This article was first published on GoBear. Compare credit cards, insurance and other financial products based on your needs at GoBear.
Though many of us love to travel and see the world, not a lot of us can say they particularly enjoy being on a plane for long stretches of time. With that super small real estate, you get in your seat, the less-than-flavourful food and the stuffy atmosphere, you’re really going to have to suffer first before you reach your paradise. (Unless you are travelling on business class or going to see your unpleasant in-laws, in which case, we’re sorry for your plight.)
But really, all you must do is remember that you’re not alone and you’re not the only one suffering inside a huge can flying hundreds of miles per hour, thousands of feet up in the air. Just be courteous and nice! Not all plane etiquette rules are obvious, though. GoBear has made it easier. Check out this list of plane etiquette tips to make your and everyone else’s flight that much more bearable.
Tip #1: Don’t take up too much overhead bin space.
You’re not the only one lugging carry-on bags onto the plane. Use the appropriate portion of overhead bin space so there’s plenty of room for your fellow travellers. Put your luggage in vertically so that you are utilizing the least space possible. If your luggage fits under the seat in front of you, use that space instead.
Tip #2: Don’t bring food (or anything!) with strong odours.
A plane is extremely close quarters, and the worst thing you could do is to inflict some malodorous something on your fellow passengers. They won’t appreciate your egg mayo sandwich. Save that for your lunch at home. Also, your favourite perfume may drive someone else as crazy as if it were your B.O. Speaking of B.O., it goes without saying that you should definitely take a shower before your flight.
Tip #3: Be kind to parents or family, especially when it comes to seating.
Airlines usually charge extra for reserved seating, so families on a budget would sometimes get separated from each other. If one of them requests to switch seats with you, be gracious enough to say yes, especially if they’re travelling with their children. Or even offer to switch: it’s a simple gesture that could make someone’s day.
Tip #4: Respect others’ personal space.
On airplanes, space is a precious commodity. So, keep your elbows and limbs close to your body lest you accidentally give someone a shiner. You can say hello to your seatmates, but don’t start up a conversation with them. They’re not really there to meet new people; they can go to a bar for that. Make sure your earphones aren’t spilling out sound. Keep your stuff close to your body and avoid encroaching on other people’s space in general. And please, when you’re getting up from your seat, don’t hoist yourself up by holding onto the headrest in front of you.
Tip #5: Be polite when alighting the plane.
Don’t stand up as soon as the plane lands unless you want a hoard of flight attendants on you. Wait patiently until the plane comes to a complete stop, and then wait further for the flight attendants to say that you may stand up and alight. Let those in front of you get off first. While disembarking, don’t crowd the aisle or jostle other passengers; you’ll get there soon enough, and everyone wants to get off as much as you do.
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