "It's likely that the parent is already super embarrassed as is," she said. "You don't want to add fuel to the fire by whispering or giving dirty looks." Even when a child seems controllable, kindness matters more than correction.
Strong odors create problems in a confined cabin. A tuna sandwich, nail polish, or heavy perfume can disturb others. Grumet recommended leaving scented grooming products at home. The same logic applies to any food with a lingering smell.
Deboarding requires patience. "The most polite way to deboard a plane is to let the people in the front go first," Grumet told BI. Many passengers rush forward. She said that even after a difficult flight, those ahead should exit first. The exception is a tight connection. In that case, notify a crew member so they can help you off quickly.
This story was originally published on August 22, 2024 and updated on July 27, 2026.
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