A travel expert has shared his key etiquette tips for flying, highlighting three common airport mistakes that can quickly make the journey more stressful.
Rob Adcock believes the biggest issue for many holidaymakers is arriving at the airport without properly preparing for the trip. The travel content creator, who regularly posts about his journeys on TikTok, said that lack of preparation shows up in several different ways.
He explained: “You’ve been standing in a queue for security for an hour, it’s not a surprise that you’ve got to take your belt off and empty your pockets. It’s like you did last time, and the time before that. Just think ahead. If you’re unsure, just Google it. It’ll save you the death stare.”
That advice lines up with official airport guidance, which says passengers should have their ID and boarding pass ready, check their airline’s rules before travelling, and review security requirements such as the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule before they get to the checkpoint.
Another major problem, he said, is people failing to pay attention to what’s going on around them in busy terminals.
“I know lots of people only travel very rarely, and it can be a daunting task going through a big bright airport at 4 in the morning. I get it,” he quipped.
“But if you’re going to have your suitcase outstretched and just stop in an area where loads of people are walking through, you’re gonna get some dirty looks.”
To illustrate the point, Rob compared it to stopping abruptly in a supermarket car park with no warning.
Rob compared it to suddenly ‘slamming your breaks’ in your local supermarket car park for ‘no apparent reason’. “You’re gonna get some verbals coming your way,” the expert said.
The TikToker continued: “Just be conscious of where you are and other people who are around. Also, don’t crowd the gate before your group’s been called. You’re not getting to Alicante any quicker. You’re just blocking everyone else’s way.”
That warning has become even more relevant as airports continue to get busier, with many carriers using group boarding, strict gate deadlines and tighter cabin-bag enforcement to keep departures moving. In practice, travellers who crowd the gate or block walkways can slow down boarding for everyone else.
The third mistake, and the one he finds especially painful to watch, is overpacking hand luggage.
“When I see someone getting pulled to one side by a budget airline worker because their bag is clearly too big for the little bag-checker, it gives me a horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach because you just know it’s gonna cost them a few quid,” the travel expert said.
He also offered a practical workaround for anyone worried they may have packed too much into their cabin bag.
Rob continued: “One little tip — if you think you might have overpacked, buy something from the airport.
“Even if it’s the cheapest thing and get the biggest carrier bag they have. Then, before you get to the gate, whack anything you can in there out of your luggage. Most airlines will let you take an airport shopping bag on as well, so use that space wisely.”
It’s a useful reminder, especially as many airlines will charge passengers if a carry-on is found to be oversized at the gate. Some budget carriers have particularly strict rules: for example, Ryanair currently allows one small personal bag in the cabin on its standard fares, while easyJet says cabin bags that exceed the allowance may have to go in the hold or be refused at the gate.
For anyone flying soon, it may be worth double-checking your packing, staying alert in crowded areas, and getting ready before security to avoid unnecessary hassle.
It is also worth checking whether you have the right travel documents before leaving home, because U.S. travellers aged 18 and over must show acceptable identification at the checkpoint, and TSA advises passengers to confirm what they can bring in their hand luggage before heading to the airport.