DING! You are now free to move about the plane… properly.
Unlike decades ago, when air travel was considered a luxury, today’s in-flight experience is more like a trip to the DMV, or having your teeth pulled without Novocain. So, with that, here are my top 3 Quick and Dirty Tips for proper in-flight travel:
DING! Please use your manners (photo By Sean MacEntee, Flickr)
I’m not saying that you can’t sleep on a plane. But if you are going to nap, the proper way to catch some Zs is to remain in your area. Don’t lounge over anyone else. Don’t hog the armrest like a football and don’t rest your head on a stranger’s shoulder. I’ve seen this countless times and it’s just awful. If you know for sure you are going to fall asleep ahead of time, try to get a seat by the window.
Tip #2 – Kids Will be Kids, But There is a Limit
You have to realize that kids do not understand – or fully grasp – proper etiquette when it comes to flying. So you must help them out. There are two parts to this issue. Parents, consider your fellow travelers and bring as much as you can to occupy your child.
For the passenger next to a rowdy child – Understand that a parent would love to keep their child quiet and are trying to. I advise to speak up if they are getting too rowdy in your area but do so with a smile.
Tip #3 – Realize That Air Travel is Not Glamorous
The seats are too small, the air is stale, and everyone wants to get off as soon as possible. Knowing this, and realizing that you are not in the lap of luxury, could be the easiest way to get through your flight. Don’t expect to be wined and dined. Just hope for a soda that isn’t expired.
Do you have a great story about a nightmare flight? Post all the details in Comments below. As always, if you have another manners question, I look forward to hearing from you at manners@quickanddirtytips.com. Check out my Modern Manners Guy Facebook page, follow me on Twitter @MannersQDT, and of course, check back next week for more Modern Manners Guy tips.
One other suggestion – keep your shoes on as you walk about the plane. Socks or even bare feet on those dirty floors? And in and out of the bathroom? Wow.
It was my son’s first flight and we- unfortunately- had the last row in the plane. It wasn’t a rough flight, but just enough for his fear to manifest itself in dry heaves. I swear, everyone in that plane had to turn and stare to see where the sound of barfing was coming from. Not only was he feeling sick to his stomach, he was now embarrassed. On top of that, he ahd the window seat and I had the middle seat, stuck with a three hundred pound man to my left whose obese arm cascaded over the armrest into my lap!