Don't be that guy.
If you've been on an airplane before, it's likely you will be able to relate to the following scenarios but it's my hope to give you tips on how to navigate them and explain the importance of etiquette.
“Riding an airplane is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get.” - Forrest Gump (sort of)
Choosing the right airline to fly with can definitely make a difference in your trip experience, however, that is done through trial and error. You could fly with your favorite airline, receive excellent service from the flight attendants, have the perfect landing, and still walk off the plane with feelings of annoyance, anger, or frustration. Why? Because riding an airplane is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get with a seat partner or fellow travelers. For these reasons, I have come up with helpful airplane etiquette tips so that you can avoid being an annoying airline passenger and so you don't become "that guy".
1. Don't Be Egocentric.
This may come as a shock to some, but there are more people to think about than just yourself. The flight attendants are there to serve everyone's needs, not just yours. And it's no secret that airlines try and maximize their profits by minimizing the amount of space they give passengers, i.e. leg room is limited and seats are cramped. Please keep in mind that the person behind you most likely doesn't enjoy you leaning your seat all the way back when legroom is already limited. Especially on a short flight. You get some empathy and understanding when it's a Red Eye Flight. Oh, and the person(s) next to you? Maybe don't use both of the arm rests, but leave a place for your seat-mates elbow.
2. Babies Cry. Deal With It.
This might be harsh, and I don't want you to think that I don't completely empathize with you because crying babies can become quite annoying, quite fast. In fact, I flew back from Rome with a small child who cried on and off the whole 10 hour flight. It was rough, believe me, I get it. Plus, children might not be everyone's cup of tea. But take a moment to consider how difficult it must be for that new parent to fly with that baby - the process of checking luggage and stroller, getting through TSA, and getting on the plane. Add on top of that the fact that depending on the flight time, the child could be off schedule and hangry or they missed a nap or their bedtime. The child can't regulate their emotions, let alone know how to express them yet, so they cry. Children cry, it's what they do. Furthermore, you know how uncomfortable it is when the cabin pressure builds up in your ears and they can't pop. For a small child, that uncomfortable feeling is amplified and it results in them crying! Basically, the parents are going through enough, they probably feel just as frustrated as you do, and they really don't need you to heckle them.
3. Be Respectful to The Chatty Seat Partner.
Sometimes you might get stuck next to a complete stranger for 2+ hours and that stranger wants to tell you their life story. And sometimes you don't want to hear it. Maybe you want to just kick back, relax, and close your eyes or maybe you just want to plug in your headphones and listen to music. Don't be rude. Be kind and polite, but when you see an opportunity (a pause in conversation) go ahead and do your thing.
4. Be Patient With The Antsy Seat-Mate
What is one of the most annoying things that can happen on any flight besides being stuck in the middle seat? Having a seat mate that has the bladder the size of a pencil eraser. Or the one who has to stretch their legs every half hour. Either way, when someone is crawling over you multiple times during a flight to get up and go, it becomes annoying quite fast. While part of me realizes sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do, if there's any advice I can give for dealing with this would be 1. try and be patient and 2. keep reminding yourself it will be over soon enough and then you will be landed in your lovely destination! The advice I would offer if you're the one with the tiny bladder, don't drink much and try to be conscious of your seat mates.
5. Be Empathetic to The Person Who Copes With Flight Anxiety By Drinking
We all have ways in which we deal with anxiety. For some, traveling in an airplane is a super stressful event and we should all be compassionate about the range of feelings surrounding flying people can have. However, if the person you are seated next to on the plane is 3 drinks in because that's how they cope with being on the flight, it can become an uncomfortable situation. Most people are unpredictable when their inhibitions are lowered because of alcohol and I know I have been on a flight where they actually spilled their alcohol on me. It's not the most pleasant flight I've ever had. Fortunately, I can offer some advice since I've been through it myself. Firstly, being compassionate, patient, and empathetic always goes a long way because we never truly know what might be going on in other peoples' lives. Secondly, going to your happy place by listening to music or watching a movie or reading a good book and/or just reminding yourself of what waits for you when you get off of the plane. The advice I can give to the person who might cope this way, is try to be mindful of your limits and those around you and perhaps try to think of alternative coping strategies.
6. There's A Way to De-Plane Properly.
OK, this last one could just be a personal pet peeve of mine, but when you're seated in row 17 and the person from row 25 is pushing their way to get off of the plane before you it can become quite bothersome. Let me stop here by saying there are exceptions to this! For example, if someone is running late to their connecting flight, by all means... GO! However, if that isn't the case, and someone is just being impatient it really irritates me and I don't think I'm alone. It's quite simple: everyone wants to get off of the plane. But whether you're a novice airline passenger or a professional, you should know there is a system for getting off of the plane - start from the beginning of the plane (the First Class passengers) and work your way back. Depending on the airline, where you are seated is either assigned or your choice. If you know you are impatient and can afford it, try to choose a seat that is closer to the front! It's all about knowing what works best for you, while also maintaining the idea of not coming across as rude.
I hope that all of the scenarios I've highlighted and the ways to navigate them are helpful! I'm curious, what have been some of your least favorite airplane etiquette moments? Let me know in the comments!
xx,
The Blue Eyed Bostonian
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