Since the invention of the “flying machine” in the early 20th century air travel has advanced considerably with new models from Boeing and Airbus gracing the skies.
Flying used to be regarded as a prestigious and glamorous
activity with in fight lounges, card tables, and sleeping births even
in economy class. Today much of the glamour and hype has been taken out
of flying and it is regarded merely as a rapid means of transportation
to get from point A to point B, this is especially true for business travelers.
Although the glamor and prestige may be gone we still believe that
civility must be preserved in the friendly skies. Here’s our look at 15
airplane etiquette tips
1. Stay out of the aisle
When walking to your seat carry your cabin baggage in front of you and low to the ground so as not to obstruct other passengers, and avoid chatting in the aisles.
When walking to your seat carry your cabin baggage in front of you and low to the ground so as not to obstruct other passengers, and avoid chatting in the aisles.
2. Keep your seat upright for meals
Reclining seats are great but don’t leave your seat on full recline mode for the entire flight. Reclining your seat takes away from the leg room and dining tray space of the passenger behind you so be considerate and straighten your seat back for meals. Wait for the passenger behind you to finish his/her meal before reclining again.
Reclining seats are great but don’t leave your seat on full recline mode for the entire flight. Reclining your seat takes away from the leg room and dining tray space of the passenger behind you so be considerate and straighten your seat back for meals. Wait for the passenger behind you to finish his/her meal before reclining again.
3. Stuck in the middle with two armrests
No one likes to be stuck in the middle; you can’t look out the window and you can’t exit your seat freely. As a consolation the middle passenger gets both arm rests.
No one likes to be stuck in the middle; you can’t look out the window and you can’t exit your seat freely. As a consolation the middle passenger gets both arm rests.
4. Get over body odour
Proper hygiene is essential when flying as passenger are packed in to an enclosed space with recycled air for extended periods of time. Using deodorant and showering at airports or lounges (if you can )is highly recommended to avoid offensive and embarrassing body odour. Avoid using strong perfumes and colognes and opt for a lightly scented body spray or unscented products.
Proper hygiene is essential when flying as passenger are packed in to an enclosed space with recycled air for extended periods of time. Using deodorant and showering at airports or lounges (if you can )is highly recommended to avoid offensive and embarrassing body odour. Avoid using strong perfumes and colognes and opt for a lightly scented body spray or unscented products.
5. Don’t hog the overhead compartment
Storage space on airplanes is limited so use the overhead compartment above your seat row. Do not spread your luggage out among multiple compartments unless advised by a flight attendant.
Storage space on airplanes is limited so use the overhead compartment above your seat row. Do not spread your luggage out among multiple compartments unless advised by a flight attendant.
6. Bring motion sickness medication
Motion sickness consists of various symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or sweating. Sitting next to an airsick person on a flight is not pleasant so be considerate and take precautions/medications to prevent motion sickness ahead of time.
Motion sickness consists of various symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or sweating. Sitting next to an airsick person on a flight is not pleasant so be considerate and take precautions/medications to prevent motion sickness ahead of time.
7. Know your limit, drink within it
Alcohol is often free on long haul flights so it may be tempting to over indulge. Dealing with drunk passengers is unpleasant for the flight crew or fellow travelers so stay sober in the air. Obnoxious or foul behavior could also result in heavy penalties and offloading so it’s best to stick to just 2 drinks on long haul flights and avoid hard liquor.
Alcohol is often free on long haul flights so it may be tempting to over indulge. Dealing with drunk passengers is unpleasant for the flight crew or fellow travelers so stay sober in the air. Obnoxious or foul behavior could also result in heavy penalties and offloading so it’s best to stick to just 2 drinks on long haul flights and avoid hard liquor.
8. Mind your children
Noisy kids are rated as one of the most annoying in flight pet peeves. If you are traveling with children monitor their behavior to ensure they are quiet and not disturbing other passengers. If you are a parent your children are your responsibility even in the air!
Noisy kids are rated as one of the most annoying in flight pet peeves. If you are traveling with children monitor their behavior to ensure they are quiet and not disturbing other passengers. If you are a parent your children are your responsibility even in the air!
9. Cut the chit chat
Do not attempt to start up a conversation with the passenger next to you. A little bit of small talk and exchange of pleasantries is alright but do not tell them your life story.
Do not attempt to start up a conversation with the passenger next to you. A little bit of small talk and exchange of pleasantries is alright but do not tell them your life story.
10. No litter or loitering in the loo
Airplane toilets are small, full of germs, and often cater to many rows of passengers. Be considerate of others when using the toilet; clean up after yourself and don’t take all day.
Airplane toilets are small, full of germs, and often cater to many rows of passengers. Be considerate of others when using the toilet; clean up after yourself and don’t take all day.
11. Use a gentle touch
Many aircraft come equipped with built in entertainment systems containing touch screens installed in the seat in front of you. Exercise caution when using the touch screen as you don’t want to keep poking the passenger in front of you every time you change TV channels.
Many aircraft come equipped with built in entertainment systems containing touch screens installed in the seat in front of you. Exercise caution when using the touch screen as you don’t want to keep poking the passenger in front of you every time you change TV channels.
12. Keep the window blinds closed when cabin lights are dimmed for designated “sleep time”
During long haul or red eye flights cabin lights are dimmed to allow passengers to rest; this is designated “sleep time” Keeping your window blind shut during this time is recommended as you may be flying in to a sunrise. Waking up to a bright sunrise after a red eye flight is not something most people look forward to so we advise keeping the blind closed until the cabin lights are brightened again for breakfast service.
During long haul or red eye flights cabin lights are dimmed to allow passengers to rest; this is designated “sleep time” Keeping your window blind shut during this time is recommended as you may be flying in to a sunrise. Waking up to a bright sunrise after a red eye flight is not something most people look forward to so we advise keeping the blind closed until the cabin lights are brightened again for breakfast service.
13. Earplugs please!! Control your snoring
Snoring is a common problem encountered on airplanes. If you are a snorer consider using a nasal strip such as breathe right to improve or alleviate your condition. Being kept awake by a snoring passenger is extremely annoying for fellow travelers; by snoring loudly you are indicating to them that you have the right to sleep but they don’t!
Snoring is a common problem encountered on airplanes. If you are a snorer consider using a nasal strip such as breathe right to improve or alleviate your condition. Being kept awake by a snoring passenger is extremely annoying for fellow travelers; by snoring loudly you are indicating to them that you have the right to sleep but they don’t!
14. Don’t ask other passengers to watch your belongings
You may think it’s common to ask someone to watch your purse or bag while you use the washroom but this practice can be dangerous. You risk being robbed or framed. Your fellow passengers are not obligated to look after your things. If you bring it on the plane it’s your responsibility so do not ask others to watch your luggage.
You may think it’s common to ask someone to watch your purse or bag while you use the washroom but this practice can be dangerous. You risk being robbed or framed. Your fellow passengers are not obligated to look after your things. If you bring it on the plane it’s your responsibility so do not ask others to watch your luggage.
15. Immigration cards should be filled out alone
Immigration and landing cards contain important personal information never ask another passenger to help you fill out your card. If you have questions regarding the immigration card or how to fill it out ask a member of the cabin crew. Similarly if someone asks you to help them with their card simply direct them to a crew member who will be better equipped to answer their questions. You cannot be liable for others or their information and vice versa.
Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting
Immigration and landing cards contain important personal information never ask another passenger to help you fill out your card. If you have questions regarding the immigration card or how to fill it out ask a member of the cabin crew. Similarly if someone asks you to help them with their card simply direct them to a crew member who will be better equipped to answer their questions. You cannot be liable for others or their information and vice versa.
Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting
