Don't make this mistake on your next flight! Here’s where you should never stand on a plane

We here at the SDC love to travel, and we've been lucky enough to see many different corners of the world in our time.

But as much as we love adventuring, there's no denying that flying can be a bit of a pain – especially if you're not used to it. So, it's no wonder that some passengers take any opportunity they can to get up and stretch their legs – even if that means standing in the aisle.

But what you might not realise is that by doing this, you could be endangering yourself and those around you.



We all know how annoying it can be to be stuck in a tiny seat on a long-haul flight, with legroom being pretty much non-existent. It can be cramped, uncomfortable, and boring, not to mention exhausting having to deal with other nightmarish passengers.

But if you think you have it bad, the cabin crew have it worse than you think.


plane1.JPG
Former flight attendant reveals why you shouldn’t stand on planes. Credit: Kelly in Pexels

Flight attendants must deal with passengers getting up and walking around during turbulence, or stretching their legs out into the aisle. Taller passengers specifically book aisle seats so they can have a bit of legroom during the trip.

However, one former flight attendant Madeline Forsyth has revealed why this is such a big no-no, and why cabin crew members hate it when passengers do this on flights.



In a previous interview, Madeline said that although stretching your limbs into the aisle is tempting, doing this could be potentially dangerous and painful.

She said: ‘Not only can crew members and other passengers trip over you, but it’s also hard for the flight attendants to see over the food and drinks cart.’ Madeline explained that people who have this habit are at risk of getting hit by a heavy trolley.

However, Madeline advised that people who need to stretch their legs may do so in between services. She reminds people that you can take a stroll up and down the aisle, just don’t do it when the cabin crew are working.


plane2.JPG
You can stroll up and down the plane aisle, just don’t do it when the cabin crew are working. Credit: Natã Romualdo in Pexels

Aside from that, Madeline included some additional reminders for people not to do during a flight. She said that people should refrain from asking the cabin crew to lift their bags for them, simply because it’s not part of their job to stow luggage on the plane.

It’s okay to ask for help once in a while, but Madeline said that people should also avoid bringing heavy baggage on the plane if they can’t take care of it themselves.



Another thing that passengers should refrain from doing is asking for food or drinks before take-off. Madeline explains that this is the busiest time for cabin crew – meaning that they don’t have time to fulfil requests for food or drinks.

It’s probably best to wait until the plane is safely in the air before asking for snacks.
Key Takeaways

  • Don’t put your feet or legs in the aisle on a plane – it’s dangerous for both flight attendants and other passengers.
  • If you need to stretch, get up and walk around the plane between services.
  • Don’t ask for snacks before the plane takes off.
  • Refrain from asking flight attendants to stow your bags for you, unless you’re unable to do so because of an injury.
There you have it, dear members! What do you think about Madeline’s tips for your next flight? Do you have anything to add to her dos and don’ts list? Also, remember that next time you're feeling cramped on a plane, make sure to take a walk up and down the aisle during one of the scheduled breaks – just don't do it while everyone's trying to sleep or eat!
 
Sponsored
I really don't understand why anyone should be asking for drinks or snacks before takeoff, you have plenty of time to do this before boarding. That is unless you are one of the idiots who get to the airport at the last minute.
Holiday Syndrome accounts for a lot of out of character behaviour.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Elbe
We here at the SDC love to travel, and we've been lucky enough to see many different corners of the world in our time.

But as much as we love adventuring, there's no denying that flying can be a bit of a pain – especially if you're not used to it. So, it's no wonder that some passengers take any opportunity they can to get up and stretch their legs – even if that means standing in the aisle.

But what you might not realise is that by doing this, you could be endangering yourself and those around you.



We all know how annoying it can be to be stuck in a tiny seat on a long-haul flight, with legroom being pretty much non-existent. It can be cramped, uncomfortable, and boring, not to mention exhausting having to deal with other nightmarish passengers.

But if you think you have it bad, the cabin crew have it worse than you think.


View attachment 7658
Former flight attendant reveals why you shouldn’t stand on planes. Credit: Kelly in Pexels

Flight attendants must deal with passengers getting up and walking around during turbulence, or stretching their legs out into the aisle. Taller passengers specifically book aisle seats so they can have a bit of legroom during the trip.

However, one former flight attendant Madeline Forsyth has revealed why this is such a big no-no, and why cabin crew members hate it when passengers do this on flights.



In a previous interview, Madeline said that although stretching your limbs into the aisle is tempting, doing this could be potentially dangerous and painful.

She said: ‘Not only can crew members and other passengers trip over you, but it’s also hard for the flight attendants to see over the food and drinks cart.’ Madeline explained that people who have this habit are at risk of getting hit by a heavy trolley.

However, Madeline advised that people who need to stretch their legs may do so in between services. She reminds people that you can take a stroll up and down the aisle, just don’t do it when the cabin crew are working.


View attachment 7659
You can stroll up and down the plane aisle, just don’t do it when the cabin crew are working. Credit: Natã Romualdo in Pexels

Aside from that, Madeline included some additional reminders for people not to do during a flight. She said that people should refrain from asking the cabin crew to lift their bags for them, simply because it’s not part of their job to stow luggage on the plane.

It’s okay to ask for help once in a while, but Madeline said that people should also avoid bringing heavy baggage on the plane if they can’t take care of it themselves.



Another thing that passengers should refrain from doing is asking for food or drinks before take-off. Madeline explains that this is the busiest time for cabin crew – meaning that they don’t have time to fulfil requests for food or drinks.

It’s probably best to wait until the plane is safely in the air before asking for snacks.
Key Takeaways

  • Don’t put your feet or legs in the aisle on a plane – it’s dangerous for both flight attendants and other passengers.
  • If you need to stretch, get up and walk around the plane between services.
  • Don’t ask for snacks before the plane takes off.
  • Refrain from asking flight attendants to stow your bags for you, unless you’re unable to do so because of an injury.
There you have it, dear members! What do you think about Madeline’s tips for your next flight? Do you have anything to add to her dos and don’ts list? Also, remember that next time you're feeling cramped on a plane, make sure to take a walk up and down the aisle during one of the scheduled breaks – just don't do it while everyone's trying to sleep or eat!
I am short 4'9" so always require help to reach to stow bags. Recommended by doctors people need to walk during flights for DVT so airlines need to make the seating space bigger to stop dangerous practice. Airlines complain yet they created the problems.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ezzy
I am short 4'9" so always require help to reach to stow bags. Recommended by doctors people need to walk during flights for DVT so airlines need to make the seating space bigger to stop dangerous practice. Airlines complain yet they created the problems.
The same airlines that once upon a time created smoking and non-smoking sections...yet we went along with it. Ask for assistance from a steward/ess. They should oblige. If they don't, forgive them for their lack of humanity and find a fellow passenger who will assist. Alternatively, win the lottery and fly private jet!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ezzy
How about airlines/plane designers leave enough room for legs in the first place, instead of the claustrophobicly tight spaces we have to squeeze into.
Same as Tourist Coaches, always cramped with narrow aisles. The smaller the area they give to passengers, the greater the number of passengers they can carry & the greater the profit.
With this in mind, why do they consistently over book flights when they know the carrying capacity?
 
  • Like
Reactions: millicent haha
I think it s a shame that people need to be told these things. it should be common sense and simple curtesy.... but nowadays people have lost most social skills and are all "entitled". I was lucky enough to grow up with a grandfather who was very well off, having a cook, a housekeeper for cleaning and laundry, 3 gardeners and a chauffeur, and a nanny for me when I lived with him. one of the first things he taught me was "They are good people and working hard, so they deserve our respect! They have just not been as lucky as we were!" I remember that whenever someone does something for me: a sales girl, a nurse, care taker, or a flight attendant...
As someone who suffers with swollen legs and feet during a flight, (even getting dvt on one occasion) I must walk up and down regularly. However I would never dream of doing it while the cabin crew are working or needing the aisles for service. It is surely just common sense and courtesy.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ezzy
We here at the SDC love to travel, and we've been lucky enough to see many different corners of the world in our time.

But as much as we love adventuring, there's no denying that flying can be a bit of a pain – especially if you're not used to it. So, it's no wonder that some passengers take any opportunity they can to get up and stretch their legs – even if that means standing in the aisle.

But what you might not realise is that by doing this, you could be endangering yourself and those around you.



We all know how annoying it can be to be stuck in a tiny seat on a long-haul flight, with legroom being pretty much non-existent. It can be cramped, uncomfortable, and boring, not to mention exhausting having to deal with other nightmarish passengers.

But if you think you have it bad, the cabin crew have it worse than you think.


View attachment 7658
Former flight attendant reveals why you shouldn’t stand on planes. Credit: Kelly in Pexels

Flight attendants must deal with passengers getting up and walking around during turbulence, or stretching their legs out into the aisle. Taller passengers specifically book aisle seats so they can have a bit of legroom during the trip.

However, one former flight attendant Madeline Forsyth has revealed why this is such a big no-no, and why cabin crew members hate it when passengers do this on flights.



In a previous interview, Madeline said that although stretching your limbs into the aisle is tempting, doing this could be potentially dangerous and painful.

She said: ‘Not only can crew members and other passengers trip over you, but it’s also hard for the flight attendants to see over the food and drinks cart.’ Madeline explained that people who have this habit are at risk of getting hit by a heavy trolley.

However, Madeline advised that people who need to stretch their legs may do so in between services. She reminds people that you can take a stroll up and down the aisle, just don’t do it when the cabin crew are working.


View attachment 7659
You can stroll up and down the plane aisle, just don’t do it when the cabin crew are working. Credit: Natã Romualdo in Pexels

Aside from that, Madeline included some additional reminders for people not to do during a flight. She said that people should refrain from asking the cabin crew to lift their bags for them, simply because it’s not part of their job to stow luggage on the plane.

It’s okay to ask for help once in a while, but Madeline said that people should also avoid bringing heavy baggage on the plane if they can’t take care of it themselves.



Another thing that passengers should refrain from doing is asking for food or drinks before take-off. Madeline explains that this is the busiest time for cabin crew – meaning that they don’t have time to fulfil requests for food or drinks.

It’s probably best to wait until the plane is safely in the air before asking for snacks.
Key Takeaways

  • Don’t put your feet or legs in the aisle on a plane – it’s dangerous for both flight attendants and other passengers.
  • If you need to stretch, get up and walk around the plane between services.
  • Don’t ask for snacks before the plane takes off.
  • Refrain from asking flight attendants to stow your bags for you, unless you’re unable to do so because of an injury.
There you have it, dear members! What do you think about Madeline’s tips for your next flight? Do you have anything to add to her dos and don’ts list? Also, remember that next time you're feeling cramped on a plane, make sure to take a walk up and down the aisle during one of the scheduled breaks – just don't do it while everyone's trying to sleep or eat!
Cabin Staff have a lot to do prior to take off , safety checks , assisting some passengers and , not forgetting disabled passengers who are usually boarded first , in order to make them comfortable and not to impede other passengers boarding . NB : to the person requesting snacks and drinks prior to take off - that's what First Class is for ! If you are in economy then the old saying always occurs - you get what you pay for . Thankfully I sit right at the very front on the left seat and don't have to worry about leg room and if I am flying passenger , it's usually First or Business seats . The main reason is , in the unlikely event of an emergency , I am close to the flight deck or the Cabin Staff dock to assist if needed . Cabin Staff are highly trained and if you need assistance then it will surprise you how much they can do , so the old " please consider " is very relevant . You will find a smile , thank you or a please will go a long way on any flight , and some little surprises now and then , and , there could be an air marshall sitting right behind you . enjoy your flight .
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ezzy and Rainy
We here at the SDC love to travel, and we've been lucky enough to see many different corners of the world in our time.

But as much as we love adventuring, there's no denying that flying can be a bit of a pain – especially if you're not used to it. So, it's no wonder that some passengers take any opportunity they can to get up and stretch their legs – even if that means standing in the aisle.

But what you might not realise is that by doing this, you could be endangering yourself and those around you.



We all know how annoying it can be to be stuck in a tiny seat on a long-haul flight, with legroom being pretty much non-existent. It can be cramped, uncomfortable, and boring, not to mention exhausting having to deal with other nightmarish passengers.

But if you think you have it bad, the cabin crew have it worse than you think.


View attachment 7658
Former flight attendant reveals why you shouldn’t stand on planes. Credit: Kelly in Pexels

Flight attendants must deal with passengers getting up and walking around during turbulence, or stretching their legs out into the aisle. Taller passengers specifically book aisle seats so they can have a bit of legroom during the trip.

However, one former flight attendant Madeline Forsyth has revealed why this is such a big no-no, and why cabin crew members hate it when passengers do this on flights.



In a previous interview, Madeline said that although stretching your limbs into the aisle is tempting, doing this could be potentially dangerous and painful.

She said: ‘Not only can crew members and other passengers trip over you, but it’s also hard for the flight attendants to see over the food and drinks cart.’ Madeline explained that people who have this habit are at risk of getting hit by a heavy trolley.

However, Madeline advised that people who need to stretch their legs may do so in between services. She reminds people that you can take a stroll up and down the aisle, just don’t do it when the cabin crew are working.


View attachment 7659
You can stroll up and down the plane aisle, just don’t do it when the cabin crew are working. Credit: Natã Romualdo in Pexels

Aside from that, Madeline included some additional reminders for people not to do during a flight. She said that people should refrain from asking the cabin crew to lift their bags for them, simply because it’s not part of their job to stow luggage on the plane.

It’s okay to ask for help once in a while, but Madeline said that people should also avoid bringing heavy baggage on the plane if they can’t take care of it themselves.



Another thing that passengers should refrain from doing is asking for food or drinks before take-off. Madeline explains that this is the busiest time for cabin crew – meaning that they don’t have time to fulfil requests for food or drinks.

It’s probably best to wait until the plane is safely in the air before asking for snacks.
Key Takeaways

  • Don’t put your feet or legs in the aisle on a plane – it’s dangerous for both flight attendants and other passengers.
  • If you need to stretch, get up and walk around the plane between services.
  • Don’t ask for snacks before the plane takes off.
  • Refrain from asking flight attendants to stow your bags for you, unless you’re unable to do so because of an injury.
There you have it, dear members! What do you think about Madeline’s tips for your next flight? Do you have anything to add to her dos and don’ts list? Also, remember that next time you're feeling cramped on a plane, make sure to take a walk up and down the aisle during one of the scheduled breaks – just don't do it while everyone's trying to sleep or eat!
Short people and particularly older folk have no choice but to ask for help from someone, to sto their bag!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ezzy
All common sense advice! But most planes are simply far too crowded and too big. The seats, leg room and aisles are getting narrower as humans get bigger. It makes no sense at any time but even less since the pandemic - which won't be our last as we're often warned with people FLYING (!!) all over the world. It is time consumers demanded decent service for the exorbitant money charged for flying and let the greedy companies who own the airlines we demand better. A bit more space would make all the difference to most passengers as well as the flight crews. It is also time to rethink the need to eat & drink on planes - especially shorter flights (under 4 hours in particular). A flight I do regularly takes just on an hour so we're no sooner up than coming down again but the whole tea/coffee and alcohol thing still occurs! I'd drive the 3 to 4 hours except for time constraints ......

Most flights (especially long haul flights) could simply allow people to bring their own cold food and drink (which would also cater for all the dietary restrictions people these days have). There are so many food outlets in most airports that people can (and do!) eat before & after flying! Hot drinks and food are simply not needed on most flights and neither is alcohol. Getting the carts out of aisles would make a massive difference to passenger comfort.

It's time to rethink the whole mode of transport because flying is simply another form of transport these days, the novelty is long gone. Maybe we could have a proper sardine class where passengers crawl into an isolated cocoon and sleep until they arrive at their destination? Maybe we could have restaurant flights which concentrate on food? Maybe we could just hurry up & get teleporting happening instead? Lol!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ezzy
Planes are designed so that seats can move closer or further apart. It is not a design issue but an an airline co. issue.
On a recent flight via Singapore from Brisbane, I was surprised at the lack of space between seats. This was compounded when I folded out the table which almost reached my chest, and the lady in front tilted the seat back. The table went straight into me. Just as well my drinks hadn't arrived! It's one airline I'll give a miss next trip.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ezzy
Sone people check their brains at the entrance to the airport. Some others maybe flying for the first time, like people walking around the terminal in oversized sunglasses lol and phone plugs and sunnies boarding the plane talking loudly into there ear pieces so everyone can hear. I love a good circus.🤣
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ezzy

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else

Latest Articles

  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×