13 Essential Rules Of Airplane Etiquette

The reality of air travel in the 21st century is that flying economy is unpleasant.

Airlines are cutting service and packing planes to improve razor thin profit margins, while flights aren't getting any shorter.

If you don't have the cash or the points to secure an upgrade, there are ways to make flying more pleasant, but they depend on everyone's cooperation.

To play your part, we've put together a list of 13 basic rules of etiquette, based on our own flying experiences and some expert opinions.

They cover everything from how to get through security, to whether or not you should recline your seat, to getting off the plane politely and efficiently.

Follow them, and your flight might just be bearable — as long as everyone else does, too.