A new survey from the hotel and travel search site momondo shows that Swedes have strong opinions about what is – and is not – socially acceptable before and during a flight. Is it okay to clap your hands when the plane lands? Or to take off your shoes during the flight? And what do Swedish travelers actually say about bringing a hard-boiled egg as a packed lunch?

– According to the survey, three out of five Swedes (60 percent) have experienced unacceptable behavior on both airplanes and at the airport. Already at check-in and at the gate, you risk upsetting Swedish travelers. Although it is impossible to please everyone, the survey can provide guidance on behaviors Swedish travelers value – or do not value – during a flight, says Per Christiansen, travel expert and Senior Vice President at momondo.

Manners and etiquette expert Mats Danielsson has also looked at the survey and points out:

– Both before and during the flight, we share public space with our fellow passengers. Good manners and etiquette mean patience and forgiving of others' mistakes, but also respecting others and not always putting your own needs first. If you happen to disturb a fellow passenger during the flight, a tip is to smile and apologize – it can disarm even the most irritated fellow traveler.

Below, momondo lists some unspoken "etiquette" rules that many Swedes can subscribe to - and which can be a useful guide for your next trip.

• At the security check, fast passes are required. Spending too much time emptying your pockets (33 percent), filling your water bottles (24 percent), or taking your computer out of its case (24 percent) can cause irritation in the queue. But being too impatient can also be a big no-no – for example, trying to get a box before they get in front of you (30 percent).
• Heavy eyelids? According to Swedish travelers, this is not enough of an argument for taking up multiple seats for a nap – regardless of whether it is at the gate (61 percent) or on the plane (53 percent). Not even a power nap on the airport floor is considered acceptable (59 percent). And make sure to wake up if the passenger in the seat next to you on the plane needs to get out – otherwise you risk getting angry looks from the majority of fellow passengers (73 percent).
• Taking off your shoes during the flight is perfectly acceptable. But keep your socks on! Otherwise, you risk irritating at least three out of four Swedes (75 percent). And while we're on the subject of "feet," more than four out of five (84 percent) believe you should avoid lifting them up toward the seat in front of you.
• Schedule time for styling and manicure before you head to the airport. Swedish travelers consider everything from spraying perfume (81 percent), painting nails (73 percent) and filing nails (69 percent) to plucking eyebrows (68 percent) and styling hair (53 percent) to be unacceptable on board the plane. Three in five (61 percent) also appreciate it if you perform your skincare routine before it's time to head to the airport.
• Do you often dreamily gaze out the airplane window to one of your favorite songs? More than four out of five (77 percent) would appreciate it if you restrained any thoughts of raising your voice or starting to hum. Generally, Swedish travelers prefer a quieter climate as possible. Among other things, more than every other Swede (57 percent) believes that it is not okay to laugh out loud at a movie or book. Every other Swede (51 percent) also states that it is socially unacceptable to talk to a passenger in the aisle. However, you are welcome to clap your hands and cheer when the plane lands – at least if you ask three out of four Swedes (74 percent).
• To recline the seat or not to recline the seat – that is the question. And according to nearly three out of four Swedes (72 percent), it's okay... IF you ask the passenger behind you (43 percent), if it's a long-haul flight (16 percent) or if the person in front of you reclines their seat (13 percent).
• Skip tuna and cheese that smell like sweaty feet. According to the survey, virtually everyone believes that food that smells (94 percent) – especially cheese (96 percent) – is unacceptable as a lunchbox on board a plane. Other foods that many believe should be banned include canned fish (93 percent), food that crackles (91 percent) and hard-boiled eggs (78 percent).
• Twister around shutters and armrests? Remember, it's the person sitting by the window who has the mandate to control whether there's a view or shade during the flight - at least if you ask more than one in two Swedes (55 percent). And just because you're unlucky enough to sit in the cramped middle seat, it doesn't mean you'll be able to use both armrests, according to one in two Swedes (51 percent).

About the survey
An online survey was conducted by Walr with 6,000 respondents from the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Australia, Denmark and Sweden who had travelled by air in the last three years. In Sweden, 500 respondents took part in the survey. The survey took place between 23 August and 31 August 2023. Walr is a member organisation of the Market Research Society and adheres to all codes of practice.