Lounge Etiquette: 15 Things You Should Never Do in Airport Lounges

You're sitting in a comfortable airport lounge, trying to work or relax before your flight, when someone starts a loud phone conversation, spreads their belongings across three seats, or leaves a mess at their table. Sound familiar? Airport lounges are shared spaces where travelers relax, work, and prepare for flights, but unfortunately, not everyone understands proper lounge etiquette.

According to research from airport lounge operators, etiquette violations are among the top complaints from lounge guests, with noise, space hogging, and messiness ranking as the most common issues [1]. Data from J.D. Power's airport lounge satisfaction studies shows that poor etiquette significantly impacts overall lounge satisfaction, with travelers rating lounges 25% lower when experiencing etiquette violations [2]. Understanding what not to do in lounges helps ensure everyone has a pleasant experience and maintains the comfortable, professional atmosphere that makes lounges valuable.

This comprehensive guide covers 15 things you should never do in airport lounges, explaining why each behavior is problematic and what to do instead. By following these etiquette guidelines, you'll contribute to a positive atmosphere for everyone and ensure that lounges remain comfortable, productive spaces for all travelers.

Airport lounges are shared spaces where proper etiquette ensures everyone has a pleasant experience. Understanding what not to do helps maintain the comfortable, professional atmosphere that makes lounges valuable.

1. Don't Take Up Multiple Seats

One of the most common and frustrating lounge etiquette violations is spreading belongings across multiple seats, preventing others from finding seating. This behavior becomes particularly problematic during peak travel times when lounges are crowded and seating is at a premium.

The Problem:

Spreading your luggage, coat, laptop bag, and other belongings across multiple seats creates artificial scarcity, making it appear that seats are occupied when they're actually just being used as storage. This prevents other travelers from finding seating, forcing them to stand or search for alternative spaces. During busy periods, this behavior can significantly impact lounge capacity and create frustration for other guests.

The Right Way:

Use only the seat you're actually sitting in, keeping all belongings either on the floor next to you, under your seat, or in a single adjacent seat if absolutely necessary. Be mindful of others who need seating, and immediately move your belongings if someone approaches looking for a seat. If you need to leave temporarily, take your belongings with you rather than using them to "reserve" your seat, as this prevents others from using the space.

Why It Matters:

Lounges can get crowded, especially during peak times like Monday mornings, Friday afternoons, and holiday periods. According to lounge operator data, peak-hour occupancy can reach 85-95% capacity, making every seat valuable [3]. Taking multiple seats when others need them is inconsiderate and violates the shared-space nature of lounges. Being mindful of space usage ensures that all guests can enjoy comfortable seating, which is one of the primary benefits of lounge access.

2. Don't Be Loud or Disruptive

Loud or disruptive behavior is one of the most common lounge etiquette violations, creating an unpleasant environment for everyone. This includes loud phone conversations that can be heard across the lounge, playing music or videos without headphones, disruptive behavior that distracts others, and disturbing people who are trying to work or relax.

The problem with loud behavior is that lounges are shared spaces where people have different needs—some are working on important projects, others are resting before long flights, and many are preparing for business meetings. Excessive noise disrupts everyone's ability to focus, relax, or prepare, undermining the primary benefits that lounges provide.

The right way to handle this is to keep phone calls quiet and brief, using designated phone areas when available. Use headphones for any audio content, whether music, videos, or phone calls, ensuring that only you can hear what you're listening to. Be mindful of noise levels at all times, speaking quietly and moving carefully to avoid disturbing others. Respect quiet zones that many lounges designate for work or rest, avoiding these areas if you need to make calls or have conversations.

Why this matters is that many people use lounges specifically to work, rest, or prepare for important meetings. Excessive noise disrupts everyone's experience and defeats the purpose of having a comfortable, productive space. According to lounge operator surveys, noise complaints are among the top issues reported by guests, with 40% of travelers citing excessive noise as a primary concern [4]. Being considerate of noise levels ensures that lounges remain valuable spaces for all guests.

3. Don't Overindulge in Food and Drinks

Overindulging in food and drinks creates problems for other guests and lounge operations. This includes taking excessive amounts of food that prevents others from accessing items, hoarding food items by taking multiple portions at once, overconsuming alcohol that can lead to disruptive behavior, and wasting food by taking more than you'll actually consume.

The problem with overindulgence is that lounges provide food and beverages for all guests, not just you. Taking excessive amounts creates artificial shortages, forcing other guests to wait for replenishment or go without. Hoarding food items is particularly problematic during busy periods when supplies may be limited. Overconsuming alcohol can lead to disruptive behavior that ruins the experience for everyone, while wasting food is simply inconsiderate and wasteful.

The right way to handle food and drinks is to take reasonable portions that you'll actually consume, returning for seconds if needed rather than taking everything at once. Drink responsibly to maintain appropriate behavior and avoid disrupting others. Don't take more than you'll consume, as wasted food benefits no one and creates unnecessary work for staff. Be mindful that food is provided for all guests, not just for hoarding.

Why this matters is that lounges provide food and beverages for all guests, and taking excessive amounts or wasting food is inconsiderate and can lead to shortages for others. During peak times, lounges can serve hundreds of guests, and overindulgence by a few can impact everyone. Being considerate with food and drinks ensures that all guests can enjoy the amenities that lounges provide.

4. Don't Leave a Mess

Leaving a mess behind is disrespectful to both staff and other guests, creating an unpleasant environment for everyone. This includes leaving dishes and trash at your seat instead of returning them to designated areas, not cleaning up after yourself when you've used spaces, spilling food or drinks and not cleaning it up, and leaving personal items behind that clutter the space.

The problem with leaving a mess is that it creates work for staff who are already busy maintaining the lounge, makes the space unpleasant for other guests who arrive after you, and shows disrespect for the shared nature of the lounge. Spills that aren't cleaned up can create hazards, while dishes left at seats prevent others from using those spaces comfortably.

The right way to handle this is to return dishes to designated areas when you're finished, cleaning up any spills immediately to prevent hazards and messes, disposing of trash properly in designated receptacles, and taking all belongings when leaving to avoid cluttering the space. If you accidentally create a mess, take responsibility and clean it up or notify staff if it requires professional cleaning.

Why this matters is that staff work hard to keep lounges clean and pleasant for everyone. Leaving a mess is disrespectful and makes the space unpleasant for others. Lounges are shared spaces, and everyone has a responsibility to maintain cleanliness. Being considerate with cleanup ensures that lounges remain pleasant environments for all guests.

5. Don't Use Showers Inappropriately

The Problem:

• Taking excessively long showers
• Not cleaning up after use
• Using more than your fair share of time
• Ignoring time limits

The Right Way:

• Keep showers to reasonable time (15-20 minutes)
• Clean up after yourself
• Be mindful if others are waiting
• Follow any time restrictions

Why It Matters:
Showers are often in high demand. Taking too long prevents others from using them, especially during busy periods.

6. Don't Bring Too Many Guests

The Problem:

• Exceeding guest limits
• Not understanding guest policies
• Bringing unauthorized guests
• Causing overcrowding

The Right Way:

• Know your guest policy
• Respect guest limits
• Pay for additional guests if required
• Be considerate of space

Why It Matters:
Guest policies exist for a reason. Bringing too many guests can overcrowd the lounge and violate membership terms.

7. Don't Work Inappropriately

The Problem:

• Taking over large work areas
• Having loud video calls
• Spreading work materials everywhere
• Ignoring others' need for space

The Right Way:

• Use appropriate work areas
• Keep video calls quiet or use headphones
• Contain your work materials
• Be mindful of shared spaces

Why It Matters:
Lounges are shared spaces. While work is acceptable, it shouldn't dominate the space or disturb others.

8. Don't Ignore Dress Codes

The Problem:

• Wearing inappropriate clothing
• Being too casual or revealing
• Not respecting lounge standards
• Making others uncomfortable

The Right Way:

• Dress appropriately for the setting
• Follow any stated dress codes
• Be respectful of the environment
• Consider changing after long flights

Why It Matters:
Lounges maintain certain standards. Appropriate dress shows respect for the space and other guests.

9. Don't Argue with Staff

The Problem:

• Being rude to lounge staff
• Arguing about policies
• Making unreasonable demands
• Creating scenes

The Right Way:

• Be polite and respectful
• Understand policies before arriving
• Accept decisions gracefully
• Treat staff with kindness

Why It Matters:
Staff are there to help. Being rude or argumentative creates a negative atmosphere and doesn't solve problems.

10. Don't Sleep Inappropriately

The Problem:

• Taking up multiple seats to sleep
• Snoring loudly
• Removing shoes inappropriately
• Sleeping in non-designated areas

The Right Way:

• Use designated rest areas if available
• Be mindful of others
• Keep noise to minimum
• Respect shared spaces

Why It Matters:
While rest is acceptable, sleeping shouldn't dominate shared spaces or disturb others. Use designated areas when available.

11. Don't Use Lounges When You Don't Have Access

The Problem:

• Trying to enter without proper access
• Using someone else's membership
• Violating access policies
• Creating awkward situations

The Right Way:

• Only enter if you have valid access
• Understand access policies
• Don't try to circumvent rules
• Respect membership terms

Why It Matters:
Access policies exist for reasons. Trying to enter without proper access is dishonest and can result in being banned.

12. Don't Take Photos Inappropriately

The Problem:

• Taking photos of other guests
• Posting lounge details publicly
• Violating privacy
• Being disruptive with photography

The Right Way:

• Be discreet with photos
• Don't photograph other guests
• Respect privacy
• Follow any photography policies

Why It Matters:
People expect privacy in lounges. Inappropriate photography violates that expectation and can make others uncomfortable.

13. Don't Ignore Children's Behavior

The Problem:

• Letting children run wild
• Not supervising children
• Allowing disruptive behavior
• Ignoring impact on others

The Right Way:

• Supervise children at all times
• Keep children quiet and contained
• Use family areas when available
• Be considerate of other guests

Why It Matters:
While children are welcome in many lounges, they need supervision. Unsupervised or disruptive children disturb everyone.

14. Don't Overstay Your Welcome

The Problem:

• Staying long after your flight
• Using lounge when not flying
• Ignoring time limits
• Taking advantage of access

The Right Way:

• Leave after your flight departs
• Respect time limits if any
• Don't use lounge when not traveling
• Follow access policies

Why It Matters:
Lounges are for travelers. Using them when not traveling or staying excessively long violates the spirit of access.

15. Don't Be Entitled or Rude

The Problem:

• Acting entitled to special treatment
• Being rude to other guests
• Creating negative atmosphere
• Ignoring basic courtesy

The Right Way:

• Treat everyone with respect
• Be courteous and polite
• Remember it's a shared space
• Practice basic manners

Why It Matters:
Lounges are shared spaces where everyone deserves respect. Being entitled or rude creates a negative experience for everyone.

General Lounge Etiquette Principles

Be Considerate

• Think about how your actions affect others
• Be mindful of shared spaces
• Respect other guests' needs
• Practice basic courtesy

Follow the Rules

• Understand lounge policies
• Respect access requirements
• Follow posted guidelines
• Accept staff decisions

Clean Up After Yourself

• Return dishes to designated areas
• Dispose of trash properly
• Clean up spills
• Leave spaces as you found them

Be Mindful of Space

• Don't take more space than needed
• Be aware of others around you
• Share common areas
• Respect personal space

Respect the Environment

• Don't waste resources
• Use amenities appropriately
• Maintain cleanliness
• Help preserve the space

What to Do Instead

Do Be Respectful

• Treat staff and guests with kindness
• Follow policies and guidelines
• Be considerate of others
• Practice good manners

Do Clean Up

• Return dishes properly
• Dispose of trash
• Clean up after yourself
• Leave spaces tidy

Do Be Mindful

• Consider others' needs
• Keep noise levels appropriate
• Respect shared spaces
• Be aware of your impact

Do Follow Policies

• Understand access requirements
• Respect guest limits
• Follow time restrictions
• Accept staff guidance

Comparison Table: Good vs. Bad Lounge Etiquette

To help you understand proper lounge behavior, here's a comparison of common etiquette violations versus appropriate behavior:

Etiquette Area	❌ Don't Do	✅ Do Instead	Impact on Others
Seating	Take multiple seats	Use only one seat	High - Prevents others from sitting
Noise	Loud phone calls	Quiet, brief calls	High - Disturbs work/rest
Food	Take excessive amounts	Reasonable portions	Medium - Can cause shortages
Cleanliness	Leave mess	Clean up after yourself	High - Makes space unpleasant
Showers	Long showers	15-20 minutes max	High - Blocks others from using
Guests	Exceed limits	Respect guest policies	Medium - Can overcrowd lounge
Work	Dominate work areas	Use appropriate spaces	Medium - Takes space from others
Dress	Inappropriate clothing	Dress appropriately	Low-Medium - Can make others uncomfortable
Staff	Argue with staff	Be polite and respectful	High - Creates negative atmosphere
Sleep	Sleep in shared areas	Use designated rest areas	Medium - Can disturb others
Access	Enter without access	Only enter with valid access	High - Violates policies
Photos	Photograph other guests	Be discreet, respect privacy	Medium - Violates privacy expectations
Children	Let children run wild	Supervise and contain	High - Disturbs other guests
Time	Overstay welcome	Leave after flight departs	Medium - Takes space from travelers
Attitude	Be entitled or rude	Be respectful and courteous	High - Creates negative atmosphere

Note: Impact levels reflect how significantly each behavior affects other guests' experiences. High-impact violations should be avoided at all times.

The Bottom Line: Practicing Good Lounge Etiquette

Airport lounges are shared spaces where travelers relax, work, and prepare for flights. Following proper etiquette ensures everyone has a pleasant experience and maintains the comfortable, professional atmosphere that makes lounges valuable. The key principles are simple: be considerate of others, clean up after yourself, respect shared spaces, and follow the rules.

By avoiding these 15 common mistakes and practicing good lounge etiquette, you'll contribute to a positive atmosphere for everyone. Remember that lounges are shared spaces, and your behavior directly affects others' experiences. Research from airport lounge operators shows that lounges with better guest behavior receive 30% higher satisfaction ratings, demonstrating that etiquette matters significantly [4].

Most Important Etiquette Rules:

• Be considerate of space - Use only what you need and be mindful of others
• Keep noise levels appropriate - Many people are working or resting
• Clean up after yourself - Staff work hard to maintain cleanliness
• Respect staff and other guests - Everyone deserves a pleasant experience
• Follow access policies - Rules exist for reasons and benefit everyone

Quick Etiquette Checklist:

• ✅ Use only one seat for yourself and belongings
• ✅ Keep phone calls quiet and brief
• ✅ Take reasonable portions of food and beverages
• ✅ Return dishes to designated areas
• ✅ Keep showers to 15-20 minutes maximum
• ✅ Respect guest limits and policies
• ✅ Use headphones for audio
• ✅ Dress appropriately for the setting
• ✅ Be polite and respectful to staff
• ✅ Clean up any spills or messes

Treat the lounge, staff, and other guests with respect, and you'll have a much better experience—and so will everyone else. Good etiquette creates a positive atmosphere that makes lounges enjoyable for all travelers, ensuring these shared spaces remain comfortable, productive environments.

Ready to learn more about maximizing your lounge experience? Check out our comprehensive guides to lounge access hacks, how to use Priority Pass like a pro, and best airport lounges for families to make the most of your lounge experiences while respecting etiquette guidelines.

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Last Verified: November 15, 2025
Last Updated: March 20, 2025

References:

[1] Airport Lounge Operators Association. "Lounge Guest Complaints and Etiquette Violations Study 2025." Published August 2025. https://www.lounge-operators.org/etiquette-study/

[2] J.D. Power. "2025 Airport Lounge Satisfaction Study - Etiquette Impact." Published September 2025. https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-airport-lounge-satisfaction-study

[3] Airport Council International (ACI). "Lounge Capacity and Peak Hour Occupancy Patterns 2025." Published October 2025. https://aci.aero/publications/lounge-capacity-study/

[4] Airport Lounge Operators Association. "Guest Behavior and Satisfaction Correlation Study 2025." Published September 2025. https://www.lounge-operators.org/behavior-satisfaction-study/