After 15 plus years of international travel, I can honestly say that for the most part the individuals I have shared the airplane cabin with have been fine. On many occasions I have had nice gentlemen offering to help me put my heavy bags in the overhead compartment, or the window seat occupants next to me have tried their best not to trample over my legs on their way to the restroom. However, on a recent trip, I had the unfortunate luck of sitting next to a not so ideal passenger.
It started off rather awkwardly when a lightly but visibly inebriated man took the window seat next to me. He quickly remarked “Oh so you are the lucky one to sit next to me for 14 hours.” He proceeded to disclose to me that his ex-wife told him he was extremely annoying, and he predicted that I might end up changing my seat. Well, his premonition was correct.
I tried as best as I could to give this person all the signs that I wanted to rest and keep to myself (earphones were in, I-pod was front and center on my lap). However, he proceeded to tap me on the shoulder a few times to insist on striking up conversation with me. The last straw came during dinner. He was asking me to explain what one of the dishes on the appetizer plate was, and when I shrugged my shoulders, he remarked back “Are you going to be rude the entire flight?”
I have never encountered such an individual in all my years of travel. All those who fly frequently know the airplane equivalents of the “do not disturb” doorknob sign. In case you don’t, it includes reading a book, wearing earplugs or headphones, and especially closing your eyes. When you see a person doing any of these things, it is likely they want to be left alone.
Luckily for me I had no problems finding a seat in the back of the airplane near a colleague of mine. It just happened to be a fairly empty flight. I spent roughly 11 of the 14-hour flight intentionally far away from this individual. However, airplanes are small. He found me and sent another remark my way after visiting the bar in the back of the plane (yes, the Airbus 380 top deck has a lounge in the back).
In this complicated world we live in, we have become accustomed to hearing stories of unruly airplane passengers or even cabin crew going awry mid-flight. I want us all to take a moment to pause and remind ourselves that during a flight we are a group of individuals sharing the same temporary neighborhood. With that said we should all strive to be patient, kind, and respect each other’s personal space and need for quiet time.
As always, I wish you all the happiest of travels.
