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Airplane Etiquette - Rules For Flying On An Airplane
Airplane Etiquette - Rules For Flying On An Airplane
Airplane Etiquette - Rules For Flying On An Airplane
com/advice/travel/airplane-etiquette
By Brooke Nelson
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Proper flying etiquette begins before you even board the plane. Have your
boarding pass and ID ready as you approach airport security. If you’re waiting in
line, start thinking ahead; you can speed up the process by removing your watch
and belt, pulling out your laptop, and separating your liquids before you reach the
conveyor. This will get you—and everyone behind you—to the gates faster. Here
are 50 etiquette rules you should always practice.
1 of 7 01/11/2017, 16:47
Airplane Etiquette: Rules for Flying on an Airplane https://www.rd.com/advice/travel/airplane-etiquette
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As airlines squeeze in more and more people per flight, passengers fight for the
same bin space. To maximize room in the overhead compartment for other
travelers, place your bag vertically rather than horizontally on the shelf. And only
put one carry-on bag in the bin; the other one can fit in the open space under the
seat in front of you. Traveling to someone's home? Here's how to be a polite
houseguest.
2 of 7 01/11/2017, 16:47
Airplane Etiquette: Rules for Flying on an Airplane https://www.rd.com/advice/travel/airplane-etiquette
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While you’re loading your carry-on bags into the overhead compartment, offer to
hoist a fellow passenger’s up there, too. Not only is it kind, but it could make the
boarding process more efficient for everyone else. This is the perfect way to pack
carry-on luggage for a hassle-free trip.
iStock/BraunS
Airlines sometimes block out certain seats or charge extra fees for adjacent ones,
making it tough for family members to buy seats together. If you’re traveling solo,
offer to switch seats so that a family can sit beside each other; it’s a kind gesture
that they won’t forget. But be sure to delay swapping until the plane has reached
cruising altitude, as switching seats while everyone is boarding can be an
inconvenience for those standing in the aisles. These are secrets to flying with kids
from the experts: pilots and flight attendants who are also parents!
3 of 7 01/11/2017, 16:47
Airplane Etiquette: Rules for Flying on an Airplane https://www.rd.com/advice/travel/airplane-etiquette
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4 of 7 01/11/2017, 16:47
Airplane Etiquette: Rules for Flying on an Airplane https://www.rd.com/advice/travel/airplane-etiquette
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Although some people pass the time on an airplane through conversations with
strangers, others would prefer to keep to themselves. Be mindful of the cues your
fellow passenger is giving; if they avoid eye contact, leave them be. If you do strike
up a conversation, speak in soft tones, as loud and disruptive conversation can
disturb the rest of the cabin. This is how to make small talk like a pro.
5 of 7 01/11/2017, 16:47
Airplane Etiquette: Rules for Flying on an Airplane https://www.rd.com/advice/travel/airplane-etiquette
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Cramped quarters are no place to break out a pungent tuna sandwich. If you bring
food to snack on during the trip, opt for less intrusive goodies like nuts or pretzels.
Your fellow passengers will thank you. By the way, this is the scientific reason
airline food tastes so bad.
6 of 7 01/11/2017, 16:47
Airplane Etiquette: Rules for Flying on an Airplane https://www.rd.com/advice/travel/airplane-etiquette
iStock/Juanmonino
Sleep with consideration for your surroundings and other travelers. Only lean
back in your seat if you absolutely must; reclining your seat may be more
comfortable for you, but it makes a tight space even tighter for the person behind
you. A travel pillow is a great tool because it helps you sleep without invading
other people’s space. And beware of snoring; you could risk getting an unpleasant
awakening from a flight attendant or fellow traveler. Here are some weird travel
accessories that are shockingly useful.
Disembark calmly
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“Touching down has the same effect as the old school bell,” according to Expedia
Airlines; “chaos ensues as everyone tries to be the first through the door.” Be
courteous of other people’s belongings in the overhead compartment as you reach
for your own, and offer to help them get their bags if you can. And as you leave,
take the time to thank your flight attendants—they will appreciate your kindness.
These are some juicy secrets flight attendants won't tell you.
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