Traveling is an exciting opportunity to explore new cultures, meet diverse people, and experience life from different perspectives. However, understanding travel etiquette is crucial to ensuring pleasant interactions and fostering positive relationships with locals and fellow passengers alike. Whether you’re boarding a long flight or sampling local delicacies, practicing travel etiquette can significantly enhance your journey. To help you out, we’ve put together a handy guide, and two of our expert Travel Concierges share their top travel etiquette tips.

Respect for Language and Culture

Before you head off on your journey, embracing a few key aspects of pre-trip etiquette means that once you arrive at your destination you’re already in tune with local culture and customs.

Learn a Few Key Phrases: Learning basic words and phrases in the local language, such as “hello,” “good morning,” “please,” and “thank you,” can greatly enhance your trip. This effort shows respect for the local culture and often fosters friendlier interactions. In many places, locals appreciate your attempt to communicate in their language, which can lead to more attentive and kind service from servers and others you encounter.

Research Local Customs: Each destination has its own unique customs and etiquette that can sometimes surprise travelers. For example, in Japan, tipping after a meal is often considered rude, while in many Asian countries, showing the soles of your feet is seen as disrespectful. In India and the Middle East, eating with your hands is customary, but using your left hand can be viewed as impolite.

Consider Local Religion and Sensibility When Packing: Clothing plays a vital role in demonstrating respect for local customs. In many regions, especially in Muslim-majority countries, it’s advisable to cover your arms and legs to ensure comfort for both yourself and the locals. Additionally, when visiting temples in Asia or churches in Italy, it’s important to make sure your shoulders are covered.

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Don’t Expect Things to be the Same as Home

When traveling, it’s essential to embrace the differences you’ll encounter rather than expecting things to mirror your home environment. Be open-minded and patient; understanding that others may have distinct ways of life will enrich your experience.

“A huge part of cultural expression is seen through the cuisine of a destination. When you visit a new country part of the joy is embracing their food and ways to prepare it,” says Travel Concierge Dom, who specializes in Iberia. “In fact, it is these differences that bring the country alive through your taste buds.

“I have seen visitors become annoyed in Spain when butter is not served with bread, primarily in places south of Madrid, when in fact they are visiting the largest olive oil producing country in the world. With a product this tasty, my advice is to try the many varieties and find one that you love. Of course you can always bring your own butter! But whatever you do, be polite about it.”

You may also be interested to read: Sunshine on a plate: Travel Concierge Dom on his love of Iberia

Dining Etiquette

Eating food and sharing a meal is one of the best ways to learn about another culture and make friends with locals.

Learn the Local Ways: Dining etiquette varies significantly across cultures, so it’s wise to research local customs before you arrive. For example, burping during a Chinese dinner is a compliment, while doing so at a British Sunday roast would not be the case. In Egypt, requesting salt and pepper if it’s not on the table is seen as bad manners, whilst in Japan, slurping noodles or soup is acceptable, but in Brazil, eating with your hands—including hamburgers and fries—is considered unclean.

Try the local foods, gracefully: Trying local foods is a vital part of experiencing a culture. Embrace new flavors, textures, and culinary traditions with an open mind and positive attitude, even if they differ from your usual preferences. Avoid negative comments or grimacing at unfamiliar dishes, instead ask questions and expressing appreciation. This respectful approach fosters genuine connections and you may just surprise yourself with what you like.

If you love sensational dining, we recommend you read: 5 Michelin Star chefs celebrating local culture through food

Etiquette up in the Sky

Such a key part of many vacations, air travel requires close contact with others, whatever class you travel, and exhibiting proper etiquette is essential. Understanding the subtle rules of conduct can significantly enhance your journey and the experiences of those around you.

“Being considerate of your fellow travelers and respecting their personal space is very important,” says Karen Gower, who was a Travel Concierge for over 10 years before becoming Senior Travel Experiences Manager Europe at Luxury Gold. “Something that I have seen more in recent years that I find very frustrating is people watching movies without headphones and expecting the rest of the plane to participate in their in-flight entertainment. However, it is also disruptive when people keep their headphones in and therefore miss all the announcements from the flight attendants, such as telling them to sit down!

“My advice to travelers to ensure that flying remains an enjoyable journey rather than a burdensome task is to always read your information. Even knowing all your boarding info, such as whether to board at the front or the back, and knowing how to navigate the security line can greatly enhance the experience and leave everyone feeling fresh and relaxed.”

Hear more wisdom form Karen: How Luxury Gold Journeys Go Above and Beyond with Expert Karen Gower

Whose armrest is whose? A valuable travel etiquette tip regarding armrests is to recognize the seating hierarchy: the window seat enjoys the armrest closest to the window, the aisle seat claims the outer armrest, while the middle seat—often regarded as the least desirable—has a right to both center armrests. Acknowledging this simple guideline can help reduce discomfort and tension during crowded flights, making the journey more pleasant for everyone.

Seat etiquette: Avoid reclining your seat during meals, as it can encroach on the space of the person behind you.. and take care not to overly knock the seat in front. If you plan to get up often, consider reserving an aisle seat for easier access.

Personal Grooming and Scents While personal care routines are popular on flights, do pay attention to how it affects your fellow travelers. Strong perfumes and scented personal care items can be overwhelming in the confined space of an airplane. A subtle spritz may seem like a good idea, but actually not welcomed by your neighbor.

Bookmark for later: Flying First Class: The Luxury Gold First-Timer’s Guide

Of Course, There’s Always Your Luxury Gold Travel Concierge

There is nothing more awkward than arriving in a foreign country without being familiar with the customs, which is where your Travel Concierge comes in. At the helm of every Luxury Gold journey, they’re an expert in the local culture and language. Offering insights into appropriate behaviors, dining protocols and cultural nuances, they help you navigate unfamiliar environments with confidence, ensuring you have the best experience, as well as ensuring a seamless, flawless journey from start to finish.

Airplane etiquette is broadly the same as standard, everyday etiquette, but there are some specific differences that come up repeatedly. These include (but are not limited to) reclining your seat, using the overhead bins, employing tray tables and – quelle horreur – bare feet. Let’s tackle how to do the right thing by everyone, once and for all.

Embarkation: starting as you mean to go on

As you board the plane, you will want to say hello to the flight attendants waiting to greet you and potentially to some of your fellow passengers, too. This may sound obvious, but as you try to navigate the tiny aisle with your carry-on in one hand, your passport in the other, and all the many thoughts in your head, it can be difficult to remember to exchange common courtesies.

Hello is an important first step in not getting so wrapped up in your own journey that you forget about everyone else’s, which means it’s a good time to take a break from noise canceling headphones, too (more on those later). Do extend the good vibes when stowing your baggage – of course you want to be near your stuff, but the space above your head is not yours by right. Make space and compromises where you can, help your fellow passengers hoist their bags.

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The A, B, C (and D, E, F) of airplane seating

The big question: what is the middle seat etiquette on a plane? Well, it’s generally agreed that both armrests are yours, but you must pay attention to how you’re using them – two arms so relaxed that you have an elbow in the face of both neighbours is not acceptable, for instance. Keep in mind the person in the window seat can lean that way, but the person in the aisle seat has nowhere else to turn. Meanwhile, if you’re in the window seat, you’re in charge of the window shade. It’s your choice whether it’s open or closed, but it doesn’t hurt to turn to the person next to you before you close it, to make sure they don’t mind.

If for some reason you need to switch seats (for access to the bathroom, to be near your family), ask politely, and offer a comparable seat to the one they have. Never take someone’s seat before they’ve boarded, and do take no for an answer – they, like you, may have good reason. That said, if you’re asked to switch seats, do honor the request if you can. It could radically transform someone’s journey.

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Keeping it civilized at 40,000 feet

Noise canceling headphones can pose a significant barrier to airplane etiquette, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear them. They can also be a very helpful tool for switching off from screaming babies and overly chatty neighbours, protecting your patience and personal space. As a rule of thumb, just slide them off while flight attendants talk you through safety protocols, and whenever you see a cart approaching. That way, you won’t get frustrated when you miss out on snacks either.

Flying with (and in the vicinity of) children

Noone is having a harder time than the parent or carer of an unhappy child. Always bear that in mind, as a minimum. Beyond that, if you can offer a stressed parent or baby a smile, it will go a long way. If you happen to be the passenger in the seat in front, exercise patience for the first few minutes while the family behind you settles in to the unfamiliarity and discomfort of the plane. If you feel the dreaded kick in the back, just give the parents a few minutes to deal with it before you speak up. On the other hand, if you’re the parent: watch those small but mighty feet. They are one of the cornerstones of airplane etiquette.

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The seatbelt light is still on…

What is the etiquette when exiting a plane? Should you pop up as soon as you hear the ding and crank open the overhead bin? Or should you remain seated until the last possible moment? If you’re in a hurry, or have a connecting flight to catch, let a flight attendant know so they can help you get off quickly. Otherwise, you may stand when the light goes off and stretch your legs, but try to remain in your own personal space, as you gather your possessions. Don’t enter the aisle to access the overhead bin until it’s clearly your row’s turn. That means giving people in the row before you the time and space they need to access their own belongings.

Finally: feet

Don’t remove your shoes. Don’t do it! Always fly in shoes that will last the distance.

Do you have any favorite airplane etiquette tips? Share them with us in the comments section, below.

Turning left – it’s something that every passionate lover of travel wants to do at least once in their lifetime. When you enter a business class cabin, everything is prepared just so: the lie-flat seats are upright in their glossy pods, the premium blankets are neatly folded, the generously sized flat-screen TVs are stocked with entertainment, and champagne awaits you in a real glass flute. That’s before you even get to chef-designed food and beverage offerings, white-glove service and peaceful cabin lighting. If you’re wondering about the best airlines for business class experiences, we’ve got you covered.

A passenger in British Airways’ Club World cabin

Qatar Airways

Flying business class, you get to know the cream of the crop. And Qatar Airways has the awards to prove it: not only did it top the list of the world’s best airlines for business class at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2023, but Qatar Airways’ business class has a whopping six styles of business class seat to choose from. The plush curve of its QSuite seat, which converts to lie flat beds, is legendary, with doors you can slide across discreetly for privacy. Families or groups travelling together can also request a quartet of QSuites for a shared mega-suite; meanwhile the newer Business Class Suite (on some 787-9 Dreamliners) is even more spacious and comes with wireless charging points and a 79-inch lie-flat bed. Expect good food: Qatar also won “Best Catering” in the 2024 Airline Excellence Awards.

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British Airways

The UK’s flag carrier is known for its immaculate service and experienced flight attendants – every customer in its business class cabin is greeted by name and offered a glass of champagne as they board. The historic airline is also known for pairing with star chefs, premium champagne brands and cult British food and beverage companies for its upmarket business menu (afternoon tea is a real highlight). The brand new incarnation of its “Club Suite” started arriving on flights in 2019, with direct- access for every seat, a sliding door for privacy, 40 per cent more storage space and wifi all adding a vast improvement to the airline’s former offering.

Emirates

An onboard bar is a perk you don’t see on every flight is a trip to a mile-high bar. And Emirates is one of a handful of airlines that have crafted these separate spaces with seating areas, for a sociable leg-stretch during long flights. Lacquered woods and cream leather characterise Emirates’ luxe-feeling business-class seats, while switched-on flight attendants are quick to offer drinks and bring beautifully presented meals on gleaming chinaware. The airline launched ultra-luxe amenity kits with Italian brand Bulgari in 2023, with business class flyers enjoying mini Amethyste eau de toilettes as well as rich moisturisers, lip balm, a mirror, dental kit and foldaway hairbrush. 

Singapore Airlines’ latest business class cabin

Turkish Airlines

Turkey’s national carrier is known for its comprehensive network connecting east and west; and the business class experience is just as glamorous as you’d expect. Sculptural, curved black seating pods are well padded and feel spacious even for taller passengers. Turkish Airlines was awarded Best Business Class Catering for its onboard food and beverage in 2023, with menu items including mezze platters, kofte, swordfish brochette and Turkish “borek” pastries. Denon noise-cancelling headphones are provided to every business class passenger, for a seamless movie-watching experience, as are slick leather pouches of Ferragamo beauty products.

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Singapore Airlines

Known for its superb food and ever-smiling hospitality, Singapore Airlines is a carrier many business travels relish the thought of flying business class with. Its ‘Book the Cook’ feature means you can peruse a broad menu pre-flight and reserve your main course in advance; food is beautifully presented, while drinks include premium champagnes like Piper-Heidsieck, Singapore Sling cocktails and even mile-high cappuccinos. Meanwhile Singapore’s lie-flat beds are handcrafted from Scottish leather and diamond-stitched, with a cushioned headboard adding extra comfort. Wifi is also free to all business passengers.

Delta 

Often scooping the top spot when business travel bloggers rank the USA’s best business class experiences, Delta is a delight to fly in style. The service has had specific shout-outs from the likes of business travel website The Points Guy, while Business Traveler US crowned Delta the best business class in 2023. Its Delta One cabin refreshes you with a hot towel service on arrival, with swish Someone Somewhere amenity kits for further pampering throughout the flight. The buzz is all about the recently-launched Delta Suite, which has a fully lie-flat bed with memory foam, sliding doors (on most aircraft), do not disturb signs for passengers, and premium bedding made from recycled materials, including plastic bottles.

The Japanese ‘Washoku’ menu on ANA (All Nippon Airways)

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin adds a little extra insider factor to its business class by playfully naming it “Upper Class” – and in the absence of a First Class cabin, the airline’s business one does feel as deluxe as it gets. Disco-hued low lighting adapts to help you acclimate to time-zone changes; plush maroon-leather seats glide effortlessly to a flat bed, with generous, squishy bedding provided by the flight attendants. Virgin is also well-rated for its service – which, unlike some nation’s airlines, manages to be friendly, cheeky and irreverent as well as capable and helpful. It also has character-packed, sociable airport lounges at its main hubs: London Heathrow’s Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse has Peloton bikes, relaxation pods, a video-game zone and pool table.

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Cathay Pacific

This Hong-Kong-based airline is one of Asia’s most luxe flying experiences; a business class fare here will buy you a few hours in the award-winning Aria Suite seat (launching in Q4, 2024) with a 24-inch widescreen TV you can connect to with Bluetooth. Business Traveler recently listed  the new design as one of their 10 most anticipated business class cabins of 2024. In the meantime, super-soft bedding, switched-on service and a well-stocked inflight entertainment system all keep fans of the airline coming back for more. As does the food: Asian-influenced papaya salads, beef tenderloin, prawn stir fries with jasmine rice or truffled Croque Monsieurs.

ANA (All Nippon Airways)

Those who know their airline loyalty points and global business routes all covet a seat on an ANA long-haul flight to Japan. Its seat design “The Room” has one of the most generous seating areas on the global business class landscape, with tons of storage space, a 24-inch movie screen and a sliding door to hide away behind. All business class flyers get a collectable amenities pouch designed by cult luggage brand Globetrotter, a lie-flat bed and a choice between a traditional Japanese menu and an international one. Go for the former: the airline’s Executive Chef Shimizu is highly regarded, and this beautifully crafted, multi-course meal might include snapper sushi, miso-marinated mackerel and wakame salads, all served on beautiful Japanese ceramics.

Etihad

Back to the Arab Gulf for another deluxe business class cabin. Abu Dhabi’s home airline has been ahead of the game for some time when it comes to technology (wireless charging points, Bluetooth connection), inflight entertainment and seat innovations. Frequent flyers rave about its chic Acqua di Parma toiletries, Armani Casa blankets, marble-effect table tops and plush flat-bed seats with soothing, lamp-style lighting. Lunches and dinners are also served on smart Armani Casa chinaware: expect lashings of champagne, Arabic mezze, expertly executed curries and a broad wine and spirits selection. Little touches like noise-cancelling headphones and seats with a massage function add hotel-style luxury to the business class experience.