As sunseekers start jetting off for some much-needed time away, an etiquette expert has shared how they can get the most out of their flight - and avoid making some of the worst mistakes.
Jacqueline Whitmore, founder of Protocol School of Etiquette in Palm Beach, Florida, is reminding people to 'be considerate' to others when travelling from A to B this summer.
She is encouraging travellers to follow her top rules to ensure their journey is stress free and doesn't negatively impact those around them.
Speaking to Fox News, she said: "With the seats getting smaller and smaller these days, we all have to learn to get along."
To start off her list, she urged people to avoid bringing pungent food on board with them, saying "if you're smart you will [bring food, but] don't bring anything with a highly identifiable or offensive smell.
"There's nothing more annoying than having to smell someone's greasy fish tacos."
Jacqueline warned people against asking others for a seat swap, saying it could put them in an uncomfortable position.
"Don't assume you're entitled to an upgrade just because you paid for a cheap seat and you want to sit with a family member in a more expensive seat," she said.
Adding to this, the expert reminded travellers that they have a right to recline their seats during the flight, saying: "That's what the seats were designed to do".
However, she advises holiday makers to "keep their seat upright during take-off, landing and during meals."
Jacqueline added: "If you feel compelled to recline all the way for maximum comfort, take a quick peek to avoid breaking someone's knees or laptop."
When you need to use the bathroom, rather than climbing all over your fellow passengers without warning, she advises people to simply tap them on the shoulder and say 'Excuse me'.
On this, she says a good passenger leaves the bathroom how they'd like to find it, not how they expect to find it.
She said: "Don't treat it like your own bathroom."
She says it's important to keep yourself in check throughout your flight - as to not become too 'comfortable' in your surroundings.
"Don't treat the airplane like your living room," added Jacqueline.
"If you must air out your feet, keep your socks on or wear slippers. What may look like water on the floor in the lavatory is something else instead.
"Keep your arms and legs to yourself. The seats may be getting smaller by the day, but that doesn't give you the right to spill over into someone else's space or put your head on another person's shoulder — unless, of course, you know that person well."
The same goes for parents who notice their child pushing or pulling at another person's seat, while doing nothing to stop it.
She said: "Nothing is cute or amusing about getting the back of your seat kicked, your hair pulled or watching someone else's children running like wild banshees up and down the aisle."
Expanding on this, she said: "The headrests are not there to help you balance yourself as you get in your steps or make the long trek to the lavatory."
Finally, she reminded passengers to be kind to their flight attendants, saying "their job is hard enough and they don't make enough money to put up with your b.s".
Jacqueline added: "They're there for your safety, not to wait on you hand and foot. Furthermore, if you're kind and considerate, you might possibly get an upgrade or an extra alcoholic beverage.
"Unless you like to be detained by the TSA, keep your voice down, follow the rules and treat the flight attendants with respect."
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