Ladylike Laws: Airplane Etiquette
If you're reading this, it means that I am already off on my big trip to Tanzania. Each way, the flight is roughly 30 hours. Yikes. That said, while flying comes second nature to me (I fly to NYC once a month or more), I've learned my fair share of travel tips and mid-air manners for life at 30,000 feet. Today, I am going to dish my tips on in-flight etiquette. According to a recent study, half of airplane travelers surveyed are most annoyed by: 1. Fellow passenger's poor hygiene, 2. Kicking the back of airplane seats, and 3. Deplaning before those seated in front of you. While I'm sure all of you have lovely up-in-the-air etiquette, I thought it might be nice to go over the basics. So think of this as your "go graceful" travelers guide...
- Carry low & light. If possible, check your bags. If you do carry-on, hold your bag low so as not to knock your neighbors as you make your way to your seat.
- Use your overhead. Real estate is valuable on an airplane, so pack your goodies into the overhead compartment that correlates with your seat. I cannot tell you how many times I have spotted people jamming their things into the compartments toward the front of the plane (far away from their seats). Now what do all those people at the front of the plane do? Simply put, be courteous.
- Sprawl slowly. Only recline once the crew has stated that it is safe to do so. When you do recline, do it slowly. No need to surprise the person sitting behind you with a quick jolt.
- Get over grabbing. Try your best not to grab the headrest of the seat in front of you as your make your way to and from your spot. It's annoying, isn't it?
- The armrest debate. There are a few ways to deal if you find yourself in the center seat: A) You share with your neighbors, B) You claim one right off the bat, C) Hopefully the two end seats will feel bad for you (you know, since you're "stuck in the middle"?) and just let you have both of them.
- Chatty Cathy and Silent Susie. Depending on who you end up next to, be sure to navigate such encounters with grace. If you are too tired to chat or too anxious not to, take a clue from (or give one to) your neighbor.
- Smells & stinks. Be mindful and don't bring smelly food onto the plane such as fast food, stinky garlic hummus or sticky buns etc. Also, don't wear perfume or lotions that are particularly overpowering either. Your fellow travellers will thank you!
- Turn it down. While that new Ellie Goulding remix may be amazing, you don't need to share it with the rest of the plane. Remember that other passengers can often hear what you're listening to on your headphones if they're blasting.
- Bring your own books (or entertainment). How creepy is it when you realize lazy Larry hasn't been sleeping the past 3 hours...instead, you realize, he's been reading The Hunger Games with you! No thank you.
- Don't be a diva (or a drunk). Remember, everyone is in the same boat–err, plane–so act accordingly. Things might not go your way, but it's important to behave and be as lovely as possible. I like to think a Zen-like attitude will influence those around me.
If you have any other frequent flyer pet peeves to air or suggestions to share, tell me in comments below.
Speaking of flying, if you could visit 3 locations (anywhere in the world) where would you go?
Fly fabulously ladies!
XO Lauren
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82 comments
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I fly to Japan every year, and I'd say just remember everyone is as uncomfortable as you are! If there's a crying baby, sure it's not ideal, but think how embarrassed and frantic the mother is. Also, remember to thank the flight attendants. They have to deal with all the cranky passengers. :) -
Those are just the perfect tips for plane travelling, i just may add a little one.
In my country, Colombia, there are some people that have the need to applaud after the plane touches the land, or in the worst case of all the sing the national Anthem and is just sooo anoying.
So if you are glad that you landed please don't make it sooo obvious or loud.
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Check out my blog post for my travel tips as well and to see where im traveling in the next few months!
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great post! the tips were very helpful..I would love to go to Japan, Romania and France!
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As a Frequent Flyer (I fly to and from LA about once a month) I think all these are great little reminders for every flyer. There is nothing worse than sharing a 5 hour flight with someone inconsiderate. My last flight to LA was such a nice and joyful experience. I sat next to some of the most well behaved 5, 2 and 14 month old children I've ever met. My flight back home I can't even begin to say how unjoyable it was. I was already in a bad mood (I commute so often because my boyfriend is in the military, until I can move out there we try and make a visit for once a month. going is enjoyable, leaving, not so much) and the man next to me not only took the armrest but had his hand/half his arm hanging over my side, spread his legs out onto my side and I mean his feet were under where literally under my legs and I guess his parents never taught him to cover his mouth when he coughed! Hopefully I won't have another one of those for the rest of my traveling days!!
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I realy want to go to New York or LA, Japan, Mexico again and I want to traval around Africa
travailling is so great but the manners of some people -->horrible
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I would love to visit
* Greece
* Italy
* Laguna Beach & Los Angeles :0)
* Cabo St. Lucas
* Africa (Tanzania or South Africa)
* Dubai
* Brazil.=
Sorry, I don't have just 3!!
Internationally, I've been to London, England & Barbados. They both were amazing experiences I wouldn't trade for anything!
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EVERY PASSENGER SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO READ THIS LIST!!!
#7 is a big one. Over the summer, I flew to DC to visit my best friend. Right after take off, this family behind me pulled out their McDonald's happy meals and it was so rude and discourteous. It especially bothered me because I get motion sickness and certain smells just send me over the edge. Luckily I didn't throw up I arrived just fine!!
1)Paris
2)Washington
3)Brazil
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My husband and I were talking about saving money for a trip around the world. :) My top three picks are:
1) Taj Mahal
2) Machu Picchu
3) Great Barrier Reef!!
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I've been on many long plane rides and have had issues like the ones you mention... these are amazing tips (and should be in the flight info or something like that!)
I would go to So-Cal (favorite places in the world so far!!), Greek Islands (always wanted to go) and South Africa.
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I am terrified of flying but traveling out weighs all of the fear! I do have a large respect for all of the people who have sat next to me and calmed me down when I get scared!! I always wanted to go to Australia, so in December I moved here! I would love to see New Zealand, Japan, and go on Safari in Africa!
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I've already planned my next trip!
Austria, Hungary and Czech Republic! So excited.
Love from South Africa
www.arumlilea.blogspot.com
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This blog is so spot on - so many people have such little respect for those around them it makes it so unpleasant to travel anymore!
I have actually been fortunate enough to travel quite a bit around the world but if I could go now, my next three destinations would be:
1. Switzerland 2. Jamaica 3. Alaska
xoxo, Taylor
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I love to travel but I actually don't hate anything more than flying so thanks for the tips :)
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I just wrote about the TOP 10 Countries I want to visit:
http://www.pretty-random-things.com/2012/03/top-10-tuesday-countries-i-want-to.html
As I travel a lot myself, I do appreciate these travel tips! Now I just need everyone else in the world to read this blog post, too! ;-)
Liesl xxx
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