Airplane Etiquette for Frequent Flyers

Travel Tips for Business Travelers on Airplanes

Frequent flyers always complain that families traveling with children ruin flights. They have tantrums, kick seats, splash food and generally misbehave. However, some of the most obnoxious in-flight behavior is often perpetrated by business travelers who feel they are entitled to special treatment just because they fly so frequently.

Airplane etiquette violations can have serious consequences. In a recent case, a businessman and female executive met on an American Airlines flight from Dallas to London. They became drunk, undressed and had sex in business class. Although they were asked to behave by fellow passengers, flight attendants and the pilot, they persisted. The executives ultimately lost their jobs, were fined heavily in British courts and became an inspiration for late night television jokes.

Most problems occur in the cramped, overcrowded coach sections of airplanes. Airline etiquette missteps ususally center around luggage, personal space and talking. Follow these simple steps and your flight will be easier for everyone, including yourself.

Boarding

Don't carry-on excessive luggage or oversize bags. Most airlines are cracking down and space is limited.

Board quickly. Don't linger at the entryway -- it backs up traffic in the jetway.

Carry your bag in front of you as you walk down the aisle. Over-the-shoulder luggage can hit passengers that are already seated. It's not a good way to make friends.

Store your bag under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin adjacent to your seat. Don't put your bag in a bin near the front of the plane for a quick exit -- it means someone else will have to wait until the entire plane has emptied to walk back to get their bag.

Don't store your bags in another's space. Wait until the door closes. If there is empty space, then you can use it.

If you need to move another's belongings while placing items in overhead bins, ask them.

Place your coat and jacket on top of your luggage in the overhead bins. Don't place them next to your luggage -- it takes up too much space.

Sit in your assigned seat until everyone has boarded. You can switch seats when you determine the empty spots.

If you are traveling alone and someone asks to switch seats to join a family member or colleague - be a sport. You might need the same favor some day.

Settling In. Don't Hog the Armrests.

If you're listening to music with a Walkman, don't crank up the sound too much -- it is irritating to listen to.

Don't recline your seat all the way. Airlines may be expanding the legroom in coach, but it is still cramped.

Don't invade your neighbor's "personal space". Be considerate, the Golden Rule applies in the air.

Feet often swell on long flights and many passengers remove their shoes for comfort. Feet often smell on long flights also. If you do take off your shoes, please wear slipper sox to contain the wafting aroma. Believe me, people notice.

In Flight

Don't be a bore. There is nothing worse than being held captive be a talkative seat mate. Don't force your conversation on the person next to you.

If someone is driving you crazy with their (dull) life story -- it is permissable to tell them you're too busy, tired, sick or whatever to talk. But don't be rude. Some people are nervous fliers and talk compulsively.

Don't grab the seat in front of you when you are getting up -- it is very disruptive to the person sitting there. Use your arm rests to get up.

Don't kick the seat in front of you.

Don't shout into the airphone.

Don't stand in front of the in-flight movie. You may not like the feature, but don't spoil it for everyone.

Don't hold business meetings in the aisle. It is very annoying to fellow passengers. Also, you never know when a competitor is listening.

Don't clog up the aisles while the flight attendants are using the food and beverage carts. Let them do their jobs.

Be careful with food trays and hot liquids. Take care when you open the plastic salad dressing, condiment and beverage containers. They spatter easily.

If you do spill something on someone; apologize and offer to pay for drycleaning.

The bathroom is not a make-up table or dressing room. Be quick and clean up after yourself.

Alcohol's impact is magnified at high altitudes. Don't get drunk.

This is not your office -- don't spread out your work papers everywhere. Be neat.

Don't try to read your seat mates work documents or laptop screen. It is really obnoxious.

Don't sleep on your seat mate’s shoulder, unless they want you to. This is not your bedroom -- be considerate of your fellow passengers. Your sex life may be interesting to you, but unless your Gwenyth Paltrow or Brad Pitt, your seat mates don't want to listen to it or watch it.

Heading Out

Don't jump up and try to be the first one off - unless you're in Row 1. Wait your turn. It is only a matter of minutes and it makes it easier for everyone. The flight attendants are right -- items can shift during flight in the overhead compartments. Be very careful opening the bins. I've seen some nasty accidents onboard.

If someone is having trouble getting their bag out of the overhead compartment, offer to help. It's a nice thing to do and can also prevent those nasty accidents.

If you do need to make a tight connection, let the flight attendant know. They can sometimes move you up to the front before you reach the gate. Remember to carry your luggage in front of you as you depart.

Don't linger in the jetway waiting for your colleagues. Wait up at the gate -- away from the entrance so everyone can exit quickly.

Although most of these etiquette tips are common sense, it's amazing how "uncommon" sense can be.