Regardless of the reason you’re traveling by air, be it for business or pleasure, spending time in close proximity to throngs of strangers calls for a specific set of manners.
Show Appreciation
When the agent at the counter has to deal with rude customers ahead of you in line, treating that person to a warm smile and a show of respect just might make his or her day. Like flight attendants, ticket agents can’t accept cash tips, so show your appreciation in the form of a smile and patience. Upon arriving at the airport, if a curbside baggage handler assists with heavy luggage, hand him a few dollars; tips are allowed and appreciated.
Be Prepared
Before you get in line for security, have your identification and boarding pass ready for inspection. If you travel frequently, consider making the process faster and much more pleasant by enrolling in a
Trusted Traveler Program administered by the Department of Homeland Security, such as the TSA Pre-Check, which often has a separate line that provides travelers with a streamlined preflight screening experience.
Carry On
One thing that delays the process of boarding a plane is passengers attempting to jam oversized luggage into an overhead compartment. Eventually, they will give up and allow the luggage to be checked, but only after disrupting everyone else on board. When traveling with bulky luggage, check it in at the ticket counter. If the flight looks like it will be full and the airline has a loose boarding order, get in line early to make it more likely you will find an open overhead compartment.
Share the Power
At the boarding gate, take advantage of charging ports to top off cellphones. An extended-length power cord can come in handy if an electrical outlet isn’t near your seat, but take care to keep it off the floor lest it trip other travelers. Others may need to recharge their phones, so unplug and share when yours is done. On the plane, look for an outlet on the armrest or on the back of the seat in front of you.
Kid Concerns
When traveling with young children, try to book direct flights when possible to minimize stopovers. Preparation starts with packing: bring their favorite snacks, some games or activity books, and extra clothes in case of small accidents. Have a pacifier or lollipops at the ready for any cabin pressure changes. And before boarding, try to get them moving to burn off some energy.
