Unless you have your own airplane, flying requires you to spend time in very close confines with many strangers. Make it enjoyable by exhibiting excellent manners.
Be Patient
Unless you are flying on an airline that doesn’t assign seats prior to boarding, relax until pre-boarding is announced for those who need assistance. This announcement is your cue to get into line, after reviewing your boarding pass to determine when you board. First-class passengers are usually invited to board after the announcement, followed by general boarding.If you are flying first class but arrive after general boarding has begun, don’t push your way to the front of the line while loudly announcing your esteemed status; instead, get in line and wait your turn—your seat will be waiting for you.
Recliner Wars
Airline seats are designed to be comfortable, but before you set your seat all the way back, check to see if the person sitting in front of you did the same. If they did, it might be difficult for you to use the dining tray or to easily access any items you may have stowed beneath the seat in front of you. Politely communicate with the passenger if this occurs, or ask a flight attendant to intercede on your behalf.Three seatback behaviors that are never acceptable are taking off your shoes, putting your feet on the seatback, or allowing children to kick the seatback.
Be Helpful
Once you are aboard and settled in your seat, keep an eye on travelers still boarding and placing their carry-on luggage into overhead compartments. If you notice someone small in stature or very young struggling with a bulky or heavy piece of luggage, offer a helping hand. Remember to retrieve it for them upon landing, too.Sometimes, families are unable to get adjoining seats, so consider changing seats if this allows a parent to sit with a small child, or a husband with a wife. The flight attendants appreciate these acts of kindness, and might reward you with extra peanuts.
Don’t Be That Person
There’s always one person who holds up the line going through security screening. Despite signs and announcements asking travelers to take off and place all carry-on items, jackets, belts, and shoes in a bin for X-ray screening, one person always seems surprised when it’s their turn to put their items in the bin, often asking the screener, “Do I really have to do this?”This person often ignores the boarding announcements, sauntering to the gate just as it’s about to be closed and delaying takeoff. Then, once aboard, they linger overly long in the restroom, leaving others dancing in the aisle.
Value Personal Space
Airline seats are narrow, often with not enough room for passengers in adjoining seats to both use the armrest. Sometimes, passengers also have to share foot room under the seats in front of them—making it important to stay in your own area.If you are assigned the window seat but find the adjoining seats occupied when you board, politely ask your seatmates to allow you to squeeze in. Once in your seat, imagine yourself in a bubble, taking care not to encroach on the passenger next to you—thus encouraging them to extend the same courtesy to you.
