Southwest Airlines Worker Shares Common Mistake Customers Make When Getting Out Of Their Seats—It Makes Them Seem Like They Are New To Flying

There are unspoken rules about passenger etiquette when it comes to flying. Sometimes, this decorum is not as well-known as we’d assume.

For example, some people believe it’s unhygienic to take off your shoes on board. Others consider hard-boiled eggs and broccoli a diabolical snack to enjoy.

Now, one Southwest Airlines worker shared her a list of tips for new and seasoned travelers alike. Asia Garcia (@asiahoward) begins her clip by saying, “Besties, because I love you guys, we need to have a talk.”

Proper Seating

First up, she settles the highly debated ownership of the window shade. “When you get up on the plane, and your seat is at the window,” she starts, scooting to the window seat. “This window shade belongs to you. You can have it up or down as much as you like, OK?”

Then, she moves over to the middle seat. According to her, both armrests on each side belong to that middle seat. “Both of those are yours,” she says. While middle-seat passengers get both armrests, she clarifies that they need to keep their feet in their own spaces.

How To Get Out Of Your Seat

Moreover, Garcia demonstrates the wrong way to exit your seat. For example, she grabs the top of the seat behind her, shaking it as she climbs out, knocking over a walkie-talkie that’s on the tray table.  “You just knocked my stuff over,” she says.

Using the seat in front of you as a support is also advised against.

“You’re pulling whoever sitting here back toward you,” she says. “Nobody wants that.”

Exit and Front Row Seats

Subsequently, the Southwest Airline worker talks about the emergency exit row. The spots are known to be more spacious compared to the normal seats.

Garcia says the closest chair in front of this seat is where these passengers would store their baggage. A couple of bonuses include an outlet to plug in electronic devices below the armrest and a double tray stored there.

“That’s all you, boo,” she says.

Those seated in the front row also have a plug and tray tables in their armrests.

Storing Luggage

“If you happen to be on the plane that has big bins, guess what?” Garcia says. “There will be signs up ahead that tell you how to store your bag.” Since this plane doesn’t have this commodity, passengers have to store it in the old-fashioned way. “So, your bag will lay flat on the big bins. You turn your bag sideways,” she says.

Before wrapping up, she emphasizes the backseat pocket isn’t for passengers’ unwanted garbage the flight attendant didn’t collect. “This is not a trash can,” she says, pulling the fabric behind two seats.

“That’s basically it,” the content creator says.

“We need to talk… or maybe you’re new to flying so here are some tips!” Garcia writes in the caption.

Has Passenger Etiquette Declined?

Garcia’s tips amassed 2.4 million views. The majority of viewers agreed with her, noting this should be part of airline protocol.

“This video needs to play before the safety brief,” one viewer commented.

“Let’s replace the safety announcement in flight with this,” another said.

“Airplane etiquette 101. Thank you, ma’am!” a third stated.

Meanwhile, others resonated with certain takes.

“Thank you, queen! May all the men be paying attention to the middle seat armrest part, bc most of them expect me to just chop my arms off during the flight,” one commenter applauded.

Thank you!!! One time a man reached over me to pull down the window shade and I put it right back up. I didn’t care if I was blinding us all with the sun. It was the [principle] of the thing!” a second concurred.

The recent data echoes this sentiment. An August YouGov study conducted by The Points Guy found that 42% believe passenger behavior has declined over the past five years.

At the end of the day, it’s important to be considerate of your fellow passengers during your travels.

BroBible reached out to Garcia via Instagram and TikTok direct message.