When heading on holiday most of us know the official rules of air travel. Make sure your liquids are packed in a plastic bag, don't be late for boarding and don't let your check in luggage be too heavy!

But, there are some unspoken rules – or travel etiquette – that you should try and follow while on your journey. Doing so will make things easier and more enjoyable for you, the crew and your fellow passengers.

READ MORE: Expert shares seven rules for perfect poolside etiquette amid sunbed wars

Cabin crew have often revealed the flight secrets passengers should know, from who gets the armrest to the biggest mistakes they see.

Now Sandra Thomas, Travel Expert at WeMustVisit, spoke to the Daily Star about her dos and don'ts of air travel – including the plane etiquette rules that so many people break.

Do sit nicely

Sandra explained: "If you’re flying long-haul, your own comfort becomes a priority. But if you’re reclining at inappropriate times, pressing your feet against the seat in front of you, banging your screen, or flicking your hair over the seat behind, you need to review your behaviour. Think how you’d feel if someone else was doing those things to you."

Do be courteous to airline staff

The expert said: "OK, so you’re paying for a service. But airline staff have hundreds of other passengers to look after. You’re not their only priority. So, unless there’s an emergency, be patient. If you need assistance, it’s worth heading to the galley yourself and asking, rather than ringing your buzzer.

"Always say please and thank you. And if they’re not busy, exchange pleasantries and small talk. It can make for a better experience for everyone."

Do store your luggage sensibly

"If you have a wheelie case and you store it sideways, you’re going to take up most of the overhead locker, leaving no room for anyone else," Sandra noted. "If you store it wheels-first, up to three cases can fit in the same space."

Don’t give up your seat

Sandra commented: "So, this is another area that has been widely TikTok'd. But if you have paid for a seat, no one has the right to ask you to give it up. And if you want to have a specific seat on a plane, or to be sat with the rest of your party, book ahead and pay to do so. Don’t expect other people to accommodate your poor organisational skills."

Don’t rush to leave the plane upon landing

Sandra explained: "The wheels are on the tarmac. The seatbelt sign has dinged. It’s time to go, go, go! But actually, when it comes to deplaning, it’s time to wait your turn. Airlines have protocols in place to ensure the safest and most efficient exit for all passengers.

"Pushing to get ahead is not only rude and disrespectful to others, it actually slows the entire process. You cause congestion both on the plane and in the airport. And you increase the potential for accident and injury. While making everyone else on the flight increasingly hostile towards you.

"So, wait your turn. You’ve still got your luggage to collect and passport control to navigate. You’re not going to get to where you need to be any faster. In fact, you’re more likely to cause yourself an inconvenience by leaving your belongings behind."

She added: "Air travel can make even the sweetest tempers turn sour. You’re tired, uncomfortable, dehydrated, and impatient. But the way you behave can impact everyone’s flying experience. So, be courteous. And behave as you’d expect everyone else to."

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