This past weekend I took a weekend trip to visit one of my childhood best friends to see her graduate from high school. The trip in and of itself was wonderful; however, in order to get where I was going, I had to take a plane. Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoy flying. I do not enjoy many of the people I happen to encounter on airplanes. So as summer approaches, and people start traveling more, here are some tips to be a good airplane traveler.
1. Be prepared to board.
This should go without saying, but when you are in line to board the plane, have your boarding pass out and ready. Don’t be that guy who approaches the counter and holds up the whole line because he is still fumbling in his jacket pocket for his boarding pass.
2. If there is an option to check your bags at the gate, take it.
There are few things more frustrating than boarding the plane and being stuck behind someone trying to shove their oversized carry-on bag in the overhead compartment. Many airlines have the option for you to check your large carry-on bags at the gate for no extra cost. If this option is available, just check your bag at the gate, and avoid trying to shove your luggage into the overhead bin. Everybody wins.
3. Be nice to the flight attendants.
Flight attendants are there firstly for your safety, and secondly your comfort. They are not your personal servants. Being polite and pleasant to the flight attendants goes a long way.
4. Don’t recline the seat.
Yes, the seats have the option to recline, and why they come with that function, I will never understand. Reclining the seat only makes the cramped space of the person with the misfortune of sitting behind you more cramped. Just be considerate, and don’t recline your seat.
5. Keep your shoes on.
While traveling on an airplane, you should not, under any circumstances, take your shoes off. Airplanes are small, cramped spaces, and feet, no matter how clean of a person you are, sweat and smell. Since there is no fresh air on airplanes, I do not want to be breathing in your recycled foot air.
6. Don’t eat smelly food.
Citrus fruits, onions, garlic, or any other food with a strong smell should not be brought on an airplane. It is rude and inconsiderate, for the same reason that it is rude and inconsiderate to take off your shoes.
7. Don’t rush to get out of the plane, especially if you’re sitting in the back.
It’s going to take you the same amount of time to get off the plane, regardless of how quickly you stand up when it stops. Be courteous to your seatmates, and remain patient and seated until it is actually your turn to exit the plane.
Hopefully these tips make your next flight a little bit less painful, and a little bit more pleasant for the people around you. Safe Travels!
