I fly a lot.
I also read a lot and noticed that media reports of bad airplane behavior are rising.
It’s likely a combination of the upswing in rudeness in our world, combined with clickbait journalism.
In any event, each of us can make the skies friendlier by checking our own behavior — throughout the airport, during boarding, in the air, and even at baggage claim.
Here are 10 ways to make flying more pleasant for yourself and the people around you.
- Select “low stress” flight times and airlines. If you need sleep (which we all do), avoid red eyes and early AM travel if you know you’ll be cranky. If you have a long flight, consider splurging on extra legroom.
- Resolve to get into “zen mode” and breathe and smile, regardless of what unplanned horrors, delays, and discomforts you may experience on your journey.
- If you’re a nervous flyer, bring the adult equivalent of a “blankie.” I sometimes buy a People magazine or load something soothing to play through my noise-canceling earbuds.
- Airport lounges can be great places to hang out. You can use miles to buy a membership or spring for day passes at some clubs. Choose a place to sit away from screaming children, loud talkers, or other people and things that might trigger you.
- Be REALLY nice to the people who work at the gate. Greet the flight attendants when you board. Give a smile, and you may get a smile in return. (And, if you need special favors, you’ll be more likely to get that extra bag of nuts or second biscuit.)
- Delays? They suck. Try to reframe them as adventures, a chance to eat something new at the airport, or spend a night in a new city.
- Remember that flight attendants are NOT restaurant servers or butlers. They are trained professionals who may ultimately be responsible for health and safety. Treat them with respect.
- You never know who’s sitting next to you. Strike up casual convos, but don’t be obnoxious. In fact, I’m writing this post while sitting next to two really cool people — a career event planner and a semi-retired dude who’s a boat captain and drives cars cross-country for people who are moving or snowbirding. I’ve already learned a ton, and we’re barely an hour into the flight!
- When de-planing, be conscious of people who may need to make connections. And, if it’s you who’s rushing off the plane, let the people in front of you know that you’re worried and ask them nicely to move. (They may not always listen, but at least you’ll be a civil human.)
- If you’ve checked bags, don’t push your way to the front of the carousel. Offer to help others with their bags (if you have the upper body strength). Be patient and polite. We’ll all get home soon enough!
We can all agree that flying is not always friendly or fun. In fact, it can be turbulent, aggravating, and even smelly and noisy. But you don’t want to give yourself a heart attack or a stroke over it (because then you’ll have to be carted off the plane on a stretcher and that’s REALLY not a blue sky moment!)
