As you’d expect, most hotel bedding is regularly washed and swapped out between stays, such as fitted sheets, pillow cases, and top sheets. But can the same be said for the comforter? Anyone who’s ever done laundry knows that comforters are bulky and can be annoying to clean, plus they tend to require less frequent cleaning than other bedding, as there’s usually less skin-to-comforter contact due to the other layers of bedding in between. This begs the question: Do hotels follow that same logic and clean comforters or duvets less often, or do they wash them as frequently as all other bedding? Here’s what experts have to say.

Note: All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Daily Passport may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

There’s No Industry-Wide Standard

The frequency with which hotels clean comforters varies depending on the type of place you stay in, according to Downlite — a trusted source for hotel bedding in the U.S. for over 40 years. The company mentions that luxury hotels and resorts are the likeliest to wash comforters most frequently, given that guests generally expect levels of service and cleanliness that go above and beyond. Some higher-end resorts may even wash the comforters mid-visit if a guest booked the room for a longer stay.

The cleaning staff at any midrange hotel (i.e., typical two- to four-star hotels that the majority of travelers may frequent) generally abide by an individual company policy. Some are known to wash comforters between each guest, while others may do so once a week, for example, as part of a regular cleaning schedule. 

Then, there are budget hotels, which may lack the resources of higher-end accommodations. Some budget hotels only wash comforters if there’s an obvious spill or stain, or during a monthly deep clean of the entire room. However, it’s worth stating that there are budget hotels that are just as dedicated to clean bedding as more expensive hotels. 

And finally, when it comes to bed and breakfasts or Airbnbs, comforters tend to be cleaned on whatever schedule the owner of that small business decides.

Hotels That Stand Out Above the Rest

The reality is that hotels are typically mum about the specific details of their cleaning policy, so there’s no way to know without contacting the property and asking them directly. And not all hotels live up to expectations. Take, for example, the comments from Ben Pundole, executive VP of brand culture and experience for Public Hotels, in an interview with the Washington Post:, “I know for a fact that some hotels are more thorough than others.”

One example of a thoroughly clean hotel chain? The Hampton Inn, which has over 3,000 locations worldwide. It’s been official hotel policy since 2006 to wash every linen on the bed between guests, including comforters, duvet covers, sheets, and pillowcases. In 2012, Hampton Inn even began to leave notes for each guest to reassure them of the cleanliness of their room and put their minds at ease.

Different Types of Bulky Sheets

Of course, not all hotel rooms have comforters. Some may rely on duvets or heavy blankets instead. Comforters are more challenging to keep clean than duvets, as they take up a significant amount of space in a washing machine. Duvets, on the other hand, tend to have a thin removable cover that can be washed quite easily along with the rest of the bedding. So, it makes sense that duvet covers tend to be more regularly cleaned than comforters across the board — or at least, they should be.

However, when it comes to decorative bedspreads, there’s often a lot left to be desired in terms of cleanliness. According to a Reader’s Digest report, certain hotels were found to only wash their decorative bedding four times a year. This serves as a cautionary tale when it comes to decorative pillows or bedspreads in a hotel room.

What Can You Do?

Still worried about the uncertainty regarding a clean comforter? A simple solution is to contact the hotel directly. A service representative or manager can explain exactly how frequently their comforters are cleaned. If it ends up being less frequent than you’d like, you can always stay at another hotel.

Another option is to bring your own bedding. Though this takes up valuable luggage space, you don’t really need to bring an entire set of bedding, as the hotel should clean the sheets and pillowcases before your arrival — just bring a clean comforter or duvet cover from home. Lastly, after arrival, check the bedding for any stains. If something seems awry, contact the front desk to replace the dirty bedding with a clean comforter or new set of pillowcases.

From the mountains of Piedmont in the north to the warm sunshine of Sicily in the south, it’s easy to see the appeal of living in Italy — especially when it’s possible to snap up Italian real estate for a paltry sum of 1 euro (a little over $1 — yes, you read that right). In the central region of Abruzzo, Penne is one of the latest towns to join the popular program. If it’s your dream to experience la dolce vita in Italy, find out what buying one of these 1 euro homes entails and how to make your dreams of living abroad a reality.

What Is the Case 1 Euro Program?

Faced with rural depopulation, homeowners wishing to offload their properties to cut their tax bill, and buildings in an increasingly dilapidated state of repair, some municipal authorities across Italy have taken drastic action to rectify the situation. In an attempt to breathe new life into affected towns and villages, homes have been put up for sale for a price of just 1 euro as part of the Casa 1 Euro program, which launched in Sicily in 2008 and has proved popular with both Italian residents and foreigners in the years since. 

Properties are for sale all over Italy, so whether you fancy a Tuscan home base from which to explore Florence or a Ligurian hideaway a stone’s throw from the Cinque Terre, the ideal home might just be out there waiting for you.

However, there’s a catch. It may be obvious, but properties in the Case 1 Euro program aren’t exactly the most desirable on the market. (If they were, they’d be selling for a lot more.) Often, they are situated in remote villages and towns, so if you were hoping to buy one to tick off some of Italy’s top visitor attractions, you’ll need to be prepared to travel. (Though that’s a good enough excuse for a road trip, right?)

Some older properties may also need extensive work, which, under the terms of the purchase agreement, will usually need to be completed within a set period. Others may be more modern homes or apartments, but they’ll likely lack curb appeal. Additionally, if you don’t speak Italian, finding and negotiating with local contractors — not to mention navigating the notoriously difficult local bureaucracy — can become a major headache. But if the idea of a tucked-away village appeals to you and you’re willing to put in the time (and additional investment), you might be able to move to Italy for a bargain.

A New Town Joins the Program

The village of Penne is situated about halfway between the Adriatic Sea and Monti della Laga National Park, home to Italy’s famous Gran Sasso massif. In part because it’s off the beaten tourist path — Rome is located about 85 miles southwest — Penne offers a slower pace of life. Home to about 12,000 people, the town is surrounded by picturesque rolling hills and olive groves, and is known as the “City of Bricks” for their extensive use in its charming architecture.

According to reporting from CNN, the town is also taking a slightly more relaxed approach for those interested in the 1 euro house program. Unlike other municipalities, no down payment is required — only a commitment to renovate the property within a three-year period. 

The town also partners prospective buyers with local architects to support them through the renovation process and make it less burdensome. The town’s mayor estimates that the starting cost for a remodel of a small- to medium-sized home to be around 20,000 euros (around $23,000).  

Can Anyone Buy a 1 Euro Home?

The Casa 1 Euro program is open to anyone, but the first step is to source a home. Some local authorities require you to visit in person to be sure that you are a serious buyer. 

Once you’ve settled on a potential property, you’ll need to apply for an Italian tax code issued by the Revenue Agency, without which you can’t complete your purchase. To remain in Italy for more than 90 days as a noncitizen, you’ll need a residence permit, which you must request within eight days of your arrival. Therefore, it’s possible for foreigners to take advantage of the program, as long as they are willing to make the financial commitment to invest in repairs and renovations.

Do Similar Programs Exist Elsewhere in Europe?

Italy isn’t the only country to see an opportunity to find willing volunteers to redevelop aging properties and breathe new life into struggling communities and rural economies. In 2023, the Irish government launched its Our Living Islands initiative to attract new residents to some of its most remote islands. If you meet the country’s immigration requirements, you become eligible to apply for a Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant of up to 60,000 euros (about $65,950) toward the cost of renovations.

The village of Legrad in Croatia, located in the rural northwest part of the Balkan country, is also inviting applicants to demolish derelict buildings on sites where new housing can be built. If successful, applicants will receive a grant of up to 1,000 euros to cover removal costs. If you’re a citizen of a country that isn’t a member of the EU, you’ll need to complete formal paperwork to buy property in Croatia. Applicants have until December 2025 to submit their bid.

No one likes a flight delay, but unfortunately for all of us, they’re more common than you think. According to data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, nearly 22% of flights in the U.S. experienced a delay or cancellation in 2024. We dug into the data to find out which airports had the worst on-time arrival rates. Here are the 10 most delayed major U.S. airports (as defined by the BTS).

10. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Percentage of delayed or canceled flights: 23.8%

The airspace around New York City is the most congested in the country, so it’s no surprise to see Newark Airport in neighboring New Jersey make the list of the top 10 most delayed airports in the U.S. Indeed, the No. 1 cause of delays at EWR in 2024 was related to the National Aviation System (NAS), a broad set of disruptions that include airport operations, heavy traffic volume, and air traffic control. Newark Airport also faced delays due to runway construction throughout the year. Another New York City-area airport wasn’t far behind on the list — JFK saw 22.97% of flights arrive late in 2024.

9. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

Percentage of delayed or canceled flights: 23.94%

Boston Logan faced similar congestion issues, with National Aviation System issues as the top delay cause in 2024. According to the airport’s website, Logan has the second-smallest footprint among the top 20 major American airports, yet it is one of the nation’s busiest hubs, with more than 40 airlines offering services to over 100 destinations. The top carriers at Logan are Delta Air Lines and JetBlue Airways. 

8. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

Percentage of delayed or canceled flights: 23.98%

Austin, Texas, is home to one of the nation’s fastest-growing airports, and 2024 was its second-busiest year on record, with 21.8 million passengers. Unfortunately, there were some growing pains, as nearly a quarter of flights through Austin-Bergstrom were late. JetBlue was the airline with the most delays at the airport in 2024.

7. Miami International Airport (MIA)

Percentage of delayed or canceled flights: 24.98%

Miami International was one of four Florida airports to make the list of U.S. airports with the most delays. Among other factors, the region’s airspace faced restrictions due to a staffing shortage of air traffic controllers throughout the year, leading to frequent ground stop programs and more disruptions for passengers. Miami is the second-busiest airport in Florida, and the airport’s top carrier is American Airlines. 

5. Orlando International Airport (MCO) (tie)

Percentage of delayed or canceled flights: 25.44%

Orlando is famous for theme parks like Walt Disney World, which draw millions of visitors each year. So perhaps it’s no surprise to learn that MCO is Florida’s busiest airport (and the ninth-busiest in the nation), handling 57.2 million passengers in 2024. But with all that traffic volume there were significant delays — more than a quarter of flights arrived at their destinations late during the year, according to the BTS data. 

5. San Diego International Airport (SAN) (tie)

Percentage of delayed or canceled flights: 25.44%

Contrary to popular belief, the weather isn’t always sunny in Southern California. Recently, San Diego’s airport made headlines for major flight disruptions due to fog and low visibility. The airport also has only one runway, which makes it more prone to delays when traffic volume is high. There were more than 95,000 flights at the airport in 2024, and San Diego’s top carrier is Southwest Airlines.  

4. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Percentage of delayed or canceled flights: 26%

American Airlines is the world’s biggest airline in terms of passenger numbers, and Dallas/Fort Worth is the airline’s largest hub — and it continues to grow, offering flights to 240 destinations worldwide. If you’re connecting through DFW, however, be prepared to be patient, as it ranks No. 4 in the nation for flight delays.  

3. Tampa International Airport (TPA)

Percentage of delayed or canceled flights: 26.06%

Florida’s Tampa International notched 1,281,745 total minutes of flight delays in 2024, according to the BTS. Though the airport often faces adverse weather conditions, particularly frequent thunderstorms in summer, the top cause of flight delays was aircraft arriving late — which is also the top cause of all flight delays in the country. 

2. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

Percentage of delayed or canceled flights: 26.14%

The dubious honor of Florida’s most delayed airport goes to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International. One factor in the number of flight disruptions is the number of low-cost airlines that operate out of the airport. According to an airport spokesperson, those airlines tended to have more delayed flights, with Spirit Airlines topping the list with a 31% delay rate. 

1. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Percentage of delayed or canceled flights: 31.11%

SFO is the most delayed U.S. airport by a considerable margin. The airport’s runway layout has a big impact on operations. Its parallel runways are only 750 feet apart, and during periods of low visibility (which can occur frequently in the Bay Area), the FAA mandates that only one runway be used, which reduces the amount of traffic the airport can accommodate and leads to frequent delays.

If you’re hoping for a little extra space to spread out on your next flight, we have some bad news: In 2024, global air passenger demand notched a new record — flights worldwide were 83.5% full on average, according to the IATA. But even if the chances of having an open seat next to you are slim, it does happen every once in a while. And when fortune strikes, you may be wondering: Who gets to take advantage of that precious bit of extra personal space? It turns out, there are a few unwritten rules when it comes to an open middle seat on a plane — here’s what not to do if the situation arises. 

Don’t Claim the Space Before Boarding Ends

This may be a familiar scenario: You board your flight, find your seat, and notice the middle seat next to you is unoccupied. So, of course, you keep a close eye on the line of passengers making their way down the aisle, holding out hope that the middle seat stays open.

The key is to wait until the door actually closes before assuming the seat will remain empty. While boarding may seem like it’s finished at times, there may be people waiting on the standby list to claim that empty seat, or there may be passengers sprinting from a late connection to board at the last minute. Always hold off for the flight attendants’ announcement that the boarding door has closed before you take advantage of the extra room.

Don’t Put Your Personal Item Underneath It

While larger items can be stowed in the overhead bins, smaller personal items such as backpacks, purses, and jackets belong underneath the seat in front of you. If the middle seat stays open, you may be tempted to place those items underneath the seat in front of it so you can enjoy the extra legroom for yourself. 

However, it’s considered an unwritten rule of air travel that an empty middle seat is a shared space — it wouldn’t be considerate of the other passenger in your row if you immediately claimed it as your own (at least not without asking first). If the other person doesn’t have a personal item, though, consider it a green light to use that under-seat storage space. 

Don’t Spread Out Without Asking First

But what about the seat itself? We’re all familiar with how tight economy seats are these days, so the extra real estate provided by an empty middle seat surely comes in handy for storing items like coats or electronic devices, or just to spread your legs a little more. 

As with any shared space, communication is key. Etiquette expert Patricia Rossi told Fodor’s that your best bet is to have a conversation with your neighbor: “I would say, ‘Lucky us, we have this beautiful square of skyspace to share. Would you mind if I put my iPad, ear pod holder, book, travel snacks, etc., here?’”

If you plan to place your items (or feet) in or around the middle seat, it’s a good idea to give the person sitting in the same row the opportunity to use that space, too. Say you want to use your own tray table to work on a laptop computer and use the empty seat’s tray table for your drink and snacks — make sure you’re only placing them on your side to free up space for your neighbor. 

Also be aware that, in some cases, the person sitting in your row might have actually purchased that seat to remain open intentionally, so the space is technically theirs. Airlines such as United allow passengers to purchase an extra seat for added comfort. 

Don’t Get Too Comfortable

Just because you and your seatmate have worked out custody of the shared space doesn’t mean that it’s automatically yours for the whole flight. A situation may arise mid-flight where another seat (or the seatback screen) breaks, or there’s a medical emergency, and flight attendants need to accommodate another passenger in the empty middle seat next to you. The crew’s job is to get everyone to their destination safely and comfortably, and if they need that middle seat to do so, that’s their right.

Don’t Assume a Friend Can Join You

If you’re traveling with others on the same flight but you weren’t able to reserve seats together, it can be tempting to have them join you in the empty seat next to you. However, consider the other passenger in your row before doing so. They’re probably just as thrilled as you are that the seat has been left open. At the very least, be sure to ask them for permission before your companion takes the empty seat and try to do so as early in the flight as possible.

You’ll also want to ask the flight attendants for permission. Before departure, the crew performs a weight and balance check. An empty seat may have been left open intentionally to ensure proper weight distribution and a safe takeoff, so don’t just assume it’s there for the taking — ask first.

Other Unwritten Airplane Etiquette Rules

In the more likely scenario that the middle seat is occupied, one of the biggest topics of debate concerns the armrest. While traveler opinions were mixed in a recent survey, the general consensus is that the middle seat passenger gets first dibs on both armrests. After all, no one likes being stuck in the middle seat between two strangers, and the window seat passenger gets control of the window shade, while the aisle seat passenger has easy access to get up and use the lavatory. 

And as far as trading seats with other passengers, try to avoid it unless it’s absolutely necessary. If it is necessary, always ask the other passenger first, and make sure that your offer is fair — offering to take an aisle seat in the back for an aisle in front, for example. If the other passenger politely declines, respect their decision.

Another hot topic: reclining your seat. While passengers are technically allowed to recline their seats at any time (except during takeoff and landing, per FAA regulations) because it is part of the seat function they pay for, you should always be courteous to others. U.S. flight attendant and author Heather Poole suggested to CNN that travelers should check with the passenger behind them first and acknowledge that there are times when it may be inappropriate to recline.

There can be a lot to grasp in terms of airplane etiquette, especially if you don’t fly frequently. When in doubt, always give courtesy and consideration to your fellow travelers — you never want to be that passenger. 

The best vacation spots blend the best of both worlds: plenty of things to see and do but also not overrun with other visitors. They’re beloved by locals, but fly just under the radar to remain unspoiled by overtourism. From an unspoiled isle in one of America’s least-visited national parks to the “Classic City” of the South, these 10 U.S. destinations are often overlooked and uncrowded — but you might have a hard time keeping quiet about them once you visit. 

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

In their rush to the ski resorts, many travelers to Colorado miss out on this historic mining town at the northern edge of the Roaring Fork Valley. But Glenwood Springs oozes charm, from the beautifully preserved buildings to the wonderfully warm hot springs that bubble up from the depths beneath town.

Visitors don’t even need a car: Amtrak treats passengers to spectacular scenery on the five-hour ride from Denver, dropping them in the heart of the easily walkable downtown. Pro tip: The Pullman, right across from the station, has some of the best food in town. And if you stay at the historic Hotel Colorado, their complimentary guest shuttle will whisk you to Iron Mountain Hot Springs, which feature more than 25 mineral springs pools, with temperatures ranging from 98 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit and epic views of the Rockies.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Nearby Taos and Santa Fe frequently make the travel guidebooks, but for laid-back, relatively untouristed charm, Albuquerque is hard to top. Albuquerque’s high desert location means you can ski Sandia Peak in the morning and enjoy a sunny round of golf in the afternoon. The unique geography has also allowed the city to become the hot air ballooning capital of the world — take flight yourself or marvel at the masses at the annual international balloon fiesta.

Albuquerque is known for its mouthwatering New Mexican cuisine, and Papa Felipe’s is a can’t-miss local favorite. Meanwhile, for a bit of Provence in the desert, visit the lavender fields and enjoy an exquisite meal at the Los Poblanos Historic Inn.

Waipi’o Valley, Hawaii

The Big Island’s Waipi’o Valley — nicknamed the “Valley of Kings” — is indeed fit for the Hawaiian royalty who called the sacred valley home for generations. Located at the northern end of the Hamakua Heritage Corridor, the steep and sparsely populated valley stretches across more than 5 miles of dense jungle.

Getting to the bottom requires a strenuous hike or a four-wheel-drive vehicle, so a tour (by shuttle, mule-drawn wagon, or horseback) is often the best way to experience Waipi’o. The intrepid will be rewarded with uncrowded vistas, a beautiful black sand beach, and Hi’ilawe Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the state.

Topsail Island, North Carolina

South of the better-known Outer Banks, Topsail is a 26-mile-long barrier island between the coast of North Carolina and the Atlantic Ocean. Two high-rise bridges are Topsail’s only connections to the mainland, and it remains a wild sanctuary of maritime forests and a refuge for sea turtles. The island was historically a hideout for pirates; legend has it that Blackbeard buried a still-undiscovered trove somewhere on its southern end. Today, Topsail’s treasure consists of incredible oceanfront rentals, uncrowded beaches, and spectacular fishing.

Athens, Georgia

There’s something special about the energy of college towns, and the “Classic City,” home to the University of Georgia, is an ideal example. The college — the nation’s first land-grant university — dates back to 1785, but Athens itself was officially incorporated in 1806, two years after the first class graduated.

Filled with graceful mansions, a restored Victorian downtown, and classic architecture, Athens has a rich musical history — REM, the B-52s, and Widespread Panic formed here — along with a vibrant culinary scene. Grab an oversized biscuit at Mama’s Boy and then stroll off the calories at the 300-plus-acre State Botanical Garden.

Springfield, Illinois

Illinois’ state capital has presidential history in abundance, but Abraham Lincoln isn’t the only reason to travel to this mid-state destination. Of course, Springfield is home to — and justifiably proud of — Honest Abe’s presidential library and museum, his 1860 home, and his tomb. But even without these, the city has plenty of appeal.

The Dana Thomas House is a lovingly preserved example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s prairie-style architecture. Wright designed approximately 450 art glass windows, skylights, door panels, sconces, and light fixtures for the house, which also contains the largest collection of his custom-created furniture. For more modern glass, check out the vintage Route 66 neon signs at the Ace Sign Co. Sign Museum.

Astoria, Oregon

Fans of the 1985 cult classic The Goonies will instantly recognize this coastal city at the mouth of the Columbia River. (And yes, there are plenty of film locations to see around town.) The first permanent non-Native American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains, Astoria quickly became a center of fur trading, lumber, and canning, thanks to the millions of salmon that once ran along the river.

Astoria today embraces its industrial roots, all while welcoming visitors who come for its many attractions, from the maritime museum to the six-mile riverwalk, the vibrant downtown, and endless recreation opportunities on Oregon’s wild Pacific coast.

Finger Lakes, New York

This scenic corner of upstate New York has 11 finger-shaped lakes, the longest of which, Cayuga, stretches more than 30 miles long. You’ll usually find almost as many boats as automobiles on the uncrowded lanes that lead to Cayuga or the more remote Keuka and Skaneateles lakes.

And then there’s the wine: The Finger Lakes region is home to more than 100 wineries, and produces particularly fine Rieslings. Whether you’re savoring maple syrup and leaf-peeping, sledding and ice-skating, or splashing and sunning, the Finger Lakes are truly a year-round delight.

Hermann, Missouri

German settlers homesick for the Rhine Valley found the rolling hills of the Missouri River Valley a suitable substitute, and decided to call them home. Planting vineyards on the rocky hillsides and erecting brick buildings along the Missouri River, the early 19th-century colony prospered.

Today, the picturebook-pretty town is on the map again, holding a lively Oktoberfest and boasting a varied selection of restaurants and boutiques in its historic downtown. One of its wineries, Stone Hill, has won gold medals at wine competitions around the globe, and at one point was the second-largest winery in the country.

Isle Royale, Michigan 

Isle Royale lies in Lake Superior’s northwest corner, which is just a few miles from the Canadian border and part of Isle Royale National Park. Apart from a few Alaska parks, Isle Royale National Park is the least-visited of all national parks. It also happens to contain the highest number of intact shipwrecks in the National Park Service, making it an exciting destination for divers willing to brave the cold water. 

This gorgeously rugged island park’s isolation is what keeps visitor numbers low. To reach Isle Royale, you’ll want to book a seaplane flight or board a ferry for a three to four-hour trip from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula or Minnesota. You won’t encounter traffic jams here — the only way to get around is by foot or boat, as the park prohibits all wheeled vehicles except wheelchairs. Multiple campgrounds are scattered around the island, and many have easy water access to launch kayaks or canoes. One small lodge exists on the island if you prefer an alternative to camping.

With thousands of travelers taking off their shoes and rummaging through their bags for toiletries and electronics, the TSA screening process at the airport can be frustrating if even just one person holds up the line. Don’t let that person be you. Here are seven common airport security mistakes people make that prevent them (and others behind them) from getting to their gate on time. 

Note: All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Daily Passport may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

Wearing the Wrong Footwear

For standard security screening, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires passengers to remove shoes, belts, light jackets, liquids, and laptop computers. That means it’s especially important to consider your footwear: With dozens of passengers in line behind you, you don’t want to wear lace-up sneakers or boots that will take considerable time to remove. Slip-on shoes make the security process quicker for everyone, so leave the clunky footwear at home. 

The same goes for bulky jewelry and accessories, as the metals used in some jewelry are likely to set off the metal detector and must be removed. And be sure to wear socks — walking barefoot through the terminal is pretty gross considering the number of feet that have traipsed the hall before you. 

Having a Disorganized Bag

If X-ray scans can’t easily identify items in your luggage, a more thorough search is required, so make sure you keep toiletries, clothes, electronics, and food items separate. If you’re bringing any liquids, gels, or aerosols through TSA security in your carry-on bag, always follow the “3-1-1 rule,” so you don’t get flagged and slow down the line. Liquids must be 3.4 ounces or less and contained inside a 1-quart bag, and only one bag is allowed per passenger.

The TSA also recommends that travelers use backpacks and purses with laptop compartments to make the screening process quicker. Consider using a set of packing cubes, too, which can prevent you from time-consuming TSA searches and allow you to fit more in your carry-on.

Not Informing Officers of Medical Devices

If you have an implant, cast, wheelchair, insulin pump — or any other internal or external medical device or medically necessary equipment or medication — let a TSA officer know before you walk through the scanner. It will prevent a holdup in the line, and agents may be able to better accommodate you or assist you to your gate. For more information on medical screening, including a list of prohibited items and information on where to pack these items, visit the official TSA website.

Leaving Wrapped Presents in Your Bag

Packing presents for your loved ones can pose a problem if they get flagged by the X-ray machine. TSA officers don’t like having to unwrap your gifts, which is why they recommend using gift bags instead of wrapping paper and hard-to-remove bows and ribbons. Gifts are like any other item you bring on a plane and need to be screened for safety, so make sure you’re ready for them to inspect anything that’s in your bag.

Not Removing Everything From Your Pockets

When TSA officers ask you to empty your pockets, make sure you remove everything — and they mean everything. You’ll have to take out not only obvious items such as your phone, wallet, and keys, but also nonmetal items such as breath mints and tissues. These can be picked up on the scanner, requiring a time-intensive pat-down process. Instead of carrying them on your person, place these items in your carry-on bag or the provided bin before you go through the scanner.

Packing Prohibited Items

If your upcoming trip requires you to pack anything out of the ordinary in your carry-on, be sure to check those requirements before you head to the airport. Some TSA restrictions may surprise you — for instance, while you are allowed to carry live lobsters on a plane, the TSA may confiscate your jar of peanut butter if it’s over 3.4 ounces, since the agency considers the nutty spread a liquid. The same goes for any snow globes you plan to bring — the water inside the globe can’t exceed the 3.4-ounce limit, either.

For more detailed information, consult the TSA website or download the MyTSA app. The app’s useful “What can I bring?” feature will let you know whether to pack the item in a checked bag or a carry-on and also highlights items that are prohibited. 

Not Enrolling in TSA PreCheck

While these tips and tricks will help speed you through the security process, perhaps the biggest time-saving tool at your disposal is TSA PreCheck. It’s what the TSA calls a Trusted Traveler Program, allowing eligible passengers who are deemed low-risk to bypass certain parts of the airport security process. That includes the hassle of removing your shoes, belt, light jacket, and laptop from your bag.

According to the TSA, 99% of PreCheck passengers wait 10 minutes or less. Also note that children ages 17 and under can go through the TSA PreCheck lane with their enrolled parents, as long as they are traveling on the same reservation.  

Flight attendants aren’t just friendly faces — they’re seasoned safety experts and masters of multitasking. Logging anywhere from 65 to 90 hours hours on a plane each month, they take care of every passenger with unmatched expertise. And because they spend so much time in the airplane cabin, flight attendants have developed a keen sense for pesky passenger behaviors. We spoke with five U.S.-based flight attendants (who preferred to go by first names only) to uncover the most frustrating in-flight faux pas of airline passengers. These are six things flight attendants want you to stop doing, so we can all be more considerate travelers. 

Note: All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Daily Passport may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

Ignoring the Fasten Seat Belt Sign

One of the top pet peeves of flight attendants we spoke to is passengers who ignore seat belt signs. “Many passengers seem to think that that seat belt sign is a suggestion when, in reality, the seat belt sign is on for their safety,” says Cate, a Philadelphia-based flight attendant with over a decade of experience. 

Another flight attendant, Ashleigh, revealed it’s her least-favorite passenger behavior, especially when it happens on the runway. “Taxi is one of the most dangerous phases of flight,” she explains. Her home base, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, sees over 1,400 arrivals and departures daily. With so many planes taking off, landing, and taxiing, it’s crucial for everyone’s safety to remain buckled whenever the aircraft is moving.

Drinking Your Own Alcohol 

Contrary to what some passengers may believe, airplanes are not BYOB. Any alcohol you drink onboard must be served to you by a flight attendant. The Federal Aviation Administration sets this regulation, and it applies to all flights operated by U.S. carriers. (Other countries have similar rules.) 

Cate says this is one of the rules she’s seen broken the most during the last decade. “Many times, people will try to drink their alcohol on the flight, which is dangerous because the altitude affects everyone differently, and if they are sneaking liquor, it’s not being regulated by the FAs.” This goes for any alcohol purchased in the airport, too. 

Clogging Up the Aisle During Boarding

Flight attendants have busy jobs, and one of the most chaotic times on a plane is during boarding, which is why they ask you to please get to your seat as quickly as possible. 

Cate suggests, “Please look at your boarding pass before you get on the airplane so you know which seat you are going to. Also, once at your seat, put your bags up as quickly as possible so the people behind you can continue to their seats.” She adds, “Boarding is the most hectic time of the flight, and in order to get going, everyone has to be seated, and luggage has to be stowed.” 

To help speed things up, Orlando-based flight attendant Megan suggests making sure you have everything you need out of your bag — headphones, tablets, snacks — before you get on the plane. 

Philadelphia-based flight attendant Kaitlyn also suggests putting these in-flight items in a packing cube or smaller bag that you can quickly grab out of your carry-on while boarding. Her last bit of advice for smooth boarding is to wait until the very end to put your jackets up: “Not only is it a space issue, [but] the overhead bins are filthy, and you don’t want your jacket touching the bottom!”

Hanging Out in the Galley

Flight attendants want you to have a comfortable flight, but they ask you to avoid encroaching on their space in the galley if possible. “We understand the need to stretch sometimes, but please don’t do it in the galley,” Cate says. She explains that the galley works double duty — it’s the kitchen and the only break room for the flight attendants. 

Rachael, a Pittsburgh-based flight attendant, agrees with this pet peeve. She adds that it is especially frustrating to find passengers in the galley when the seat belt sign is on because it is dangerous to be up and roaming around during turbulence, takeoff, or landing.

Booking Short Layovers

Flight attendants spend a lot of time in airports, so they know better than anyone that short layovers are risky, and they can easily cause headaches for both passengers and crew. 

“If you have a connection, make sure you allow yourself enough time in between flights,” veteran flight attendant Cate says. “Anything under an hour is really risky.” She adds that this is especially important if you have an international connection because of immigration, customs, and other security clearances. Plan to have at least two hours during an international layover and one hour for a domestic layover. 

Swapping Seats Without Asking

Of course, flight attendants want passengers to be comfortable, but you should always ask before changing your seat. Certain seats — such as those with extra legroom or at the front of the cabin — are considered premium, so moving there without approval isn’t fair to paying customers. “Passengers always want premium seating without paying for it,” Kaitlyn says. 

There are other considerations, too. “We have weight and balance restraints to comply with as well,” Kaitlyn adds. In these cases, the flight attendant will ask the passenger to move back to their original seat. 

To avoid this scenario, the flight attendants we spoke to always recommend purchasing the seat you want beforehand. “We can’t force anyone to move their seat to accommodate someone hoping to sit by their companion,” Ashleigh says. Remember, flight attendants’ No. 1 priority is safety, so if they ask you to move, it’s so that everyone can get to their destination safely and on time.