Amanda PhillipsIn Flight Etiquette
Dress appropriately – during a flight it is important to be as comfortable as possible but not at the expense of looking good. There is appropriate flight attire and there is unappropriate flight attire and it is important to get your in flight etiquette balance between these right.
Good hygiene – flying is stressful. But remembering that you have to sit next to a complete stranger for at least a few hours whilst in a cramped plane may affect your general hygiene. Give yourself (or them) a little scoosh to make for a more comfortable flight for you and your neighbour.
Be organised – there is always one person who can’t find their boarding pass, removing every piece of luggage they have in their bag before finding it in their back pocket… don’t be one of them. Have everything you need ready so fellow flyers don’t accidentally spill their drink on ‘that really annoying guy that kept us waiting an extra 10 minutes in the queue’ during your flight.
Control the alcohol intake on board – so we all like a little tipple on board a long haul flight but we need to remember that we are not in a club where we can sing and dance to our hearts content. Be respectful – and limit yourself to only one or two during your journey.
Be polite to staff and fellow passengers – cabin crew work hard to make sure you have the best possible flight so treat them with respect, have manners and give them a smile every now and then. Being nice doesn’t hurt!
Arm rest rules – are you one of those people who likes to spread out and take up the whole of your pre-paid seat? Get full value for your money? Well, if you are not in the middle seat then unfortunately you do not have authority over the arm rests. According to flight attendants the middle passenger should always be in full control.
Chair recliner rules – there is always a debate with the dreaded recline or not to recline rule. Be polite about it. Take a quick glance behind you and check the passenger is not eating, working or reading before deciding whether or not to move your chair back.
Be a good parent – children are sometimes difficult to deal with on a flight so a top tip – keep them entertained and happy! Happy child = happy parent = happy flight. Simple.
Food rules – if you didn’t purchase one of the in-flight meals but came prepared, then it is always worthwhile thinking closely about what you pack. Nothing smelly that will stink out the already perfumed cabin and definitely nothing footery that will end up spilling all over the floor. A simple sandwich or salad will do.
Allow people in front of you to disembark first – this goes back to respect and general everyday etiquette. You will all get off the plane eventually so why not start your holiday by being a good person and letting that one person who has been waiting in Aisle 7 Seat C for the last 5 minutes leave before you
Don’t pack more than you need – there is nothing worse than lugging around your handbag, your partner’s jacket (just in case it rains from the plane to the terminal), your child’s teddy as well as the extra bag you brought just filled with food you may or may not want to eat. Make things easy for yourself – you are on holiday after all!