5 common flowers you should plant in august for more blooms all through fall

Gardening

5 Common Flowers You Should Plant in August for More Blooms All Through Fall

Drescription

Key Points

Plant hardy fall bloomers like violas and asters to keep your garden blooming into cooler months.

Choose blooming fuchsia for instant color that lasts through October or longer.

These low-maintenance plants add color and charm to any fall garden or outdoor space.

After reaping the benefits of beautiful blooms all summer, fall's the reality check we're not quite ready for: cooler temperatures and saying goodbye to our favorite flowers. With summer finally winding down, you may be looking to extend your gardening season as much as possible—and fall doesn't have to be the end.

Luckily, we reached out to a garden pro to find out the top five flowers to plant right now for stunning blooms all fall long, and they did not disappoint.

Meet the Expert

Melissa Quinney is a garden expert and garden writer at Cabin Master, a United Kingdom-based fully-insulated garden room installation company.

Winter-Flowering Violas

These beautiful orange and purple flowers are excellent for creating fall colour, especially due to their tough nature and the way they’re able to bloom from autumn to winter with minimal attention, according to garden expert Melissa Quinney.

"While they may look delicate, they are incredibly resilient," Quinney says. "Upon planting in August, gardeners can expect blooms within two to three weeks, and in milder climates, their blooms typically last well into winter.”

USDA Zone: 3–8

Color Varieties: Purple, orange, white, blue, yellow, red

Mature Size: 4–10 in. tall, 4–10 in. wide

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Asters

“While the aster is often overlooked in favour of other plants, like chrysanthemums, its daisy-like blooms in shades of purple and pink are excellent for brightening up fall gardens and attracting pollinators later into the year," Quinney says.

If the plant is already established once planted, then blooms should appear within one to two weeks. If you plant asters from seed, then germination can take up to three weeks, with another six weeks until blooming.

USDA Zone: 3-8

Color Varieties: Purple, pink, blue, white

Mature Size: 1–6 ft. tall, 1–4 ft. wide

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Fuschia

If you're looking to add fuchsia to your garden for some fall flair, Quinney suggests planting your fuchsia while they're already in flower rather than planting from seed. Fuchsia grown from seed is unlikely to bloom in its first year, so planting one already in flower ensures a wow-worthy fall display.

“When choosing a Fuchsia plant for a fall garden, it's important to look for its hardy variety," Quinney shares. "Perfect for planting near seating areas or outside garden rooms, hardy fuchsias can thrive well into fall with gorgeous pendant flowers in reds, purples, and pinks."

USDA Zone: 10-11

Color Varieties: Red, pink, white, violet, purple

Mature Size: 1 to 2 ft. tall, 1 to 2 ft. wide

Penstemons

Penstemons are hardy perennial plants with trumpet-shaped flowers that will keep blooming into autumn. If you plant penstemons when they're already flowering, they will bloom immediately and can continue to bloom until your area's first frost.

"One of the major perks of having this plant in the garden is that it is drought-tolerant and doesn’t require much maintenance at all, helping it survive through fall," Quinney says.

USDA Zone: 3-8

Color Varieties: Purple, blue, orange, red, yellow, pink, white

Mature Size: 6 in. to 8 ft. tall and 8 to 20 in. wide

Abelia x Grandiflora

This semi-evergreen shrub has long-blooming, fragrant flowers in white, pink, and peach tones—and its foliage turns a stunning bronze shade in the fall.

"It excels so well in the autumn because it’s low maintenance, and it provides great structure and colour later on in the year," Quinney says. "If planted while flowering, the Abelia x grandiflora will bloom from August through to fall, and its beautiful flowers and foliage display can last into October or November.”

USDA Zone: 6 to 9

Color Varieties: pink, peach, white

Mature Size: 4 to 6 feet

This Is the Next "It" Flower That's Going to Be Everywhere, According to Florists

If you're anything like me, you love filling your home with flowers whenever you get the chance. While roses and tulips are beautiful classics; it never hurts to take notice of trends to potentially find a new floral favorite. We spoke with John Beach, a florist for BloomNation and the COO of Dolce Blooms in Studio City, California, to get some insight on the next mainstream flower for 2026. "I think the protea is going to have a serious moment in 2026," Beach explains. "There’s a growing appreciation for flowers with character—ones that aren’t necessarily “pretty” in the traditional sense, but are striking, wild, or even prehistoric-looking. The protea checks that box.'" Keep reading to learn more about proteas and why they are likely to show up in bouquets and floral arrangements everywhere next year. Meet the Expert John Beach is a florist for BloomNation and the COO of Dolce Blooms in Studio City, California The Next Mainstream Flower for 2026: Protea Proteas are evergreen shrubs that thrive best in hot, dry climates. The blooms are goblet-shaped, featuring a center of fuzzy or tubular flowers surrounded by stiff, spikey bracts. These unique flowers often appear in bold, bright colors and add a striking addition to any floral arrangement. Beach explains why he believes more people will be drawn toward proteas in the upcoming year: "It’s bold, architectural, and makes a statement—perfect for a culture craving individuality and drama in design," Beach says. "As aesthetics keep shifting toward maximalism and texture-driven florals, the protea’s sculptural quality and otherworldly beauty fit the mood." Beach also notes that this flower will be ideal for those who are focused on sustainability. The plant is drought-tolerant, and cut blooms can last for weeks, making it an excellent choice for decorating your home or for special events. If you're looking to make the blooms last even longer, proteas look just as stunning when dried, allowing you to create a memorable keepsake or provide an alternative decorative choice. Boldness and sustainability aren't the only reasons why proteas are capturing designers' attention. The flower's adaptability is also a major upside. "It appeals to both minimalists (as a singular, impactful element) and maximalists (as the star of a colorful, texture-heavy show). It’s also gender-neutral, which is increasingly important for brands and events embracing inclusivity," Beach says. Colors and Types of Protea Flowers to Watch For The protea is one of the oldest known species of plants, and comes in many varieties and colors. While there are many options to choose from, Beach believes that a few will steal the spotlight. "Blush-toned king protea and the golden-orange tones of the pincushion protea are likely to dominate," Beach explains. "Blush continues to reign in wedding palettes, but the golden-orange hues feel fresh and sun-soaked, aligning with the rise of retro, desert, and terracotta tones we’re seeing in fashion and interiors." While king proteas and pincushion proteas are the most well-known varieties, other popular choices include queen proteas, pink ice proteas, and the aptly named "blushing bride" protea. How to Decorate With Proteas Because proteas are such unique, striking flowers, Beach recommends not going overboard when using them to decorate and approaching a less is more mentality. "Treat the protea like a celebrity guest in your arrangement. It doesn’t need a lot of supporting cast to shine," Beach says. For decorating in your home, Beach recommends something simple, like a single stem in a sculptural vase on a coffee table or entryway. This approach creates a significant impact with minimal effort and can work well in any area where you want to draw attention. When decorating for events, Beach recommends clustering them at the center of low bowls or using them as an anchor for larger arrangements. When decorating for a wedding or event, you can get a little more creative with your arrangements. "They also hold up incredibly well in installations like arches or hanging clouds, especially in outdoor or warm settings," Beach says. It's worth noting that proteas are toxic to humans and animals if consumed, so display your arrangements out of reach from children and pets.

Shoppers ‘Pack Double or Triple’ in Their Carry-On Bags Thanks to This $30 Travel Hack That Skirts Baggage Fees

I’m a one-bag traveler through and through. Even on a recent monthlong trip through Northern Europe, I was able to fit everything I needed into a carry-on suitcase—puffer jacket included. The best way to pack a suitcase, we seasoned travelers know, is to use compression packing cubes. These clever hacks flatten soft goods to half their size, so you can pack a checked bag’s worth of contents into a carry-on suitcase. They’re the only way a recovering overpacker like me could ever join the exclusive carry-on-only club. Bagail Set of 6 Compression Packing Cubes How do compression packing cubes work? They’re super simple in construction but majorly helpful in practice. Each packing cube is a zippered pouch in ripstop nylon, with two zippers: one that closes the pouch itself, and another you can zip closed to shrink the contents to the smallest size possible. It’s the same principle as sitting on your suitcase to get it to zip—except this travel hack keeps everything nice and tight from start to finish. With clothing packed neatly into these soft nylon pouches, then zipped down to wring out all the air, you’ll wonder why you ever checked a bag to begin with. “The compression feature is genius,” one five-star reviewer said. “Just zip everything tight, and boom, it’s like vacuum-sealing your wardrobe (minus the vacuum). I was able to fit way more than I expected, and everything stayed neatly organized. No more suitcase explosions every time I needed socks.” Say, for instance, a stack of blouses is 6 inches high. Those blouses might squash nice and neat into the medium-sized compression cube that’s 4 inches deep. But then, you can zip that cube down to compress it even further and whittle down that 6-inch stack of clothes to just 2 inches or so. And all that saved space adds up, letting you “pack double or triple your clothes in a small suitcase,” one shopper shared. “Just fold your clothes and overpack, then double zip it! Literally watched my clothes shrink as air was let out.” That shopper was able to fit four pairs of shorts, two sets of pajamas, a robe, three shirts, and nine undergarments—into just one of these compression cubes. As a bonus, you won’t be rifling through a jumbled mess of clothing when you go to unpack in your destination. Instead, your belongings arrive neatly organized in dedicated bags to make finding what you need a breeze. “Unpacking took seconds,” one reviewer raved. “I just pulled out the cubes and popped them into drawers.” This six-pack by Bagail includes six different size options, a variety you don’t often get from other brands. Packing cube fans call these “lightweight, but tough as nails,” with ”high-quality and durable” fabric, “reinforced seams and reliable zippers,” and a mesh panel that lets you see what’s inside. They’re also water repellent too, so if your face wash springs a leak, your clothes stand a fighting chance of still arriving unsoiled. You can even pack damp clothes, one shopper said, without fretting over leaks. “If you're an overpacker like me or just want to feel like a travel ninja, do yourself a favor and grab a set,” a recent packing-cube convert wrote. “Your future-suitcase self will thank you.” Snag this six-pack of the compression packing cubes even skeptical shoppers called “a real game changer,” and read on for other compression cubes for travel to level up your packing game. Bagsmart Compression Packing Cubes, Set of 6 Tripped Travel Gear Compression Packing Cubes, Set of 6 Gonex Compression Packing Cubes, Set of 6 OlarHike Compression Packing Cubes, Set of 8 Veken Packing Cubes, Set of 8

Beauty Advice From My Friend That Tries And Tests Everything So We Don’t Have To

We all wish we had this friend – the one that has tried every single beauty product. I’ve only met Whitney once, but my friend Suzanne has talked about her for years, mostly saying, “Whitney says we should be using _______” or “Whitney found this new product that is way cheaper and better for your _______”. I would ask Suzanne to ask Whitney questions for me all the time (until I got her number and cut out the middle man) not because she is a dermatologist or a makeup artist but because she literally TRIES EVERY NEW PRODUCT. She’s my trusted beauty expert hobbyist who now runs an instagram called, The List (follow her!), who has sacrificed her own money in the name of beauty research, regardless of price. And when you are around her you believe every word, her opinion is so strong. She is SO adamant, that you find yourself buying the item mid-conversation. I’m running out of all my beauty supplies as a lot of us are, so before I buy what I always buy, I found myself wanting to ask this friend who I barely know what I should be using because I trust her and right now I don’t want to waste any money nor do any returns. So I figured we could all use a bit of Whitney in our life. Take it away… Whitney here, and I’ll start by saying I am not an expert. Just a product obsessed beauty lover. I am continuously testing, updating, and replacing the products in my line-up. Through all my trials and errors I’ve found some solid products that I know I can always rely on, as well as a few tips and tricks that will help them work and look better. FIRST UP, SKINCARE . . . . Let’s start with skin care first, because healthy skin is the first step to a better overall makeup application. I have a pale complexion and sensitive skin that can lean on the oily, break-out prone side if I am not properly taking care of it. When trying a new skin care product there can be a purge phase where you might break out and there can also be an irritation phase, especially when initially introducing acids or retinoids/retinol. It is normal for some products to make things worse before they get better. This doesn’t necessarily mean you should give up on it. Try lessening the frequency of the product while continuing a consistent routine to build up a tolerance. My nighttime cleansing routine is the most impactful routine I do for my skin. It’s a simple three-step process, that involves breaking down and removing make-up followed by a two-step cleanse. I find that washing my face at night is super important, as it gives my skin a break from pollution, dirt, and makeup. STEP ONE – REMOVE YOUR MAKEUP Organic avocado oil is my go-to makeup remover. It’s nourishing to the skin and super effective at removing stubborn foundation and eye makeup. I rub a little less than a quarter-sized amount into my palm and massage into my face (including, carefully, my eye area). Then I use a warm, damp face cloth to wipe the oil and makeup away. These organic hemp face cloths are thick, fleece-like, and glide over even the most sensitive skin. STEP TWO – OIL CLEANSE This is a thoughtfully crafted oil cleanser that will rebalance and reset your skin. This is also an effective makeup up remover but a somewhat pricier product. If you have the budget you could absolutely use this to remove your makeup with a double oil cleanse and forgo the avocado oil altogether but I prefer to make this product last longer. I use the same face cloth method to remove my oil cleanser as I do to remove my avocado oil. Make sure to use a fresh side of your face cloth with each oil removal. STEP THREE – GEL CLEANSER I usually feel traditional cleansers dry me out and cause skin imbalance, but this has done the complete opposite. It is moisturizing and exfoliating while protecting the balance and pH of my skin. Because this cleanser has (biodegradable) exfoliation beads, you are in control of how intense the exfoliation will be. The less water you use the more intense the exfoliation will be. I tend to start on the drier side and once I’ve achieved the exfoliation I am looking for I then add more water to my fingers and it turns into a more traditional cleanser feel. [HOT_TIP title=’Hot Tip’ content=’Remember to rinse your skin thoroughly. I literally put my head under the faucet and let the water run over both sides of my face. The ring around their face of leftover cleanser that gets “wiped away” with a towel will get you into some clogged pore trouble!’] And the most important (daytime) step: SPF is an absolute must, even if I am having a no-makeup day at home. I will still apply SPF because the UV rays are coming through the windows even when you are inside. If you use peels/acids or retinoids/retinols your skin is now more vulnerable to sun damage/aging. Once you start regularly using these types of treatments for anti-aging you could be doing more harm than good if you are not religiously using SPF. For example, I always tell my friends who want to start a retinoid/retinol that if you are not committed to protecting your skin with SPF then I would not start it at all. I love this particular sunscreen because it is a duel product for me. I use it as my makeup primer to blur my pores and as my daily protection from the sun. I think it is also amazing on its own because it gives you a subtle blurring and evening of skin tone when you want protection for a natural no-makeup day. NOW FOR THE FUN PART, MAKEUP . . . I have two big notes I want to start with before we dive into the makeup products I put on my own face almost every day. First, if you’re using sponges or brushes you’ve had for a long time, consider replacing them. Even if you clean them regularly. It can be hard to prioritize your tools, but dirty or worn tools can cloud your judgment as to whether you like a product or not. If your tools are not performing to the best of their ability then it will result in less than stellar makeup application. Secondly, test new makeup products on their own to see how they perform before you use them in conjunction with your other products. For example, if you are trying a new foundation try it without primer to see its true nature first! Ok, let’s dive into some products . . . . CHEEKS Setting powder for me is something I use strategically and in places that accumulate oil and unwanted shine. Be intentional in your placement. I do not put powder all over my face. I focus on my t-zone and under my eyes to ensure my concealer is set properly. This powder melts into the skin flawlessly and doesn’t have talc in the ingredients. [HOT_TIP title=’Hot Tip’ content=’When applying powder I want you to gently press it into the skin as opposed to brushing it all over. When you press your powder into the skin it will give you better coverage as well as minimize the disruption to your foundation/concealer. I like to press my powder in with the Morphe M536 brush, or I use my sponge for even more coverage. ‘] It’s a drugstore product, but when it’s good, it’s good! If you prefer a cream blush, this is my go-to. LIPS I love a nude lip. With that said, nude is relative to skin tone and I am on the paler side – be cautious when buying my version of nudes because it could wash you out the deeper your skin tone is. I gravitate to brown lip liners/contour colors and a soft matte pinks for my lipstick. These are my favorite lipsticks to pair with the above lipliners. I use all of these interchangeably, combine them, and switch them around. If you’re into a glossy lip, I love to top any of the above combinations with a swipe of this. [HOT_TIP title=’Hot Tip’ content=’Combining a contour shade lip liner with a nude lipstick will give your lips the illusion of being larger.’] EYES I am a complicated mascara person. I prefer one mascara for my top lashes and one for my bottom lashes. This has been the case for years and years. I want my top lashes to be a bit fluffier and I want my bottom lashes to have a more twiggy feel. (editors note: I, Emily, can’t stop laughing every time I read this – the level of obsession, detail, and enthusiasm is amazing and I get it – we all have our things – Whitney, please continue). Right now my daily top lash mascara is the Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara by Estee Lauder ($28). This mascara has a large bristle wand and a formula that gives your lashes volume, length, and thickness. The formula has a blend of three high volume fibers that are combined with a conditioning vitamin complex base that creates a lash extension look. This is a wetter formula and when you combine that with a big brush it can be a bit messy if you are not careful, so make sure to take your time applying so you don’t have a messy application. This mascara is buildable, does not flake, and gives me the dramatic lash that I love! My favorite bottom lash mascara is Loreal Telescopic Mascara ($11) (the gold tube version is my favorite). This mascara provides length, drama, and it separates lashes really well! I am a multi-coat mascara applier – you can go as natural or as dramatic as you like! The brush is on the thinner side with what I am assuming are short silicone bristles. There is one downside to this mascara – over time it can be hard to get the wand back in the tube because there is some flexibility where the wand and brush meet. This is usually my signal to buy a new one – for me it’s worth it but I know that might be frustrating for some. To be honest, most of the brow pencils and powders I have used over the years are all very similar to each other. The only brow “product” that has truly stood out to me is Soap Brows – this is more for hold/thickening than for filling in – you will still need an additional product to do that step ). Soap Brows used to be my go-to daily brow but it is a more complicated process that I now reserve for a more glam special occasion brow look when I’m going for a bigger bushier brow. I feel confident in Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Pencil ($23) and their Brow Powder Duo ($23). They perform well consistently and are not over the top expensive. I think a great inexpensive dupe for Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow wiz pencil is the NYX Micro Brow Pencil ($10). APPLICATION TOOLS Real Techniques and Morphe brushes are my two go-to brands for brushes. They are both inexpensive and deliver amazing application! I also love the Real Techniques sponge. It’s made well and performs as well as the more expensive version. I believe makeup tools should be replaced far more often than they typically are and these price points allow you to do that more easily without sacrificing quality. [HOT_TIP title=’Hot Tip’ content=’Clean your brushes with two parts mild soap (I use Seventh Generation dish soap ) and one olive oil. Whisk the soap and oil together and it will emulsify. The olive oil will break down your makeup like an oil cleanser would, while conditioning the bristles. The soap will help you thoroughly wash away any residue. Dampen your brush with warm water and then lightly dip it into the solution and work it in with your fingers, or makeup brush cleaning pad if you have one. Depending on the condition of your brushes you might have to repeat this process. Make sure to run your brushes under warm water until the water runs clear. You want to give your brushes a good shake and dry them laying flat on your counter, using a clean towel. I generally leave the bristles hanging off the counter to ensure water does not accumulate during the drying process. You never want to dry your brushes upright because the water will run down the bristle to the base of the bristles and accumulate causing damage and possibly mold.’] OUR FINAL BURNING QUESTIONS: The nightly toner I use is iS Clinical Active Serum ($138). This is a very expensive toner and for many people, it may seem really out of touch and crazy to spend that much on a very small dropper bottle that is $138 which I get. But sadly there is not a hack for this little gem. I am prone to breakouts and this serum has helped keep my skin in check and has evened out my skin tone. It has a water-like consistency and I use more drops in the palm of my hand than they have recommended and gently press it all over my face. This is a toner that I am desperately trying to avoid any waste so I skip the gauze step entirely. I tried to drop it directly on my face for an even more efficient application but it absorbs too quickly in my opinion for it to have a thorough application. You will feel an immediate tingly sensation – I look forward to this nightly. This toner has never irritated my skin but I do feel like it is a product that needs to be eased into. Biossance Squaline + Tea Tree balancing oil ($49) is an oil I keep in the rotation that I will apply day or night depending on my need for it. This is a clean beauty product that is EWG certified. This oil has never clogged my pores, feels hydrating, and lightweight. I think oils can have a tendency to sit on top of the skin without ever absorbing fully and I really like that this one seems to penetrate easily. I use this when I feel like I have a break out coming for its antibacterial properties that help to keep acne from thriving. 2. Do you have a go-to foundation that has SPF? Foundation is such a complex situation. I started writing it in my initial email to you guys and then it was like – this option for this skin type and categorized by coverage – it kind of got out of control – so I deleted it all. I do think if you are specifically looking for a foundation that has SPF – It Cosmetics cc+ cream ($39) is an awesome option. It is a lightweight feeling foundation that provides medium to full buildable coverage. It comes in three different versions depending on what kind of look you are trying to achieve. Original, oil-free matte, and illumination (my personal favorite). I apply this foundation with my Real Techniques Sponge. Start with one pump and build your way up if needed. The better primed your skin is the further a pump of foundation will go and the more natural-looking it will be. If you are overly dry it will absorb quickly and you will need more product and it can end up looking cakey. Skin prep is key! When applying foundation, I like to focus on the center of my face/cheek area to begin with because that is where I need the most coverage and then I work outward towards my hairline using less and less product. I try to use the residual foundation left on my sponge in the places that I do not need as much coverage. If you have a blemish try to spot conceal with the foundation instead of adding more product all over. This will help you achieve the coverage you need and have a more natural finish. 3. Do you use any products that make your skin look especially glowy? I think the more hydrated the skin is prior to foundation application the more naturally glowy your makeup will be. If I want a more matte finish I will use my moisturizer sparingly before my foundation application. If I want a dewier finish I will prep with a little heavier handed moisturizer application. Do use caution when applying more moisturizer before makeup application as it can affect the longevity of your foundation and create unwanted movement. There is a sweet spot you will have to find for your moisturizer ratio and foundation ratio so it will not completely break down throughout the day when you want to go more glowy. This is very individual to your complexion and will take some trial and error. Emily here. HUGE thank you to Whitney for giving us tons of great advice and product recommendations. A few of us already bought the Supergoop Sunscreen and Ryann bought the Reflekt Exfoliating Face Wash and LOVES it. If you want more beauty advice and product recommendations be sure to follow Whitney on Instagram :) If you are looking for ways to help support artists in the beauty, Support Creatives is filling the gap in the world of charities by providing artists in the industry with the proper support system they require during this tough time and beyond. The programs include: Grants for Beauty Professionals: Financial Assistance for Beauty Industry Creatives to support their artistic endeavors, so that practical financial needs don’t get in the way of their artistic pursuits in difficult times. DONATE HERE Mentorship Program: Guidance from well-established artists in the industry, both for artists just starting out or those interested in taking their careers to the next level. Education Programs: Live, online courses taught by industry professionals with an emphasis on current (and future) trends.

8 Things You Should Never Do on a Plane, According to a Flight Attendant

They say it's about the journey, not the destination—but when air travel is involved, the journey can often be more difficult than enjoyable. Still, that doesn’t mean that basic courtesy should go out the window. In fact, it's all the more reason to be extra considerate. Here are eight things you should never do on a plane. Aiden, flight attendant Jenny Dreizen, modern-day etiquette, boundaries, and relationships expert Touch the Flight Attendants According to flight attendant Aiden (who didn't reveal his last name for privacy reasons), there is never a time when it's appropriate to touch a flight attendant. “Do not touch your flight attendants, period," he says. "When we are moving about the cabin—whether it is to serve a meal, prepare drinks, or collect garbage—we can still hear you! A simple ‘sir’ or ‘ma’am’ will get our attention.” After all, it’s generally not appropriate to touch someone you’ve just met. Ask to Use the Lavatory Right After Boarding Need to use the bathroom right after boarding? Be aware that you may be holding up the plane. It’s the worst time to be anywhere but your seat—plus, you likely had a chance before boarding. “Why didn’t you use it in the terminal?" Aiden asks. "When you're boarding, the flight crew has different tasks to handle, both those you can see and, more importantly, those you cannot. Things like monitoring overhead bin space, identifying passengers we can rely on in an emergency, and communicating with the flight deck and ground personnel.” If you're still not convinced, know that bathrooms in the airport are far better than compact airplane stalls. Put Your Arms, Legs, or Feet in the Aisle Aiden acknowledges that airplanes aren’t the most comfortable environments, but you need to keep your limbs to yourself. “Sometimes you need to stretch, but when we're trying to pass through the cabin—whether it's for service or just monitoring—it’s frustrating to have to wake every single person blocking the aisle," he says. "That being said, please just be courteous about your space, and if we ask you to move, please do." Run to the Front of the Plane Right After Landing Sure, you might be eager to get off the plane, but so is everyone else. “Upon landing and arrival at the gate, please don’t stand up and bolt to the front of the airplane," Aiden says. "It’s quite rude to other passengers, and frankly, it’s inconsiderate." Question the Flight Crew Aiden warns that doubting the flight crew—or refusing to listen—is a bad idea. “If we ask you to do something, we have a reason," he says. "Please don’t question us. Flight attendants go through five to eight weeks of rigorous training before we’re even allowed to step foot on a real aircraft. Many flight attendants, including myself, compare their initial training to taking a full semester’s worth of college classes in under two months.” You might not know that flight attendants are trained to do much more than serve drinks. They learn how to open multiple types of aircraft doors, perform CPR and AED usage, deliver babies, and even fight fires. “Yes, we know how to pour Diet Coke, but there is so much more to our job than that," Aiden says. "We are aviation’s first responders, so please treat us as such.” Put Your Feet on Someone Else’s Armrest Etiquette expert Jenny Dreizen says that putting your feet on someone else’s armrest is a big no-no. “We’ve all seen it: the toes creeping from behind our armrests—it’s like a horror movie with a very boring premise," she says. "I live internationally from my family, so air travel is a big part of my life, and I know as much as anyone how wildly uncomfortable flying is—but you still cannot put your feet on the back of someone else’s armrest, I’m sorry. We must maintain some decorum.” Go Barefoot Dreizen insists that taking off your socks is not only unacceptable, it’s also unhygienic. “Plane floors are dirty, and I don’t want you to catch anything," she says. "Also, we don’t want access to your feet. Keep them sheathed. The best idea is to wear your shoes and keep your socks on at all times.” Recline Without Consideration It's okay to recline, but it’s important to be mindful of others, according to Dreizen. “As annoying as it can be to have someone recline in front of you, it’s not their fault that the airplane is shoving everyone too close together—they’re just trying to be comfortable," she says. "That said, it’s a good idea to recline slowly if you can." And check behind you to see if the person has drinks or a laptop on their tray—a quick heads up that you're about to recline is courteous.