Airline Etiquette
Airline Etiquette: What is Appropriate Behavior
Airline delays and cancellations rank up there with traffic jams and other surprises, so aggravation and frustration can boil over in the blink of an eye when you’re traveling. The best way to handle these airline miscues is to accept them graciously, even though they may impact your trip in a negative way. The proper thing to do when you’re traveling is go with the flow. That does take practice, so if you do explode try to do better next time, because there will always be a next time if you want to fly.
When the plane is boarding be aware of your fellow travelers. If you have an aisle seat and a passenger has the window seat and you’re already seated, get up and let them slide to the window seat comfortably. Keep your seatback in the upright position when you’re flying unless the seat behind you is vacant. Stay in your seat during the flight. If you need to use the restroom, use it before you get on the plane or when you land, unless the flight is longer than 3 hours. If you want to drink on the flight, water is the best choice. It will keep you hydrated. A stiff drink every now and then can make the trip a little less stressful, so if you want to pay the price for one of those airline miniatures go ahead, make your day.
Read something when you’re flying or strike up a conversation with your neighbor, you’ll be surprised what you learn about people and life on a trip to an island or exotic city. Do the flight attendants a favor and don’t ring the overhead buttons, unless you have a major issue. They usually walk through the cabin frequently and you can stop them as they pass by. When you’re deplaning let the people in front of you get their bags and let them begin to walk off before you try to get off the plane. If you’re not seated in an aisle seat wait until the people in your row are in the aisle before you move. As you pass the pilot and the flight attendants on the way off the plane thank them and wish them well. They did their job; you reached your destination safely.
