I’m a nervous flier by nature, but nothing helps me forget that fear faster than annoyance caused by fellow passengers. It’s shocking how inappropriate people can be in such close confines. I’ve overheard countless fights between couples, endured my seat being kicked for entire flights, and worst of all, listened to too many loud cell phone conversations (made after they were supposed to be turned off, no less).
Not surprisingly, my frustration over the lack of airplane etiquette is shared with most other travelers, at least according to a 2009 Travelocity Rudeness Poll released in October. The survey suggests our grievances are mostly the same, which either means there’s a select group of rude people roaming airports or, more likely, we’re all guilty of occasional bad manners. Perhaps it’s time for a refresher course on the best way to behave on airplanes.
1. Follow the luggage rules.
There are size restrictions for carry-on luggage, yet how often do you see someone stuffing a huge suitcase into an already-overstuffed overhead bin? The answer must be very often, since too-large carry-on luggage was listed as the most annoying behavior on airlines in the survey. Checking luggage can be irritating, but it’s even more irritating when the plane is delayed because there’s not enough space for everyone’s bags. Be courteous to fellow passengers and keep your carry-ons the right size and weight.
2. Listen to the flight attendants.
When it comes to entering and exiting the plane, people who don’t stay in line while boarding, those who meander in the aisle, and those who aren’t careful storing or removing luggage are considered especially boorish. (They earned 21 and 25 percent of people’s “most annoying” votes, respectively.) Basically, conduct that doesn’t consider other people’s feelings or needs has no place in travel. Instead, pay attention to the flight attendants’ instructions when it comes to boarding and leaving a plane. On a given trip, you’re surrounded by hundreds of people on and off the plane, so put yourself in their shoes before taking extra long to pick a seat or to throw luggage around.
Some of the most egregious offenses in my book—such as trying to exit before the “fasten seatbelt” sign has been turned off, not throwing away garbage, and turning cell phones on before allowed—ranked low on the aggravation scale for those surveyed. However, since I feel pretty strongly about these things, I’ll include them anyway. There’s no reason not to follow protocol when flying. These rules were instituted for a reason and no one should consider him or herself an exception.
3. Be respectful of those around you.
It’s hard to relax and get through an hours-long flight when someone behind you is steadily kicking the back of your seat. Since this was chosen as the rudest behavior experienced by 60 percent of those polled, it must happen way too often. Chances are it’s a child (or a really immature adult) doing it, so if you’re traveling with a little one, make sure that doesn’t happen.
The other top impolite practices are loud talking and/or cursing (54 percent), putting the seat back too far (30 percent), hogging the shared armrest (18 percent), and eating especially odorous foods (16 percent). Obviously one’s own comfort takes top priority while traveling, but being mindful of surrounding people is important as well. Privacy and space are very limited, so keep conversations to a dull roar and profanity-free, keep to your own area as much as possible, and keep red onions and garlic off the meal menu.
4. Take a shower before leaving.
Forty-five percent of poll respondents named “poor hygiene” as their most hated passenger trait. It makes sense; who wants to spend all day sitting next to someone who reeks? Similarly, who wants to spend all day on a plane feeling unclean? If there’s no time to hit the showers beforehand, there are plenty of small shops in the mall that sell deodorant, toothpaste, and so forth. Just don’t go overboard—strong perfume and cologne smells can be just as offensive to others. Once you’re off the plane, feel free to be as stinky as you want or douse yourself in different scents. But when sitting so close to strangers, it’s better to minimize the amount of smells traveling through the cabin.
The Travelocity Rudeness Poll pointed out one other important fact when it comes to traveling: one of the top reasons travelers go from mild-mannered to frustrated and short-tempered is that they encounter rude people. But if everybody follows these common-sense tips this travel season, we can break the bad manners cycle and fly annoyance-free. An airplane experience with nothing but quiet conversations, sitting sans being kicked, and neighbors who are respectful of personal space? Lesser miracles have happened before.
Updated December 17, 2010