Plane Etiquette: Richard de Crespigny’s Advice on Sharing Cabin Space, November 9, 2026

Verified November 9, 2026, at 13:09 UTC (UTC+00:00).

Former Qantas pilot Richard de Crespigny has put a familiar airplane etiquette question back in focus: what should passengers do with their shoes? In an interview published November 9, he advised against walking barefoot on a plane and said passengers who remove their shoes on a long flight should wait until after takeoff. His comments connect personal comfort with consideration for others and readiness for an emergency.

For travelers, the wider lesson is straightforward: cabin space is shared. Recline carefully, keep feet and belongings within your space, and follow crew instructions. Some of these are courtesies; others, including compliance with safety directions, are requirements.

Destaques

• De Crespigny advised against walking barefoot in the cabin and raised hygiene and safety concerns.
• Recline gradually when permitted, and consider the passenger behind you, especially during meals.
• Share armrests and overhead bins reasonably; ask a flight attendant for help if a disagreement escalates.
• Follow the seat belt sign and crew instructions, and leave bags behind in an evacuation.

What did Richard de Crespigny say about airplane etiquette?

Speaking on Nine’s Today program, de Crespigny said passengers should not walk around the cabin barefoot. He acknowledged that removing shoes on a long flight can be understandable, while recommending waiting until after takeoff because footwear can matter in an evacuation.

That is his practical advice, not a universal rule requiring shoes throughout every flight. Airline policies and crew instructions can differ. If you remove your shoes, keep them within reach, wear clean socks, and put your shoes back on before walking to the restroom or through the cabin. Keep your feet off seats, armrests and other passengers’ space.

Is it rude to recline your airplane seat?

When your seat can recline and the crew permits it, using that feature is generally reasonable. The considerate part is how and when you do it. Look behind you first, give the person a brief heads-up, and move the seat back slowly so a drink, laptop or knees are not caught by surprise.

During meal service, returning your seat upright gives the person behind you more usable tray space. If someone asks for more room, a calm conversation may reveal an easy compromise, such as reclining only partway for a while. A passenger who needs to work or eat can make the same request politely rather than pushing the seat forward.

Safety instructions take priority. Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) says cabin crew explain requirements for reclining seats and tray tables during the safety briefing. Return your seat to the position they specify.

Who gets the armrests and overhead bin space?

A common courtesy is to give the middle-seat passenger more access to the shared armrests, since the window and aisle seats have other advantages. It is a convention, not an enforceable aviation rule. Body sizes and mobility needs differ, so adjust and communicate rather than treating either armrest as a prize.

For carry-on bags, check your airline’s size and weight limits before leaving home. At your seat, follow the crew’s stowage directions and use overhead space efficiently. If practical and permitted, put a small personal item under the seat in front, leaving room overhead for larger cabin bags. Do not move someone else’s belongings without asking, and request crew assistance if an item is too heavy for you to lift safely.

CASA says baggage may be placed in an overhead compartment or under the seat in front, subject to crew instructions; under-seat storage is not available in an exit row. Keep aisles, exits and the area around your feet clear as directed.

How can passengers reduce noise and handle disagreements?

Use headphones for movies, games and music, and keep the volume low enough that others cannot hear it. Speak quietly when the cabin is dark, avoid prolonged conversations across rows, and check before opening a bright window shade or switching on a reading light near a sleeping neighbor. If a child repeatedly kicks a seat, a gentle request to the accompanying adult is a useful first step.

If another passenger’s behavior is bothering you, describe the specific problem without accusing them: “Would you mind moving your bag? I can’t reach my seat.” People may not realize the effect of what they are doing. If the issue continues, or you feel unsafe, involve a flight attendant rather than arguing or touching the other passenger’s belongings.

Not every need is visible. Someone may need frequent aisle access, extra time to board or help with luggage. A little flexibility makes the cabin easier to share, while the crew can help when a request affects safety or seating arrangements.

What cabin safety rules matter most?

Listen to the safety demonstration, locate your nearest usable exits and read the safety card. Follow the seat belt sign and crew directions. Keeping your belt fastened while seated, even when the sign is off, can help protect you during unexpected turbulence; CASA’s turbulence guidance discusses encouraging this practice.

After landing, stay seated with your belt fastened until the sign is off and the crew permits you to move. Then allow people ahead of you space to collect their belongings and exit. Standing up is not inherently impolite once movement is permitted, but crowding the aisle can make it harder for others to leave.

In an evacuation, CASA directs passengers to leave their bags behind. Follow crew directions promptly. On future flights, checking the specific airline’s baggage and seating information before departure can prevent avoidable conflicts; cabin arrangements and policies vary.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take my shoes off on a plane?

Often, yes, subject to airline rules and crew instructions. De Crespigny recommends waiting until after takeoff on a long flight and advises against walking barefoot in the cabin.

Should I ask before reclining?

A brief warning is courteous, especially if the person behind is using a tray or laptop. Recline slowly and follow any crew instruction about seat position.

Can I stand as soon as the plane lands?

Wait until the seat belt sign is off and crew instructions allow you to move. Then keep the aisle clear enough for other passengers to disembark.