Ever had to sit next to an annoying passenger on a flight? Whether it’s someone reclining their seat as soon as the plane takes off or a passenger eating a smelly meal, there’s always the chance of something undesirable happening.

For flight attendants who have to manage more than 100 passengers at once, it’s even more difficult.

So how can tourists make flying a more pleasant experience for the cabin crew?

Express.co.uk spoke to Jane Hawkes, a former flight attendant and consumer expert at ladyjaney.co.uk, who explained how passengers can be better travellers.

From tray tables to the seatbelt sign, there are a few easy ways that passengers can make the experience hassle-free for the plane’s crew.

Pay attention to safety demos

Jane said: “You might have seen it 1,000 times but aircraft types do vary as do the location of emergency exits, so it’s worth paying attention.

“Also even if you don’t want to watch it, other passengers do, so talking through it is not helpful.”

Luckily, it’s extremely unlikely there’ll be an emergency on your flight but it’s important to listen to the safety demo in the event of anything happening.

Put the tray table down for meals

Jane said passengers can help the crew by putting their tray table down when the meal service starts.

She said: “This can speed up the service as it’s one less thing for the crew to do. It’s also helpful if you can organise your tray after you’ve eaten and have any rubbish ready for collection.

“Take your headphones out when you are being served so you can hear what you are being offered.”

Seatbelt sign

The seatbelt sign will come on during take-off and landing as well as if there’s any turbulence during the flight.

Jane said: “Keep seated with the seatbelt fastened when the light is illuminated and fasten the seatbelt over the blanket if you’re asleep during the flight.

“The seatbelt sign is illuminated for your safety, returning to your seat and following instructions when it is switched on is really important.”