10 AIRPLANE ETIQUETTE

1.) Don’t hold up the security line

- 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.

2.) Board (and Pack) courteously

- 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.

3.) Help your fellow traveller

- 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.

4.) Be willing to swap seats with a family

- 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 travelling 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.

5.) Respect your (limited) space

- In the cramped quarters of an airplane, maintaining your personal space will go a long way to make a
smoother ride for everyone. Let the middle-seat passenger use the armrests (it’s
the least you can do), and keep your legs within the width of the chair frame.

6.) Keep your personal items, well, personal

 - It’s as important to be mindful of your personal belongings as it is your personal space. Avoid hitting
other passengers with your bag as you walk down the aisles by keeping it in front
of you and close to your body. And once you sit down, you should stay there, so
make sure you have everything you will need for the flight once you settle in.
Reaching over other passengers to access the overhead storage during the flight
is uncomfortable for everyone.

7.) Converse with caution

- 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.

8.) Avoid bringing smelly food

- Compared 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.

9.) Snooze at your own risk

- 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 traveller.

10.) Disembark calmly

- “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.