Passengers reveal the answers to 7 common airplane etiquette questions

• British Airways and ProdegeMR surveyed 1,500 travelers to get their thoughts on in-flight etiquette.
• The survey covered the US, UK, France, Germany, and Italy.
• The results of the survey form an unofficial rulebook for in-flight behavior. 

In almost everything we do, there are a set of rules and regulations that are to be followed. The same goes for when we get on a plane.

However, the rules of etiquette for when we fly is a bit more complicated in that its an activity that transcends virtually all nations, races, and cultures. Naturally, there are going to be conflicting views on the dos and don't of in-flight etiquette.

Recently, British Airways teamed up with market research firm ProdegeMR to survey 1,500 travelers in the US, UK, France, Italy, and Germany. While the survey does not encompass all nations, it does reveal the opinions of flyers in five major aviation markets. Since all 1,500 people surveyed had either flown domestically or internationally within the past 12 months, consider this an unofficial rulebook for proper in-flight behavior. 

Here's a closer look the results of the British Airways study. 

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Who owns the armrest?

First up, the survey tackles the age-old question of who owns the armrest. According to the survey, 67% of all respondents said the proper thing to do is to take one armrest and leave the other for your neighbor. 

However, opinions diverge a bit different when it came to the middle seat. Forty-seven percent of those surveyed in the UK and 42% of those from the US said the middle seat passenger should get both arm rests. Roughly half of the travelers from Italy, France, and Germany believe that the center armrests should go to whomever requests them. 

Do shoes and socks have to stay on?

For some people, kicking off their shoes is part of the in-flight experience. Some find the practice repulsive, but for the most part people seem to be okay with it. According to the survey, 59% of respondents said it's cool to go without shoes. That is unless you are flying in Italy where 75% of those surveyed said its unacceptable. 

While no shoes may be kosher, taking off one's socks is a step too far. An overwhelming majority of those surveyed, 87%, said taking off socks is a no go. 

Okay to chit chat?

Personally, I think there are few things more dreaded than being stuck on a flight for hours on end next to an overly talkative neighbor. And it seems like the good folks surveyed by British Airways agrees with me. In fact, 83% of respondents said that the conversation should progress no further than "hi" and a smile.

In the US, 42% of travelers believe it is unacceptable to share personal stories. According to the survey, British respondents recommended excusing yourself to the lavatory as a polite way of exiting an unwelcome conversation.