THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO AIRPLANE ETIQUETTES

Travelling by air can be bliss for covering long distances, but the experience of the flight itself can be frustrating if pestered by nuisance passengers. Most people have adapted to follow an accepted decorum; which enables a peaceful and cordial trip for everyone. We will enlighten you with all the dos and don’ts of air travel; to avoid those pesky social Faux pas’ that haunt you forever after.  You may or may not know about these; dodging them will surely make you a model passenger.

THE UTTERLY UNACCEPTABLE:

Some things are just not okay when travelling by air, no exceptions. Of course, sometimes the situation becomes unavoidable; although, try to keep aloof activity to a minimum. Some things often disregarded while travelling in a plane include:

Carrying giant overhead bags:

We all know overhead bin space is limited and therefore must be shared.  Be careful to take actual airline-approved bag sizes and place them vertically to make room for someone else’s luggage. Also, if you’re in the middle or window seat, try not to get up too many times to take something out; it will only annoy your seat-mate! On the other hand, if you’re in the Aisle seat and someone has to get up; be polite and step out to give the person room to move.

Removing shoes: 

This is a big “NO” when it comes to travelling on a plane full of people. With airline seats usually cramped so close together, you can even smell the perfume of the person sitting behind you. Maintain good hygiene and keep your shoes on; if it’s a very long flight, then keep your feet tucked in the small space beneath your seat, and carry an extra pair of socks.

Self-grooming: 

Ladies and Gentlemen; don’t treat the plane as a personal spa, please! Avoid hair-care, nail-care, spritz and sprays, and oral care directly in your seats. Use the lavatory for primping, so you don’t bother or gross- out other people. It is, however, perfectly acceptable to put on lotion or a little lipstick while seated.

Smelly food:

Don’t carry heated or funky food, as the odour spreads through the aisle, whether you realise it or not. If you must bring a snack; the best options include plain sandwiches, chocolates, crackers, nuts, and bread. Try to avoid pungent eatables!

Leaning on others:

It is sometimes unavoidable to sleep on a plane, especially on a long flight.  Be careful in positioning yourself, so you’re not leaning in on the stranger next to you while snoozing. It helps to carry a travel pillow if your body needs a nap from time to time. You must also try and keep the snoring to a minimum unless you want the whole plane to erupt in annoyance!

Eavesdropping:

This is a bad habit, no matter where you are! Listening in on someone’s conversation and then piping in suggestions about their personal affairs; it’s just bad manners.

Getting drunk:

 Alcohol consumption should be limited on a plane as much as possible; otherwise, you could create an unsavory scene.  Your nonchalance might result in an episode no one is likely to forget!

Being obnoxiously loud:

Put on a pair of headphones for videos and entertainment, and to save your neighbour from the excessive noise. Avoid taking long calls too. Some people prefer a quiet flight, so keep noise to a minimum. The same goes if you’re flying with kids.

Making a fuss:

Try to be pleasant and avoid arguments with other people and staff. Creating a whole issue because not everything went your way entirely, causes misery to everyone in the immediate surroundings. The flight attendants have enough problems to deal with already; added temper tantrums only makes their job more difficult! The only ruckus allowed on a plane is of young babies; let’s face it, their parents too, have a lot on their plate. So always be polite, particularly to parents travelling with young ones. Although, if they have unbearably rude children, who kick the back of your seat after every 5 minutes; it’s okay to tell their parents to keep them in check.

Loitering in the Aisle:

 The aisle is that sacred space that must be kept empty at all times. Even if you have long legs, don’t hang them out; someone may trip over them. If you’re in it for the long-haul, traipsing down the aisle to de-cramp yourself will only peeve the flight attendants and persons trying to reach the loo.

Reclining your seat:

In a cramped economy class setting, there is absolutely no room to recline to ease yourself. It is the most common trigger that leads to angered people on a flight. At least give the person behind you a heads-up, and if reclining out of sheer necessity; keep it to a few inches. People working in the air often get seat-slammed when someone suddenly leans on the laptop in front of them; Not polite!

Lavatory Queues:  

If you have a small bladder, book the aisle seat to save your fellow passengers the trouble of getting up after every 15 minutes to give you space. Keeping the lavatory clean is also every passenger’s responsibility. Clean up after your done; all your makeup, toothbrushes and accessories should be with you. Bear in mind that others need the same private time as you do; so don’t take forever, particularly on a flight with children on board.

 The Courteous Way:

There are a few tips to ease the travels of your companions, that can help you achieve the status of the perfect passenger (No, it’s not a myth!).

• Share your shade on the window seat if someone wants to look at the view below. Also, keep it down if someone is asleep.
• Swap seats with a family, if the one beside you is free.
• Don’t be chatty if someone’s not in the mood.
• Try not to spill your drink on the passenger next to you; sometimes it may be unavoidable!
• If a person’s having trouble with their bag, offer help.
• Be cautious if something you possess causes allergies to the person sitting next to you; put it away.
• Teach your kids to be polite while travelling; keep them busy with some activity, so they don’t throw a fit when they’re restless.
• Manage your personal space; don’t scatter your items onto the other person’s spot.
• Wait your turn to get off the plane; don’t overcrowd the aisle, or push others to go first.
• Book your seats beforehand; if you want a particular one, or when accompanied by family.

 GENERAL RULES EVERYONE SHOULD FOLLOW:

• No electronic gadgets allowed during take-off or landing times.
• Armrests belong to the middle-seat, as it is crammed and has no other advantage.
• Fastening seat-belts when the light flashes on
• Taking your designated seat, as some people pay extra for a specific one.
• Your belongings are your responsibility.
• Call the flight attendant when in doubt; they are meant to sort any problems that may arise.

Being a cordial flight companion can have many benefits; you might incidentally strike up a pleasant conversation and make a friend. You could even meet a special someone; the possibilities are endless. Everyone wants to travel in comfort, and in the most cost-effective way possible. For leisure in your journey, Travelhouseuk offers cheap flights to New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and many more. Are you looking for an enthralling trip to Asia? We offer fantastic packages on flights to China. Visit our website for the best airfare deals for your next vacation. We cater to all your travelling requirements, taking you to the most exotic destinations in the world!