Travel restrictions remain in certain parts of the world as the battle against COVID-19 continues. However, many countries have already opened up airports and allowed overseas trips, provided that health and safety remain the priority.

As you gear up for air travel, you should make sure that you understand every rule you must follow for your safety and that of others.

Besides health protocols implemented by airport authorities,there are other things you need to know to make traveling by air a breeze.

This article lists down nine rules and best practices every traveler needs to know when traveling by plane:

1. Respect personal space.

Today, people are advised to keep their distance from others to reduce the risk of spreading the new coronavirus. But respecting other people’s personal space has always been compulsory, even without the risk of contracting the disease.

That said, don’t be that person who takes up all the space under all the seats, the armrests, and the overhead storage on a plane. No one likes that person who reclines their chair too far back or raises their feet, blocking the way to the aisle.

Most plane cabins usually have limited space, so make sure you learn to share it well with others. Show your respect by staying out of their personal space.

Remember that there’s always a compromise everyone can agree on, if you look hard enough.

2. Follow seating “luxuries.”

When it comes to seating assignments, the middle is always avoided because they often don’t get any of the in-flight “luxuries.”

The aisle seat enjoys quick access to the aisle, while the window seat gets the best view from the windows. So, what’s left for the middle seat?

Easy. The armrests. Both of them.

3. Avoid jostling seats.

When you stand up after an extended flight, make sure you don’t pull too hard on the backrest of the seat in front of you. Avoid unnecessarily pushing or pulling on the neighboring plane seats, as these can cause the people sitting in them to feel uncomfortable.

If you brought children on the flight, make sure you teach them not to kick other people’s seats. A lecture on good behavior and positive reinforcement before you even board the plane should work. But in case it doesn’t, apologize keenly and don’t take your eyes off of the child.

4. Use the overhead bin the right way.

Because checked luggage costs money, people tend to have more carry-on bags than they should. However, this doesn’t give anyone an excuse to hog all the overhead bin space.

If your bag can fit under the front seat, put it there. You can use this space for your purse, backpack, messenger bag, diaper bag, or overnight carry-on. It’ll be right in front of you, so you can easily access it.

The overhead bin is reserved for big roller board suitcases. Follow airline instructions and put your carry-ons under the seat.

If you have a roller board, make sure it’s positioned the right way in the overhead cabin. Don’t put your luggage horizontally or in any way that would take up someone else’s allotted space.

5. Don’t argue with the flight attendant about using electronics.

Flight attendants ban the use of electronic devices at specific times during the flight: during landing and takeoff. Even if you do not like it (especially if you’re always hooked to your phone or laptop), this is a rule that needs to be followed.

Moreover, the attendants reminding you about the rule aren’t the ones who created it, so don’t give them a hard time just because you want to finish that movie you were watching during the flight. Doing so will only lead to unnecessary delays, so it would be best to just comply.

6. Be polite.

Don’t make the mistake of abusing your privilege as a guest. Always be polite when speaking with airline personnel. They’re responsible for ensuring that you arrive at your destination safely and in a timely manner.

Also, avoid chatting with them unnecessarily or taking too much of their time. There’s a good chance that other people need their assistance, too, so don’t hog all their attention or distract them from their duties. When they ask you a question, answer directly and respectfully.

This also applies even if you booked a private jet.

Remember: Don’t leave your manners at home. Use polite words like “please” or “thank you” and never raise your voice inappropriately.

7.Avoid moving about unless absolutely necessary.

Constant movement can be quite annoying for your fellow travelers, especially those seated in your row. Aside from being careful not to step on their feet, limit standing up and moving around as much as possible.

Head to the restroom before your flight, and don’t drink so much that you will need to go again once you’re on board.

If you can’t hold it for long, it would be best to get a seat along the aisle and leave the window seat to someone else so as not to keep disturbing the people next to you each time you get up.

8. Keep noise to a minimum.

Before you start running your mouth, remember: Some people enjoy traveling by plane in silence.

While it is okay to introduce yourself, you should gauge the other person’s mood. Whether they opened a book or plugged in their headphones, take note of their reaction and know when to stop engaging them in conversation.

When traveling with a group, use your inner voice as much as possible when discussing whatever it is you want to talk about. Even if you’re flying via a group charter service, you should be aware of how people around you react to the amount of noise you’re making.

If you want to listen to music or watch a movie during a long flight, make sure you wear your headphones. This applies to children as well.

9. Always be kind.

There are times when other passengers just can’t help but make noise, jostle seats, or use up more overhead bin space than they should. This is often the case with parents traveling with children, especially babies.

When this happens, forget your pride. Instead, be kind and try to understand their situation.

Help them as much as you can. Offer them the window or aisle seat, whichever is better for the situation.

Remember: If there’s anyone who’s having more difficulties during a long flight than a fussy baby, it’s their parents.

Comfortable Travel for All

Regardless of their length, airplane flights tend to test how people conduct themselves in an enclosed space with others. To ensure that the trip is comfortable for everyone, keep these rules and best practices in mind as you board the plane.