Air travel used to be a fancy occasion with comfortable seats and dapper dress, but those days are long gone. Modern airports are exhausting, plane seats are tiny, and the journey is rarely fun. But there are ways we can make flights a little more bearable for those around us — after all, we’re all in it together until we reach our destination.
Before you leave, look up current security guidelines for the airport, carry-on limits for your flight, and other pertinent information. It will save everybody, including yourself, time in the long run, and it’ll help you avoid unexpected faux pas — like holding up the line — at security or your departure gate. This doubly applies if you’re traveling with something like a stroller or a fragile item.
Stow Carry-On Suitcases Wheels First and on Their Side
Everyone has to share the overhead bins, so try to take up as little space as possible. And if you have a small bag that will fit under the seat in front of you, keep it out of the bin to save that space for someone else.
Don’t Shoot the MessengerIf you’re told your flight is late or that your bag won’t fit in the overhead bin, try to face the unwelcome news with calm and grace — getting heated won’t change the outcome and will only make the airline employee’s job harder and your fellow passengers uncomfortable.
Check Before Reclining
Reclining airplane seats, especially in economy class, is a hot-button issue. Never recline more than absolutely necessary, and check with the person behind you before you lean back.
Middle Seat Gets the Armrests
If there’s one thing etiquette experts can agree on about air travel, it’s that the person in the center seat — unquestionably the least desirable one in the window-middle-aisle configuration — gets the armrests if they want them. It’s a small consolation prize for not having the view of the window seat or the ease of egress of the aisle.
Address Child Issues With CareNobody wants to be seated near a screaming baby on an airplane, and nobody wants the baby to stop screaming more than their parents do! Nobody can reason with an infant, especially when experiencing painful changes in cabin pressure for the first time, but parents do have an obligation to intervene if their kindergartener is kicking the back of your seat. Just be kind when you ask.
No Bare FeetFlying is notoriously uncomfortable, but bare feet should not come out on the plane. If you’re expecting to remove your shoes, wear socks. It’ll keep your bare feet from touching the ground at security anyway.
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