Posted on Mon, Mar 08, 2010
by Jeremy Willinger
We have all seen them -- the people who barge to the front of the security line, aggressive businesspeople who run over your foot with their carry-on, and the ubiquitous armrest hog. Whereas air travel used to be a glamorous adventure, today airlines seem to have taken their inspiration from the sardine can, cramming passengers into antiquated planes and charging them $5.00 for a pillow and itchy blanket.
But even while feeling that airlines care little about their well-being, passengers can still employ a little etiquette to ensure a smoother trip for everyone. The first rule of air travel etiquette is that being nice usually goes a long way. I can recall several instances when acknowledging how busy an employee is, or speaking in a respectful, non-condescending tone, has gotten me an upgrade or at the very least a thank-you from the worker. While treating people as you would like to be treated extends to everyone, those who bear the brunt of people’s air travel frustrations may be especially in need of TLC.
When in line at security, try to take your shoes off as quickly as possible (a pair of slip-on loafers or flats is a great investment) and remove your laptop before getting to the scanner. Do you want to be the person who holds up hundreds of passengers as you fumble with a Boy Scout worthy knot on your sneakers? Laces or not, shoes should be closed-toe when flying as your feet will be safer and passengers will avoid seeing (or smelling) them.
An in-flight meal used to be a given; today you are lucky to enjoy a miniscule bag of pretzels. If you purchase food in the terminal, try to eat it before boarding. The recycled air in a pressurized cabin does not need the odor of your tuna melt from Au Bon Pain competing for nostril and lung space. It is irritating to those seated around you and, ultimately, the flight attendant is the one who is going to have to clean up any messes you make—however inadvertently.
In flight, the armrest should be considered a DMZ— fiercely guarded and respected. Whoever is in the middle seat should be granted control of the armrest, but as in elementary school, if you choose to occupy the armrest for an hour, let the other person have a turn. Consider too that it is often possible to share the armrest, one person’s arm occupying the lower half, and the other person’s arm resting on the upper portion. This may take some ongoing adjustment, but it can be mastered. If you wish to use a personal DVD player, or your plane offers seat-headrest screens, consider the company. Watching a violent or very sexy movie when there is a small child next to you would be unkind, and listening to loud music is disrespectful to fellow passengers.
An airplane cabin should generally be considered personal time - so read the vibe of your fellow passengers. If they seem open to talking or initiate a conversation, consider it on the same vibe as a networking event. Snoozers beware: your seatmate is under no obligation to wake you for beverage service.
After landing, rushing into the aisle only serves to create a thicker bottleneck. If you have to make a tight connecting flight, inform the flight attendant and he or she can help facilitate your exit. Be aware of your bags and try not to hit anyone in the head or roll over anyone’s foot as you deplane.
Flying does not have to be an ordeal. By following the guidelines above, and maintaining patience, we can all get to our destinations a lot less worse for the wear and enjoy our time (maybe not as well as George Clooney) up in the air.