By Juanita Ecker
I’ve been traveling quite a bit lately, both for work and pleasure. One thing I can’t help but notice is how many people seem to resort to an almost childlike state. They bang on their tray tables and kick the seat in front of them. They whine and bicker. They show up looking like they just rolled out of bed. They ignore the rules. Few people see flying as a particularly fun experience, but this breakdown in etiquette just makes it all the more unpleasant.
As such, I’ve listed a few basic guidelines for being on your best behavior while traveling. Let’s help put the “friendly” back in the friendly skies!
Be polite to flight attendants and airport staff. Think your job is tough? Imagine dealing with hundreds of irate passengers on a cancelled flight. I have experienced flight issues that have really tried my patience, but I find it’s far more effective to be firm yet polite and respectful (not raising my voice, maintaining eye contact, etc.) rather than flippant or belligerent in these cases. It’s also nice to greet the flight attendants warmly when you board the plane, thank them when you disembark, and be pleasant when they serve you. Acknowledge them with a smile or “thank you,” and the journey will be much more enjoyable.
Respect your fellow passengers. Here are some of my top pet peeves: hogging seats in the airport lounge with bags or coats; kicking my seat; blocking the aisle for an unreasonable amount of time (move into the row and let others pass); moving my luggage without asking permission; reclining your seat just as I’ve lowered my tray table; getting up to use the bathroom during dinner service (if I’m in the aisle seat, where am I supposed to put my tray of food?); hogging the arm rest or leg space; spending a long time in the bathroom, especially when there is a line of people waiting; and going barefoot and putting your feet on my seat or the arm rest.
Follow the rules. We all know the drill by now. Yet I still see people trying to sneak liquids, laptops, and metal items through airport security, then arguing with guards and holding up everyone else. On board, people still try to get away with having their seats reclined during the descent, or chatting on their cell phones while in the air. Even if you think the rule is arbitrary, it’s best to just comply and let the staff members do their job.
Make sure your luggage is your own. Are you sure that black Samsonite is really yours? Always check the luggage tag, and have a unique marker to make it stand out. And even if you think that your luggage is unusual, and nobody else could possibly have the same make, double-check. I know a family who was traveling with small children. They got off a long flight and waited for their bags with their fellow passengers. The children were restless, and soon everyone else had left. One bag was left on the carousel, and though it was a dead ringer for their “unique” brown luggage, the tag had another passenger’s name on it. It suddenly dawned on them that the woman who owned this abandoned bag must have taken their bag. They had to call the number on the tag, have a relative call the woman’s cell, and wait for her to turn around and return to the airport to switch the bags. Needless to say, it was a frustrating end to a very long day, and could have easily been avoided if the woman had just checked her tag.
Resist the slob impulse. Riding in an airplane just isn’t comfortable, even if you’re in first class. Many of us try to compensate by wearing comfortable clothes, but I have to draw the line at denim cut-offs, t-shirts with obscene or distasteful slogans, and ratty sweats that look like they were rescued from the bottom of the laundry pile, especially if you’re traveling for business. It’s possible to be just as comfortable (and presentable!) in nice jersey sportswear or linen slacks paired with a cotton tee and a scarf. And don’t overlook your grooming. A full face of makeup isn’t necessary, but your hair should at least be brushed and you should be showered and wearing deodorant. Investing five extra minutes can make a huge difference in how you present yourself to the world. I’ve even known people who got upgraded seats because they were dressed nicely.
Travel can be stressful, but being self-aware and keeping your etiquette in check will help everything go more smoothly.
©2011 Professional Image Management If you would like to use this article in your newsletter or blog, you may do so. Please include our credit information: Written by Juanita Ecker, Professional Image Management. © Copyright 2011. I would also appreciate it if you would send us a copy for our files.
Tags: air travel, airplane etiquette, civility, etiquette, image consultant, juanita ecker, manners, professional image management, travel, travel etiquette
