Flying the Not-So-Friendly Skies: A Survival Guide

Many people love to fly to new places and explore new cultures, but there are few things more annoying than a travel experience sullied by fellow passengers. Pack these air travel etiquette tips with you to make sure you're not one of them next time you board a plane.

MARGARET PAGE

Let's be honest. Strapping yourself into a tiny seat in a cramped airplane along with dozens of strangers is nobody's idea of fun. But with the proper air travel etiquette, the experience can be better for everyone. Follow these tips, and you'll be the person that travelers hope to sit next to.

Be patient. The minute the attendant calls the first boarding zone, everyone seems to pop up and head for the gate. Wait for your zone to be called before lining up. And board with your zone!
Carry it carefully and make room. Turn your rolling suitcase sideways and carry it in front of you to your seat. When it comes time to place your belongings in the overhead bin, ensure that it's in such a way that allows room for others.
Respect the recline. The most courteous practice is to ask permission of the passenger behind you before you recline. And then recline just a little.
Keep your feet to yourself. Be careful not to kick the seat in front of you. And speaking of feet, keep your shoes and socks on!
Balance yourself. Use your armrest—not your neighbor's headrest— to balance yourself when getting up from your seat.
Tone it down. Make sure you have good earphones and try not to talk too loudly. If you're carrying on a conversation with someone in an airplane, be discreet.
Keep your children in check. Games, movies, books and a bag of tiny gifts to open every hour during long flights go a long way toward distracting children from the fact that they can't run free!
Don't be disruptive. Profanity, excessive drinking, arguing with flight attendants and other behavior that disrupts others will not go over well on board.
Leave your inner linebacker at home. When it's time to deplane, allow people in front of you to get their bag from the overhead compartment and make their way out first. If you have a connecting flight and there was a delay on your original flight, let the flight attendant know you don't have a lot of time between flights.

There are certainly a slew of high-flying violators out there, but how you handle them says a lot about you. The next time you board a plane, keep these etiquette tips in mind. Common sense—as well as a little courtesy—goes a long way in making others feel comfortable.

Margaret Page is a recognized etiquette expert, speaker and coach who helps people and organizations be more professional. She is the founder and CEO of Etiquette Page Enterprises, a leading Western Canadian training organization. To learn more, visit http://etiquettepage.com.

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