Etiquette for Flying

When Emily Post published her   “Etiquette: In Society, In Business, In Politics and At Home,” in 1922, life was a little easier than today.  At that time there was no commercial airline travel so we did not have issues like people taking off their shoes to share their smelling feet with the rest of the plane.

Flying has turned in the land (or should I say the flight) of the misery.  Airlines and people themselves are responsible.  Airlines create the situation by overcrowding the planes with too many people, not enough room between seats and of course the endless delays.  People have lost common sense and mutual respect for others.  Airline travel is a perfect example of this.  With that said, we want to highlight a few things that should be remembered when you fly: 

1.     Personal Space –When flying space is limited.  Do not invade another passenger’s space by trying to take their under the seat space, leaning on the passenger next to you.  Hogging the arm rests (as a side note, the middle seat has full rights to each of the arm rests so no complaining about that)

2.     Reclining the Seat – The airlines enabled the seats to recline.  Their nothing wrong with you reclining your seat.  I would advise against reclining it all the way into the lap of the person behind you.  I do not buy that you have to ask the person behind you if it is ok to recline your seat.  I do not get that this other passenger has a veto right on your comfort.  Word of advice – during meal times (yes there are meal times on international travel), it is considerate and appropriate to put your seat in the upright position while the passenger behind you eats.

3.     Conversing with Another Passenger – Just because you are bored on your flight, you should not expect the person next to you to wait to be part of a conversation with you.  Think of it as an elevator where people do not typically interact with the other people on the elevator.  One sure way to communicate you lack of desire to speak to your fellow passenger is to put on headphones at the earliest possibility.  Basically, do not be annoying to your fellow passenger by telling them your life story.

4.     Smelly Food or People – I am all on board (pun intended) with the concept of bringing your own food on board especially with airlines basically only offering pretzels and biscuits.  What to avoid is bringing food that has a distinct aroma like stinky tofu (also, why eat tofu at all).  Flying can be a nauseating experience so why increase that situation for other passengers.  Consider others.  Also, try to make sure that you shower and not apply to much perfume since this could impact your fellow travels as well.

5.     Phone Usage – While at the gate you can use your cell phone but do not use it on speaker phone.  No one wants to hear your conversation.  Also, once the plane door is closed and the plane is on the move, you should not be talking to anyone on your phone (and you should go into airplane mode)

6.     Stay in Your Seats – When the plane lands, do not try to run off the plane ahead of other people.  Wait your turn.  Also, stay in your seat while others are deplaning.  No reason to stand up and crown the aisle.

7.     Switching Seats – It has become more common for people to ask others to switch seats on a plane.  You should not ask someone if you are suggesting an inferior seat to the one that the person already has.  For example, do not offer a middle seat in the back for an aisle seat up front.  Even if you do offer a better seat to the passenger, he or she has the absolute right to say no.  It is not their fault or responsibility to change seats with you.  It is your issue and not anyone else’s.  Typically, people ask to change seats when they did not book seats together for a couple of different reasons.  In the end, that is your fault so deal with it. 

8.     Crying Babies – Yes, crying babies can be annoying on flights but that is something you have to deal with.  Flying for babies and young child can be a challenging experience and can definitely impact your flight.  But that is a cross you have to bear.  With one major caveat, parents with young children should avoid redeye flights.  People want to sleep on these flights and crying babies can ruin a flight and people’s plans once they arrive at their destination.

9.     Security Line – Remember the Boy Scout’s Motto.  Be Prepared.  You should know if your bag that is about to go through screening has an inappropriate item like a water bottle, knife or firearm.  Also, have your ticket and license ready to show the TSA Agent. You should check these things at home.  When you fail to do these things, you slow down the line for the people behind you.  This is both inconsiderate and annoying.

The overriding concept is that you should be considerate of your fellow passengers with the understanding that you have as many rights on the plane as your fellow passengers.  Also, try to avoid interacting with a Karen or becoming a Karen yourself.