Airplane Etiquette

When you take a flight somewhere, you are generally forced to rub elbows - literally -- with people you don't know. You need to try and keep the flight as smooth as possible, especially for extended periods of time. You have to remember that you are in very close quarters, so try to be as considerate as you possibly can.

Boarding:

When you are boarding the plane, try to carry your bag in front of you. If you carry it up and to the side, you are inevitably going to be smacking other passengers in the arms or heads and that's not a good way to begin your trip!

Remember that the space is limited on an airplane. Please try to quickly store your things in the overhead compartment and be sure that others have the space they need to get around you and find their seats. If there are things in your bags you know you will need - a magazine, book, MP3 player, etc. -- place them in the pocket on the seat in-front of you, or under your seat for later use. Getting up and down during the flight for un-necessary reasons will only bug those around you.

And always make sure that you use the overhead storage compartment above your seating row to store your carry-on luggage. It is not okay to store it in the very front of the plane or in the back or anywhere else. Others will need that space for themselves.

During the flight:

If you need to get up during the flight avoid grabbing the back of the seats, or headrests, while walking down the aisle. Instead, balance yourself using the overhead compartment...just like the flight attendants do. It is more respectful to those around you and you will be uncomfortably bumping into other passengers as you walk.

Be considerate when you need to use the lavatories. When you get up don't use the seat in front of you for support. You will only jar the person seated and you don't need dirty looks or an un-necessary exchange of words. Use your armrests to stable yourself while getting up!

If you have a middle or window seat and want to get up for whatever reason, politely ask the person/people blocking you if they would mind standing up to allow you out. Do not try to climb over them. This makes for an uncomfortable situation for both you and the passengers blocking your way.

Don't lean your chair back as soon as you get on. You can't have it reclined during takeoff anyway. Keep it in the upright position until you are told otherwise or don't lay back at all. If you do choose to recline your seat, please do so slowly. You never know if the person behind you in bent over reaching something under their seat. And always wait until the beverages have been searched and collected before you recline. You do not want to spill someone's drink in their lap behind you.

Also, before you take your seat, check to see if the person behind you is tall and leggy. Be respectful and don't recline your seat if it is going to make them terribly uncomfortable. If you yourself are tall try to ask for an "Exit" row seat or a seat in the very back of the plane. There is more leg room available in both of these rows and it will allow you to be more comfortable as well as allowing other passengers the option to lower their seat without having to worry about your discomfort. Everyone wins all around this way.

Be sure that if you are traveling with children you keep a close eye on them. They may not even realize that they are disturbing passengers around them - bumping the seats, kicking, being to loud, etc. Keep them entertained with things children like - coloring books, music players, even travel size games. This will help keep the journey peaceful for everyone.

Be mindful of your personal space and their personal space. Don't hog both arms rests, especially if there is someone in the middle. They are uncomfortable enough as it is. If you are reading or using a laptop, try to keep your arms by your side as much as possible to avoid bumping and causing problems with the passengers seated next to you.

Deplaning:

Be very careful when removing your carry-on from the overhead compartment. It may be positioned to fall on you or someone close to you. Open the door slowly and use the other hand to block in case anything wants to take a tumble. And watch out for people standing around you, you don't want to smack anyone in the face with the compartment door, or your bags as you are unloading them!

Be respectful and consider other passengers as you are getting off of the plane. Do not push your way to the front to get out first. Naturally those nearest the exit will deplane first. When your turn comes, move quickly, but carefully to allow everyone to leave the plane in a timely manner.

Thank the stewardess' and the pilots as you leave, after all, they are the reason you made it to your destination on time and safely!