If you have ever felt annoyed by delays in airport security or airplane boarding, you are not alone. People who fly frequently typically share your frustration, especially when delays are caused by travelers who have not planned ahead and prepared for their trips.
You can improve your own airport security, boarding and flying experiences by planning ahead and following some simple air travel etiquette rules.
- The number one pet peeve of frequent air travelers is lack of room in the overhead bins. Do your part to help out by packing a small carry-on bag, one that actually complies with your airline's policies, and bringing only one small personal item (purse, computer bag, etc.). The reason it takes so long to board and deplane is that too many airline passengers, in an attempt to avoid checked baggage fees, exceed their carry-on allowance and take a long time to look for overhead bin space and stow their large bags. If you can't lift your carry-on bag over your head, plan to stow it under the seat in front of you.
- Be ready for your airport security screening. Wear slip-on or Velcro-fastened shoes. Consider wearing socks so you won't have to stand in your bare feet. Avoid wearing a belt, if possible, and go easy on the jewelry. Double-check your pockets and leave loose change and pocket knives at home. Once you have checked in for your flight at the airport, take off your coat, get out your boarding pass and photo ID and be ready to take your laptop out of its case. This way, you will pass the photo ID checkpoint quickly and be well-positioned to take off your shoes, dump them and your coat into a plastic bin and go through the rest of the screening process. Once you have been screened, put your shoes on and then move to the end of the conveyor belt area to put away your laptop and gather your other belongings.
- Use the restroom before you board your airplane. If you are faced with a delayed departure, you will be very glad you did.
- Once you have boarded the airplane, quickly find your seat and place your carry-on bag in the overhead bin. Sit down and put your personal item and your coat under the seat in front of you. Remain seated unless you have to get up to let other passengers get to their seats. Do not roam around the airplane or use the restroom; you will block the flow of traffic.
- When the flight attendants tell you to turn off your cell phone and other electronic devices, don't argue with them or ignore them. Turn everything off; your flight cannot depart until you do.
- If at all possible, avoid reclining your seat. You won't get any more leg room if you recline your seat, but you will take away leg room from the passenger sitting behind you, as well as space between that passenger and his tray table. Instead, bring a small pillow or neck roll if you find airplane seats uncomfortable.
- Try to use only one arm rest unless you are getting into or out of your seat. Airlines continue to squeeze more and more seats into their airplanes, and personal space is limited. Everyone in your row should have use of one arm rest.
- Avoid kicking or pulling on the seat in front of you. If you need to get up during your flight, push yourself up with your arm rests instead of grabbing the seat back of the passenger sitting in front of you.
- If you listen to music or watch a movie on a device you have brought with you, use a good pair of headphones or ear buds and keep the volume low. Keep your movie selections family-friendly; you are watching them in a public place.
- When it is time to deplane, wait your turn. If you must make a connection and your flight will land late, discuss the situation with a flight attendant before your pilot starts the initial descent toward the airport.
- Finally, respect your fellow passengers and your flight attendants. You are going to be spending several hours with them, trapped inside a large metal tube with limited space. Recognize this fact and make an effort to be polite and cheerful. Tall passengers cannot chop off their legs so you can lean your seat back all the way, and most parents of young children really do try to keep their little ones quiet. If problems do arise, ask a flight attendant to resolve them.
