9 plane etiquette rules every passenger should follow

Discover the indisputable rules of domestic plane etiquette.

Planes can be a wild place. All of a sudden, you’re forced into the personal space of many random strangers. You even have to share the (rather unpleasant) air with them. And something about that turns otherwise civilised people into animals. Debates on plane etiquette will pop up on the internet time and again, but we have the unquestionable list that all plane passengers should be following for a brighter world.

Read on, and take note.

1. Never put your seat back

There is never an excuse to lower the back of your seat on a domestic flight. Domestic planes are much tighter spaces and those of us who are six foot and over simply cannot squeeze our legs into the tiny gap that is left when the chair in front of us is leaning back. The maximum length of flight around Australia is what, five hours? You can sit upright for five hours. If you can’t… catch the train.

2. Don’t dig into the seat in front

Unless the seat in front of you has broken rule number one, don’t dig, bang or hang on their seat back. But if they have broken rule number three, well then they’ve made their own bed and they can get kneed in the back for it.

Think of the tall people. (Image: Getty/ Chalabala)

3. Armrests are for the middle seat

I don’t know how to make this any clearer – the middle seat sucks and the only saving grace is having both the armrests. The aisle seat has its own armrest, and the window seat can lean into the wall of the plane.

I will die on this hill.

person holding onto chair armrests in plane — If you’re not in the middle, stay away from the middle armrests. (Image: Getty/ Skynesher)

4. Keep your feet to yourself

It’s the eternal mystery, but for some reason there will always be people who can’t grasp where their foot space begins and ends on a plane. Some people will also get hung up on the barefoot issue, but to be honest, I truly don’t care as long as you keep your foot in the imaginary box of your chair. And, just to remind you all, I am a tall woman saying this. If I can do it, so can you.

crowd of people walking — Watch where your feet go. (Image: Getty/ bee32)

5. Be polite

Just as with hotel staff, the obvious, yet often ignored, answer to getting the best out of people is simply to be kind and polite. That goes for both the airline staff, and your fellow guests. If you ask for things nicely and respectfully, more often than not, you’ll receive an agreeable answer. Yes, even when things seem to be going wrong.

6. Don’t push someone to switch seats

Sometimes, in plane travel, you will not be seated next to your party. Sucks to be you, but may I just say: too bad. If it’s important to sit next to your travel companions – be they friend, lover or offspring – pay the extra $20 to choose your seat ahead of time.

What you certainly should not do is guilt a fellow passenger into switching seats with you just because they’re travelling solo. If you have the same seat (or better, you may ask the question – in a casual, guilt-free tone. But if the answer is no, sit yourself down and buckle up for a ride without your nearest and dearest. It’s no one else’s fault that you’re not sitting together, and it’s likely every person on that plane has been very intentional about their seat choice.

Controversially, as someone who does love kids, I also have to apply this to parents and kids. There may be some slim exceptions to this, but in general, it’s no excuse to behave poorly.

plane about to take off at sunset — Planes just aren’t that big, deal with your seat. (Image: Getty/ Gremlin)

7. Switch if you can, though

Having said that, if you’re flying solo and the seat swap you’re being asking for is the exact same position (or better) in a different row, you really should just say yes. If they’re trying to force you into a middle seat though, you hold strong on that no.

8. Don’t hog the overhead bins

Some passengers are just so darn desperate to fit everything into a carry on bag, that they screw everyone else over by hogging more than their fair share of the overhead bins. The rules are, one small bag up the top, one even smaller.

man putting luggage in storage bin on plane — Be reasonable with your carry-on. (Image: Space_Cat)

9. Wait your turn to get off the plane

There is an order to deboarding the plane, and it goes row by row. We can all agree on that. However, I do have just a couple of caveats. The first is if someone is desperate to go to the toilet, they can’t get to the plane toilet because the aisles are filled, and they’re very open and honest about the desperate need to get to the loo with passengers around them who are perhaps moving a little slowly – just step aside for one moment and let them run off. Don’t be such a stickler for the etiquette rules that you literally elbow them to stop them getting in front of you, even though you’re in no way ready to walk off the plane.

Pointing this out for a friend, not from my own life. Personally.

The other is that if someone is literally ready to race off the second the plane lands, no need to gather things or get a bag from the overhead locker, probably just let them go.

line of people with suitcases at airport — Line up, and wait. (Image: Getty/ Izusek)

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.