Whether you are on the ground awaiting your flight or above the clouds, good manners matter. On a recent international flight I saw first-hand how some people have little concept of how to behave in public. While some people are helpful and considerate others are rude and self-absorbed.
During the flight I was in a window seat, and as is the case in coach, with not much room to spare. In front of me was a passenger of at least 6’3” in height and weight to match who put his seat in the reclining position and stretched so far back I was unable to reach my bag under his seat. I had to ask the passenger beside me to reach my bag. As if that was not bad enough I had to tilt my head to see the t.v. screen on the seat back in front of me. During the flight this passenger left his seat several times which added to the discomfort for me. Then during the stampede to leave the plane a passenger from the row behind me, too impatient to wait his turn to head up the aisle, cut me off and barged in front of me as I was preparing to reach for my bag in the overhead. This passenger then had to stop and wait for his partner who he had left behind in his mad rush.
Another passenger remarked to me in astonishment about my cramped position during the flight and the way I was run over trying to exit the plane. It was this experience that prompted me to write this blog and provide a few tips on airplane etiquette.
Listed below are a few airplane etiquette tips:
• Save yourself time and hassle and show consideration for fellow travellers by packing within airline guidelines.
• Be at your gate on time.
• Have your boarding pass and photo I.D. ready as you check through the gate.
• Don’t loiter in the gate area as others try to pre-board.
• When arriving at your seat be prepared and put your belongings away promptly and be seated so you don’t block the aisle and inconvenience others.
• If your seat is an aisle seat keep your arms and legs out of the aisle to allow others to walk by easily.
• Don’t stand in the aisles to talk to other passengers or sit on a seat arm to schmooze.
• Control your children. They should not be running loose throughout the plane. Plan ahead with things that will keep them occupied and if they need to stretch go with them.
• Please be considerate. Seat space is limited for everyone. Check with the person behind you before you recline your seat.
• When disembarking be as orderly as possible. It is not a race, even if you are running behind for a connecting flight don’t push past or barge ahead of other passengers. If you realize that you may have a problem making your next flight, alert the flight attendant who will do everything possible to assist you.
Planes are designed to maximize the number of passengers and everyone is in a confined space, and manners matter. Flying is a true test of civility.