Friendly Skies Etiquette- JetSetiquette
Keywords: travel etiquette, business travel, frequent flier, airline, flight attendant
Remember the movie Airplane? The mixed bag of personalities and antics that occurred on that flight was outrageous, wasn’t it? And yet, not so far from the hilarity (or horror) that can ensue when you’re flying in real life. In such cramped quarters, it’s not as if you can maintain your distance from the crazy guy who smells like soup or the old woman who confuses your shoulder for a pillow. But there are ways to keep the excitement to a dull roar. Here are a few airplane etiquette tips for passing the time and “not contributing” to any unpleasantness.
Conversational Dos and Don’ts
Sometimes you meet kind and interesting people while flying; you want to tell them your story and really create a bond while soaring across the sky together. Remember though, that you don’t want to offer up information that could potentially over-excite people or conjure up emotional responses. Are you heading off to a family reunion? Keep the fact that your Aunt Lois had an affair with the mailman on the down low. Is your destination a dull business meeting? Avoid dishing the dirt on your coworkers (you never know who might be sitting in the row behind you!). Resist the urge to share the gory details, no matter how badly you need to “vent.” Stick to benign topics that your flight-mates can relate to. You’ve noticed that your fellow passenger doesn’t have much to contribute to the conversation? Take that as a sign to whip out your crossword puzzle.
Volume Control
For the most part, passengers just want to reach their destination without any major mishaps or altercations. However, there’s always that one character, isn’t there? He’s pointing, he’s hollering, he’s flagging down the nearest attendant for “another round for the entire row!!” He’s reading the “jokes” section of Playboy to the people around him and making little children cry. (Okay, so we’re exaggerating here but you get the point, right? Don’t be that guy!) Since you’re in such a tight space, remember to use your inside voice. Stifle the urge to shout and flail about, instead saving up your energy for a future game of Jenga! played in the comfort of your living room. Keep your tones light and don’t invade the personal ear space of those around you.
Cell Mates
We’ve all seen those people who seem to have a cell phone surgically attached to their face. It’s not so much that their “accessory” offends your fashion sensibilities; it’s more likely that they’re talking too long and too loudly! We can all help keep “noise pollution” to a minimum by limiting our cell phone use. Of course, if you have to make a few last-minute phone calls to tidy up loose ends, by all means take care of your personal business. But try to avoid veering off on side tangents such as what you packed for your trip, or droning on about your favorite brand of coffee for twenty minutes. You can always give your best friend the realtime update while waiting at the gate or making the trek to baggage claim. Peace and quiet helps everyone think straight and reach their destination without any major distractions or detours!
Tray Table Manners
Mealtime is often the high point of any passenger’s journey during flight. You’ve seen that comedian who goes on about how exciting it is to receive the miniature bag of peanuts, right? (And to think, you didn’t even like peanuts until about five minutes ago!) No matter how euphoric that plastic cup of chilled tomato juice makes you feel, try to think of the people around you when ingesting food on an airplane. Think fondly of Mom and heed her sage advice from childhood, “Chew with your mouth closed!” Avoid lip-smacking, groans of ecstasy, and of course keep your tray and the general area free of crumbs, food wrappers and crumpled napkins. If you’re a fan of chewing gum, refrain from popping bubbles and do stifle the urge to make that clever snapping sound that can be so much fun.
Natural Instincts
Of course, the callings of Mother Nature can’t be helped. Nevertheless, it’s a good idea to use proper lavatory etiquette when maneuvering about the cabin on your way to the facilities. Try not to jostle or bump people when passing. Be polite to your neighbors and let seniors go first, assuming it’s not a bladder emergency. If you know that you’re one of those people who frequently need to visit the bathroom, request an aisle seat so you won’t disrupt the passengers seated in your row. Limit your beverages, avoid alcoholic drinks if they cause a problem for you — and if you happen to be flying over Niagara Falls, try not to look out of the window!
These are just a few tips and tricks to keep the atmosphere amicable on your flight. Remember the Golden Rule from your grammar school days? You can be the model passenger and purveyor of peace — if you follow some simple personal guidelines and practice common sense.
Gailen David is a Motivational Speaker, Customer Service Expert, and the Ambassador of Travel Civility. He has also been a Purser for a major airline for over 20 years. www.skysteward.com
Previous Articles Highlighter:
Do You Get Sea Sick On A Cruise (1)
His motto is: "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him/her drink it. Unless you put salt in the oats." Salt is your why (or if you don't know why, then what you don't want out of life) plus education and action.
Cruise Tips (2)
First off, ask yourself where exactly you want to travel to. Picking the right destination can make all of the difference in the world. If you are not a fan of extremely hot weather, chances are you would not want to travel to the Caribbean, especially during the summer months.
New England Ski Industry Faces New Challenges (3)
One resort owner has been quoted as saying "snowmaking would be considered..." In addition to naturally occurring challenges, the New England ski industry is running into roadblocks such as seasonal labor.
Great Tips To Avoid Lost Luggage (4)
9. Split up packed items. If checking more than one bag, split up different belongings into different bags so if one bag is lost, items can be used from the luggage that is not lost.
10 Tips To Reduce Stressful Holiday Travelling (5)
Pack Light- Chances are you will not need everything you think you do. Also, check ahead with the airline to see how many bags you are allowed and keep in mind the size as most airlines charge for any bags over 50 lbs.
Malta Holidays Industry Celebrates 2007 Success (6)
But unlike some of the airlines running operations to and from Malta, Click Air will be flew in the peak holiday months of June to October, bringing in around 12,000 tourists to the island, a fraction of the estimated 200,000 tourists anticipated during 2007 delivered by low cost airlines as a whole.
Importance Of Accident Insurance For Travel (7)
Not only does accident insurance for travel cover emergency situations, but it also ensures that you actually get where you want to go. Individuals who purchase accident insurance for travel don't have to worry about their trip getting canceled.
Taste The Difference At Florida's Finest Restaurants (8)
Florida is also known for decoration, most restaurants in florida not only serve delecious meals but also show off its beuatifull decoration of the restaurant. this makes a huge difference to customers who will enjoy sitting in a wonderful place while also eating a wonderful meal.
Don't Miss The Disney Vacation (9)
The bonus is that you will be able to take in the sights without having to worry about large crowds either. Walt Disneyland is all about grandeur. There is plenty of space and there are top class facilities.
Amalfi Coast Little Jewel Town, Praiano (10)
For local orange bus tickets at 1 Euro you pay the driver directly. For SITA buses, you buy your tickets first in designated places like some coffee bars. Tourist tickets good all along the coast are 5 Euros for a 24 hour period.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Tips And Helpful Advice On Choosing A Hotel (1)
You can always book and reserve for your hotel all by yourself. Going through travel agents may be a bit more expensive as compared to if you had done it yourself since they will be getting a commission.
Air Travel Makes Vacations Abroad Brisk (2)
Keywords: Austrian Airlines promotion code, Funjet Vacations promotion code, Hawaiian Airlines bargains When people want to travel abroad during the year, they feel an urgent desire to get to their resort destination as soon as possible.
Taking A Gap Year Abroad In Asia (3)
Popular choices are conservation work with nature or animals, volunteering at orphanages, volunteer teaching or backpacking. The great thing is that Asia is a very cheap destination so you will get a lot for your money.
What Weather To Expect In Spain (4)
Though several shops are closed for their afternoon siesta, if you see a sign saying 'Cerrado por vacaciones' hung outside any shop don't wait for it to open. It signifies that the owner has shut down for the summer.
Cancun Travel - The Best Vacation Of Your Life (5)
Coba nearby boasts of the largest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula, and the ancient sites of Uxmal, Ruta Puuc and Merida are highly recommended. All of the ancient sites are very well kept, and will pique even the interest of those that don't enjoy history.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park- A Beautiful Destination Indeed (6)
These lava flows can collapse causing injuries, or even worse death. If and when the lava reaches the ocean, sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid permeate the air. These gases are toxic.
How To Save Up To 75% Of The Cost Of Traveling To Almost Anywhere (7)
By staying in a home, you're not paying the high cost of hotels (which can run upwards of $125 a night) or dining in restaurants, saving you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars!
Business Travel In The European Union - What's Working (8)
There are some differences still, however. European workers receive longer vacations and shorter workweeks than their counterparts in America and Asia. In many cultures, businesses close their doors between 12 and 2 or 12 and 4, and business is conducted until 7 or 8 at night.
Getting Your Best Travel Deals (9)
Travel agents usually charge between $15 and $35 per ticket. 2. Buy your ticket all at the same time instead of buying one at a time. Booking fee may be discounted.
A Basic Traveller's Kit Guide (10)
Carry with you a handy mirror. You can bring your manicure set too. Skin protection Keep your skin healthy by putting on sunscreen and lip balm as often as you need them.