A recent vacation once again found me riding the metro, strolling through international airports, hailing taxis, and loitering with intent in hotel lobbies. And, once again, I feel compelled to offer a few gentle reminders to everyone who might be traveling between now and the end of the year.
If you’re traveling by car, motor home, or private jet, feel free to ignore these suggestions, as you will have little contact with the outside world and general public. You may do as you please.
However, if you are going to interact, mix, mingle, and get from point A to point B with other members of the population, please consider these often-forgotten courtesies. No man is an island, as they say, and everyone has an impact on the quality of the shared travel experience, for better or worse.
And at holiday travel times, it’s usually for worse. So, in order to enhance the voyage, let’s all get on board with these best practices…
First, get dressed. You don’t have to get dressed up, but it would be great if, prior to departure, you actually took a shower, ran a comb, brush, or five well-intentioned fingers through your hair, and put on something that was not ‘athleisure’ (a term I abhor), exercise or dance wear, pajamas, flip-flops, sleeveless T-shirts, cargo pants, or torn jeans.
It would also be great if you wore underwear. My retinas are still recovering from a few ‘can’t unsee that’ experiences in CDG Airport in Paris last week.
Second, be polite. If there is an elderly, disabled, or female passenger on the bus or train, offer him or her a seat. I’m all for equality, but I also believe in chivalry.
Be polite in the boarding area of the airport. Wait your turn. Everyone’s going to get on the plane (unless the entire flight is cancelled, America.) Don’t cut in line, thinking that you’re being clever. People notice, and they don’t appreciate immature or impatient behavior.
Don’t bring sardines or other smelly foods on the plane. You’re around other people now. Time for your inside voice and your grown up manners.
Third, don’t be a sherpa. If you’re boarding the plane and you’ve brought a weekend bag and a purse, great. If you brought a weekend bag and a backpack, great. If you brought a weekend bag, a suitcase, a briefcase, a purse, and a backpack, stop.
Check a bag. Carry one on the plane. Leave room for other passengers to store their carry-on luggage in the overhead compartment. And watch yourself when you swing around with your backpack still on your back. I’m tired of getting almost whacked in the head as I sit in my seat.
Fourth, respect the limited space. Leave an arm rest available for the passenger next to you. Don’t grab the seat back in front of you for support as you leave your seat. You’ll jerk the passenger in front of you. Don’t lean your seat back, unless you’re in business class or first class. You’ll cramp the passenger behind you.
Don’t play your music loudly, even if you’re wearing headphones. We can hear it just the same, and I’m sure we don’t share your taste in music. And please don’t sing along with your music. And please be aware that the flight attendant will be along at some point. They’ll want to serve you, and if you have your headphones on, you won’t be able to hear them.
Whisper to your traveling companions, if you must, if you know them. Keep the volume low. And leave the attractive stranger sitting next to alone. Odds are, they don’t want to talk to anyone, which is why they’re pretending to look at their phone.
If you’re traveling with children, plan ahead. Explain to them the behavior that’s expected while they’re on the airplane. Provide them with coloring books and other activities to occupy their little minds during the flight. If they get upset, take them to the back of the airplane and console, comfort, or counsel them. Babies crying is one thing; that happens. Children old enough to know better is quite another thing.
Fifth, act like you’ve been somewhere before. Speak politely to your fellow passengers. Speak politely to the cabin crew. Don’t be the person asking for things every five minutes. Don’t be the person getting out of your window seat every six minutes. Don’t be the person asking for a nonfat milk double macchiato or what the hell ever. Don’t be the person taking all of the packets of peanuts that have been set out for everyone to enjoy at the back of the plane. Don’t get drunk just because the alcohol is free.
Please take a moment to review these kind suggestions again just prior to travel this holiday season. And feel free to share them with friends and family.
Let’s keep our travel experience classy for ourselves, and enjoyable for everyone.
- BGT
The way some people dress on planes is appalling. I always think it says something (not good) about their character and upbringing. Remember, other people have to look at you. My rule has always been to dress business casual on flights. Clean, neat, presentable. No T-shirts, jeans, sneakers or short skirts, heaven forfend!
Regarding talking to other passengers, it’s not hard to figure out who likes a little chit-chat and who doesn’t. Don’t be a bore and try to force a conversation if they’re not interested.
Finally, if possible fly on weekdays when it’s mostly business travelers who are experienced, efficient and courteous about getting on and off of planes. Weekends are for families and amateurs, most of whom have apparently never been on an airplane before.
Well said Byron. I’ve had some not-so-fun plane experiences because of fellow travelers. It’s always good to have a refresher. Safe and happy travels this holiday season.
Hello Byron,
Sadly, what you have described does not exist in isolation and is not limited to travel in planes.
Those behaviours start in homes where they are ‘accepted’. They then flow out into the streets and onwards to public transport, restaurants, theatres, shops and to the confined, temporarily inescapable areas of aeroplane seats. People bring along with them whatever they are, wherever they go.
But, as Michelle Obama said: ‘ When they go low, we go high ‘.
Regards,
David.