With travel season around the corner, this is the perfect time to brush up on our air travel etiquette.

There is no doubt about it, traveling on airlines is stressful and tries the patience of many, otherwise, good-natured people. The crowds, delays, inadequate meals, and confined spaces often combine to make people more than a little grumpy and impatient. Unfortunately, in times of stress, we often forget to be respectful and considerate of others – something that can improve our own mood, if even just a little. On your next flight, try following these basic air travel etiquette tips and see how they can make the trip more pleasant for you, the airline staff, and your fellow passengers.

• Avoid bumping or hitting people with your luggage.
• Allow those with advanced boarding privileges, especially elderly people, those with disabilities, and young children, to board the plane unimpeded; wait in the seating area and don’t approach the gate until you are called to board the plane.
• Board the plane quickly and refrain from blocking the entryway or aisles. If necessary, step aside to allow people to pass before loading your carry-on luggage into the overhead compartment.
• Use care when placing your items into the overhead compartment. Other people may have delicate items in the carry-on bags already stowed in the compartment.
• If you notice someone struggling with items in the overhead compartment, be kind and assist them.
• Avoid bumping the seat in front of you during your flight, as people can get annoyed with this.
• Remember to use general pleasantries: “Please,” “Thank you,” “Excuse me,” “You’re welcome.” Sometimes when rushing from one gate to another we forget these simple courtesies.

Bon voyage!

Photo by Bambi Corro on Unsplash.