Air travel often means spending long hours in a confined space with many passengers. In such an environment, even minor behaviors can quickly affect comfort and create tension. According to US-based flight attendants and travel etiquette experts, following a set of unwritten social rules can help avoid unnecessary discomfort and ensure a smoother journey.

A polite start sets the tone

From the moment passengers step into the cabin, simple gestures like smiling and speaking politely can shape the overall atmosphere. Protocol expert Diane Gottsman emphasizes that greeting or thanking flight attendants is more than courtesy; it helps create a positive environment for the entire flight.

With over two decades of experience, flight attendant Andrew Henderson notes that passengers often reveal their attitude within the first few seconds of boarding, whether through a brief greeting or a more relaxed and friendly approach.

Headphones and awareness

Noise-canceling headphones are now common during flights, offering comfort and isolation. However, experts warn they can also disconnect passengers from important announcements or service instructions.

Aviation consultant Rich Henderson explains that some travelers remain fully immersed in audio throughout the journey and may miss safety instructions or service cues. He suggests occasionally removing headphones, especially when crew members approach, to stay aware of what is happening around them.

Traveling with children

Crying or restless children are a normal part of air travel. Diane Gottsman stresses that parents should not be judged harshly, as most are already trying their best to manage the situation.

However, allowing children to kick seats or run through the cabin is considered inappropriate. In such cases, parents are expected to intervene responsibly. Fellow passengers are also advised to respond calmly and address issues politely rather than escalating conflict.

Window shade etiquette

Opinions often differ on whether window shades should stay open or closed during flights. While window-seat passengers usually have priority, experts encourage flexibility and communication.

Andrew Henderson suggests that passengers should discuss preferences rather than insist on one rule, ensuring comfort for everyone seated nearby.

Shared space considerations

There is broad agreement that middle-seat passengers deserve priority for both armrests, as they have the least space and no direct window or aisle access. This small courtesy helps maintain balance in shared seating arrangements.

Reclining seats thoughtfully

Seat reclining is allowed, but experts recommend checking behind before doing so. Passengers should be mindful if someone is eating or using the tray table. During meal service, keeping the seat upright is seen as a respectful practice.

Food, smell, and personal space

Strong-smelling foods, such as fish or boiled eggs, can be unpleasant for nearby passengers. Similarly, heavy perfumes may create discomfort in the enclosed cabin space. Moderation is advised to maintain a comfortable shared environment.

Alcohol consumption before flying

Excessive alcohol intake before boarding can lead to poor self-control and disruptive behavior during the flight. Experts recommend limiting alcohol consumption to avoid negative experiences for both the individual and others on board.

Respect shapes the journey

Ultimately, air travel is a shared experience where mutual respect plays a key role. As Rich Henderson puts it, small acts of consideration in a confined space can significantly improve the overall journey for everyone.

Source: CNN

TABUK, Saudi Arabia: Two adjoining rock formations in southwestern Tayma Governorate have become one of the area’s most distinctive natural and cultural attractions, known collectively as Al-Naslaa, or the “twin” rock.

The formation is characterized by a remarkably straight and narrow gap that divides the two rock sections, creating the appearance of a precise split. Its name is derived from the Arabic word nasalat, meaning “to separate,” referring to the rock’s separation from the surrounding mountain formations.

Standing approximately eight meters high, Al-Naslaa rests on two natural rock bases, with each base supporting one side of the formation. Its unusual geological structure is complemented by ancient inscriptions and rock art carved into its surface.

The Heritage Commission says Al-Naslaa lies within a broader area known for its archaeological sites and extensive rock inscriptions. These remains reflect the long-standing historical importance of Tayma and the wider Tabuk Region.

For centuries, Tayma served as an important station along ancient trade routes crossing northwestern Arabia, connecting the area to broader networks of commerce and cultural exchange.

Today, Al-Naslaa is recognized as one of Saudi Arabia’s notable geological landmarks. The combination of its unusual natural formation and preserved inscriptions offers visitors a glimpse into both the geological evolution and human history of the surrounding landscape.

Source: SPA

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Wadi Hanifah is offering residents and visitors a chance to escape Riyadh’s fast-paced urban environment, combining rugged terrain, greenery and open spaces within one of the capital’s most prominent natural landmarks.

The valley is featured among the destinations promoted under the Saudi Summer 2026 program, held under the slogan “Summer Your Way.” The initiative highlights a broad range of attractions across the Kingdom, including natural, recreational and heritage destinations.

Extending across large areas of Riyadh, Wadi Hanifah has played an important role in the city’s history and development. Rehabilitation projects have helped protect its natural character while improving surrounding areas with facilities designed to support visitors and outdoor activities.

The valley features landscaped areas, walking trails, seating spaces, parks and viewpoints overlooking its terrain. These amenities have helped establish Wadi Hanifah as a popular destination for families, walkers and people seeking outdoor recreation.

The Wadi Hanifah Dam and surrounding areas are among the valley’s notable attractions, complemented by parks and other natural sites distributed along its length. Together, they provide additional leisure options within the capital while creating spaces where nature and the urban environment intersect.

The destination’s growing summer popularity reflects increasing interest in outdoor leisure among Riyadh residents and visitors. Its open-air setting provides an alternative to indoor entertainment and offers several ways to enjoy the city’s natural surroundings.

Wadi Hanifah forms part of the diverse experiences promoted through Saudi Summer 2026, which includes events and activities alongside natural, cultural, heritage and recreational attractions. The program seeks to encourage domestic tourism and highlight destinations across the Kingdom’s regions.

With its environmental, historical and recreational significance, Wadi Hanifah remains an important feature of Riyadh’s tourism landscape, providing a distinctive natural retreat in the capital and adding an outdoor dimension to the city’s summer experience.

Source: SPA

ASEER, Saudi Arabia: Thick clouds are sweeping across the mountains of the Aseer region, creating a striking summer landscape as mist moves along steep slopes, winding roads and agricultural terraces.

Aerial images captured by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) show historic villages and traditional terraces emerging through the fog, at times appearing to float above an expansive sea of white clouds. The scenery reflects both the region’s rugged geography and generations of local adaptation to life in the mountains.

For travelers exploring Aseer’s highlands, rapidly changing weather conditions can transform the landscape within minutes. Clear views of deep valleys and green forests can give way to dense fog, creating an atmospheric setting that adds a sense of mystery to the journey.

The region’s combination of sweeping cloud formations and moderate temperatures has further strengthened Aseer’s appeal as a leading summer destination in 2026. Viewpoints across the highlands provide visitors with opportunities to watch clouds rise from the valleys, creating panoramic scenes in which the mountains appear to drift across an endless white horizon.

Source: SPA

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia: Jeddah is drawing increased attention as a summer tourism destination in 2026, with its Red Sea coastline offering visitors a combination of marine recreation, adventure and natural attractions.

Beyond its beaches, the governorate provides opportunities for boat excursions, diving, water sports and exploration. Offshore islands and coral reefs add to the area’s appeal, with reefs featuring a wide range of formations and colors that contribute to Jeddah’s distinctive marine landscape.

The governorate is strengthening its role as a gateway to Red Sea marine tourism by expanding access to coastal sites, boat trips and water-based activities. The growing range of experiences gives visitors opportunities to combine leisure and adventure while discovering the region’s marine environment.

Activity is currently increasing across 13 beaches and marine sites. To support visitors, operations are being backed by 34 field supervisors and 66 male and female lifeguards. The deployment is intended to improve safety, strengthen operational preparedness and maintain service standards as demand for coastal activities rises.

Visitors can select from four types of marine sports and experiences, in addition to boat trips to islands and coral reef locations. Together, these activities offer opportunities to explore the Red Sea’s natural diversity while enjoying recreational and sporting experiences on the water.

The development forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to expand its tourism industry and capitalize on the Red Sea’s natural and competitive advantages. It also supports the diversification of tourism destinations and products in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to increase tourism’s contribution to the national economy and improve quality of life.

Source: SPA