Fly Right! How To Be A Good Airline Passenger

As we navigate through the airspace together, it’s important to remember some basic rules of airline passenger travel.

Ed. note: Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, there are more things to consider. If you must fly, visit flyhealthy.gov to learn about important changes and considerations.

By Allen Kenitzer, FAA Office of Communications

In the great Nat King Cole classic, we’re told to “Straighten up and fly right!”

But then again, life as an airline passenger in the 21st Century can be stressful. Health concerns, unruly fellow passengers and flight delays can be nerve-wracking for any traveler.

As we navigate through the airspace together, it’s important to remember some basic rules of airline passenger travel.

✈️ The first rule is something we’ve always called common courtesy. Once we are aboard the aircraft, the way we behave impacts those around us.

✈️ Remember that the pilots and flight attendants are there to get you to your destination safely, and everything they do is for your benefit. In fact, there are federal regulations that prohibit passengers from interfering with crewmembers. Violating these regulations can result in hefty fines. So, don’t be that person!

✈️ If you plan to consume alcohol onboard a flight, please do so in moderation. Did you know that it’s against federal regulations to consume your own alcohol onboard a flight if you pour it yourself? Again, if you drink too much and threaten or physically assault a crew member, you may face that $35,000 fine or jail time.

✈️ Finally, if you plan to consume alcohol before your flight, remember that the airline’s gate agent may not let you board the aircraft if you appear to have had too much. Our regulations specify that no airline may allow any person to board any of its aircraft if that person appears to be intoxicated. So, if you have one too many in the airport and the flight crew won’t allow you to board, remember they are just obeying federal regulations and keeping the rest of the passengers safe.

After years of decline, incidents of unruly passengers unfortunately spiked in 2018. Do your part to help keep those numbers down. Let’s fly right together!