Taking Flight: My First Flight Fail (and Why Etiquette Matters)
Let me start with a confession. My first flight wasn't exactly a smooth experience. Picture this: a cramped middle seat, a screaming baby, and me, desperately trying to avoid spilling my lukewarm airplane coffee all over my already wrinkled travel clothes. It wasn't pretty. What made it worse? The guy next to me hogging the armrest, the lady behind me kicking my seat, and the guy two rows up loudly narrating a football game on his phone. That flight was a masterclass in what not to do on an airplane. It planted a seed—a desperate desire to learn the art of airplane etiquette. And that's what this guide is all about! So buckle up, fellow flyers, and let's get to it!
stressed person on a crowded airplane | Image: Supplied
Pre-Flight Prep: Setting the Stage for Smooth Skies
Before you even step foot on the plane, there's a whole lot you can do to set yourself up for success. First, check your airline's baggage restrictions. Seriously, this is a lifesaver. I once spent an hour—an hour!— trying to cram a suitcase that was two inches too big into an overhead bin. Avoid this rookie mistake. Next, charge your devices. This may seem obvious, but trust me, a dead phone makes a long flight feel even longer. Download some podcasts, books, or movies—whatever keeps you entertained. And finally, plan your in-flight entertainment. A good book, a podcast, or a few downloaded movies can keep boredom at bay better than a screaming baby can create it!
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person packing a suitcase | Image: Supplied
The Boarding Process: A Lesson in Patience and Consideration
Ah, boarding. A true test of patience and good manners. The key is patience. Let those with small children, elderly people, and those with disabilities board first. You're a grown up, you can wait! If you're in a window seat, and you're not too large, politely allow those in aisle or middle seats to get to their spots first before you squeeze past. Remember, a little bit of courtesy goes a long way. My friend once got a free upgrade just by being polite and helpful to the flight crew! It's worth a shot.
People boarding airplane | Image: Supplied
In-Flight Etiquette: Reclaiming Your Personal Space
Now we get to the nitty-gritty. Let's talk about personal space. First, respect the armrests. This is a serious issue and a major source of conflict. Seriously, fight for your armrest if you must! Second, be mindful of your seat reclining. If the person behind you looks like they might have trouble reaching for their snack, that might be a warning sign to skip the recline. Third, keep the noise down. No loud phone calls, unless you want to become the next viral video. Instead, use headphones—seriously. Also, avoid the overly-perfumed stuff; not everyone appreciates strong scents during a long flight. I once sat next to someone who insisted on using a very strong smelling hand sanitizer. It was awful.
Airplane passengers using personal devices | Image: Supplied
Dining in the Sky: Navigating the In-Flight Meal
Airplane food is...a thing. That being said, it's important to eat with consideration. Try to avoid messy food, especially if you're in a shared seating area. Keep your area clean and refrain from throwing trash on the floor. Use the provided napkins, please. Oh, and if you're bringing your own food, make sure it's not overpowering; you don't want to be that person. If your tray table is not cooperating, use your hands as a last resort. Never try to force a broken tray table and end up looking like a scene from the movie 'Snakes on a Plane'.
Airplane food tray | Image: Supplied
Bathroom Breaks: A Quick Guide to Cleanliness
Let's be honest: airplane bathrooms are not known for their spaciousness or cleanliness. Please, try to leave the bathroom as clean as you found it (or better!). It may seem simple, but trust me, it's a game-changer. Also, if you have the unfortunate experience of experiencing a bathroom emergency, don't blame anyone. It happens.
Airplane bathroom | Image: Supplied
Landing and Beyond: Graceful Exits and Happy Travels
The flight is over; hurray! But wait, there's more etiquette! Be patient while deplaning, letting those in the window seats get out first. Don't rush to grab your luggage before others. I've seen some near-fights erupt over overheads. Finally, thank the flight crew for their hard work. A simple "thank you" can go a long way. Let's be honest, flight attendants do not get enough appreciation for all the work they do.
Passengers exiting airplane | Image: Supplied
Conclusion: Soar to New Heights of Air Travel Civility
Remember that flight I had? The one with the armrest hogger and the seat kicker? It doesn't have to be that way! With a little mindfulness, understanding, and a dose of patience, you can make every flight a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone. Your fellow passengers (and possibly even the flight crew) will thank you for it! So, the next time you take to the skies, remember these tips and fly happy!
Happy people on a plane | Image: Supplied
