The Polite Society | Tips for Flying Home for the Holidays
Holiday Travel Etiquette
It’s the holiday season, and that means holiday travel. Be prepared for potential delays and cancellations from winter weather and the fact that people are in family and leisure travel mode, not efficient business travel mode. It is more important than ever to slow down, try to be patient and understanding and to not let air travel frustrations dampen your holiday spirit. Aside from giving yourself more travel time to get to and from the airport, you can be mindful of a few other things to make your travels more pleasant. Here are 10 suggestions to keep in mind while in the midst of your Holiday air travel plans.
1. Plan ahead and move swiftly through security
Pay attention, read the signs and be prepared with your laptop and plastic bag out, shoes and belt off, etc. before it is your turn in the security line. Yes, others will absolutely slow the process by being unprepared, but make sure that isn’t you.
2. Board the aircraft and stow your belongings quickly
Make sure you board as quickly and efficiently as possible. Think things through before you walk onto the plane where space is a commodity. When you get to your row, place your carry-on bag in the overhead bin, and your personal item or bag under your seat quickly. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of people waiting to board behind you, and every second counts during boarding.
3. Be careful putting your seat back
To recline, or not to recline…that is the question. First, take a look at who is sitting behind you. Is it a man six feet tall, or a six-year-old? The most courteous thing to do is ask or let them know you are going to recline by making eye contact with them and a gesture that those are your intentions. If you do decide to put your seat back, ease it backward gently. This will ensure that you won't smash the laptop or spill the beverage of the person sitting behind you.
4. Use headphones
Are you planning on using your tablet or smartphone to listen to music, play games, or watch a movie? Then be sure to use headphones when doing so. The people around you don’t want to hear the sound effects from your game, or the tinny dialogue of the movie you’re watching coming out of your device’s speaker. If you forgot your headphones, see if you can borrow or buy a pair from the flight attendant. And if none are available, then use your device on the “mute” setting. Your efforts to help keep noise pollution to a minimum will be appreciated.
5. Be mindful about the conversation
Some people see air travel as an opportunity to meet new people and strike up interesting conversations. Others prefer to fly in peace and quiet and would rather be left alone. If you’re in a chatty mood, watch your seatmates’ body language and other cues. Are they acting like they want to talk? Or does it seem like they’re putting up with your conversation just to be polite? Do they look tired or irritated? If so, it’s probably best to keep the conversation limited to a smile, a hello, and perhaps a few pleasantries before leaving them to themselves. And if you’re not in the mood to talk during a flight, there are a variety of ways you can politely let your neighbors know. Pull out your laptop and say something like, “I’m sorry, I’ve got to get this work done before we land.” Pull out a book and say, “It’s great to meet you, but I’ve been DYING to finish this book!” Or, simply put on your headphones or earbuds. And if worse comes to worst … take a nap … or pretend to sleep.
6. Think about your snacks on board
Just as you smell the fresh baked cookies wafting from the First-Class cabin, all the passengers around you are smelling whatever you’ve just unwrapped. If you have ever been next to someone that whipped out a takeout box of BBQ or McDonalds, you know what I mean. Try to keep this in mind eat before your board or opt for less fragrant snacks as a courtesy to your fellow passengers.
7. Keep your shoes on
It’s tempting to treat your few square feet of space on the airplane like your own personal living room. But it’s not. When you’re in close quarters with strangers, they don’t want to see (or even worse, smell…) your stockinged or bare feet. Plan ahead and wear comfortable footwear on your flight. Wearing shoes that allow your feet to breathe is much better etiquette than sticking your toes in everyone’s faces.
8. Supervise your children
Your family may be going on vacation…but that doesn't relieve you of your child-rearing duties. Of course, you can't always control a crying baby or a toddler who is frightened or not feeling well. Most people understand that. But, if you sit by passively, or try to ignore your kids while they shout, fight with each other, kick the backs of their seats or run up and down the aisle, you will not be looked upon kindly by your plane mates or flight attendants.
9. Don’t monopolize the armrests
If you’re sitting in the window or aisle seat, cut the poor person in the middle seat a break, and let them have some armrest space. It’s better than bumping elbows the entire flight.
10. Thank the flight attendants and crew as you exit the aircraft
The flight attendants and pilots are working during the holiday season to get you safely and comfortably to your destination. Treat them with kindness, and you're sure to receive service and appreciation from them in return. And make sure you let them know you appreciate them. Giving them a warm smile and a sincere “thank you” as you exit the plane will lift their spirits—and yours.
Happy Holidays and safe travels! To learn more about our services click here.
