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Arriving at the airport terminal -

In-flight etiquette starts long before you actually board a plane. Most of us are familiar with airport security regulations. And the rules are strict.

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Don't hold up airport security -

It's import not to unnecessarily hold up airport security checks. You can speed up the process by removing your belt and any metal items, things like a watch, coins, and cell phone. The rules on laptops are being relaxed, but be prepared to also place these in the tray.

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Separate your liquids -

Liquids are a no-no, or at least until the rules change in certain countries. Separate liquids into a clear plastic bag before your reach the conveyor. 

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Expect impersonal service -

Don't expect niceties during a security check. These guys have to screen thousands of passengers every day and have little time for those who don't comply with regulations. Just smile and give them a break.

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Don't cause a security scare -

A no-brainer, of course, but don't ever leave your luggage unattended in or near an airport terminal.

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Stranger danger -

Similarly, it's a bad idea—a really bad idea—to ask a stranger to look after your stuff. Take your bags with you wherever you go, and that includes when you visit the toilet.

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Master the art of boarding -

Don't become part of the boarding mob. No plane is going to depart without its full complement of checked-in passengers, so why attack the boarding gate en masse? Of course if you've opted for speedy boarding, or are flush enough to fly first class, meeting your flight will likely be a breeze.

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Don’t treat the terminal like your living room -

Okay, you're past security and hanging about in the departures terminal. But don't start treating it like your living room. That means no unpacking and repacking your carry-on bag, talking as if through a megaphone on your cell, painting your nails, or any other acts that may appear selfish and thoughtless.

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Be civilized -

Otherwise, find a seat and wait in an unhurried and civilized manner until your boarding group is called.

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Greet the flight attendants -

It's simple courtesy to acknowledge the flight attendants with a smile and "hello" as you board the plane. These are the people tasked with looking after you during your flight, and they deserve kindness and respect.

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Maximize space -

It's equally civil if traveling with two carry-on bags to only put one bag in the overhead compartment—ideally over your own seat—and place the other under the seat in front of you. By doing so, you maximize room for other passengers.

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Assist your fellow traveler -

When loading your carry-on bag, be aware of passengers who may need assistance in hoisting theirs. Offering to help is not only a gesture of kindness, it also may speed up the boarding process.

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Know the rules of your seat -

Limited space, especially if flying low cost, requires sensitivity towards your seatmate. And seat etiquette depends on your seat assignment.

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Be mindful of those in the middle -

Maintaining your personal space is a challenge. Passengers in an aisle seat have the luxury of being able to stretch out their legs in the lane. A window seat affords not only a fantastic view, but a handy headrest. It's the poor soul in the middle seat we need to consider. At the very least let them have both armrests.

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Be willing to swap seats with a family -

No one is obliged to swap a seat they've paid for. But if you're traveling solo and it's obvious a family group is not sitting together, do the chivalrous thing and offer to trade your seat so that they can sit beside each other.

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Don't bring fast food on board -

On no account bring hot food on board a plane, especially if it's been purchased from a fast-food outlet. Burgers, fries, and suchlike are greasy and smelly, and are guaranteed to kick up a stink among your fellow passengers.

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Keep your shoes on -

Flying can make your feet swell and it's often a relief to remove shoes and let them "breathe." But a plane is a public place, and you will not be popular if you start filling the cabin with sweaty foot odor. And, please, don't ever remove socks.

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Try and control your wind -

Up there with smelly feet is a rancid fart. Traveling long haul is an especially testing time for anyone with flatulence. Save them for the bathroom if you can, otherwise let rip silently and stare innocently into middle distance...

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Always flush the toilet -

Speaking of bathrooms, don't forget to flush after using the toilet. There a few things more gross than setting eyes on a deposit left by a previous passenger!

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Think before you recline -

One of the most contentious issues surrounding air travel is the habit by many passengers of reclining their seat in-flight. Before you do so, check who's sitting behind you.

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Recline or decline? -

If a child or small passenger is seated behind you, then it's probably okay to recline your seat. However, if the person is large and clearly in a crammed position, you'll very likely whip up a storm of protest. The rule of thumb? Don't recline in economy and don't bother at all during a short-haul flight.

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"Do not disturb" -

If you're the chatty, gregarious type, chances are you'll seek to strike up a conversation with your fellow passenger. And that's fine if they are like-minded. But if the person next to you remains quiet and avoids eye contact, it's a clear sign of "do not disturb." And hey, if they are reading or listening to music on headphones, forget it.

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Traveling with children? -

Kids have a notoriously low boredom threshold, and a long flight can truly test their patience. Be prepared by keeping them occupied, and make sure they're not bothering other passengers, like kicking the seat in front of them.

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Go easy on the alcohol -

In-flight etiquette extends to watching your alcohol intake. Many airlines restrict the consumption of alcohol during a flight, but some passengers, especially if they are in a holiday spirit, drink to excess or are already intoxicated before they board the plane. Be aware that airline staff are prohibited from allowing onboard anyone who appears to be drunk.

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Preempt airsickness -

If you're a nervous flyer or suffer from airsickness, plan ahead in case the worst happens and you need to vomit. Reinforce the bag by doubling it, and have plenty of tissues at hand for, er, spills and leakages...

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You are still responsible for yourself when you’re asleep -

Be mindful that you are still responsible for yourself when asleep. That means no leaning on a stranger's shoulder, for example, or stretching out both legs in the aisle. And if you snore loudly, you'll win the ire of all those within earshot.

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Disembark calmly -

After the plane has landed and the seatbelt signs are turned off, the unspoken rule is to wait until it's your row's turn before you step into the aisle.

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Thank the flight attendants -

As you leave the aircraft, thank the flight attendants—they will appreciate your gratitude.

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Claim your luggage calmly -

Baggage claim is a hit-or-miss experience. If you're fortunate, your bags will be among the first out on the carousel. But if you have to wait, do so patiently rather than crowding the belt and jostling for position. And double check it's your bag you've got in your hand!

Sources: (Transportation Security Administration) (BBC) (Federal Aviation Administration) 

See also: Unusual reasons why airplanes have turned around

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