How to Behave on an Airplane

Does anyone remember the Golden Rule? It is an easy way to remember to mind your manners. Behaving in a disorderly fashion is no longer tolerated by airport personnel or flight crews on United States air carriers. Since the government has taken over handling irate passengers, this article will focus instead on other “Do’s and Don’t's” associated with proper airplane etiquette.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Manners

1. Please be courteous of other people. Taking your shoes and socks off and propping your feet on the armrest of the person sitting in front of you because you want to feel more comfortable, is NOT acceptable airplane etiquette. After they get over the shock of strange toes in their personal space, the passenger in front of you may just want to let his or her seat back very hard.
2. Control your children. While some parents are fortunate to have mind or eye control over their children, the majority of the world is not as lucky. Be creative. Bring things for children to do, such as coloring books or DVDs, to occupy them while traveling. This will allow everyone’s nerves to get a break while on board.
3. If you have special dietary needs, order a special meal. Here’s a reminder. You are on an airplane approximately 35,000 feet above the ground. There’s no way for the flight crew to go to the supermarket to get you a vegetarian dish. Please do not become upset with them because you failed to take care of your needs. Remember to order it when you purchase your ticket, or ask about getting one when you check in at the gate before your flight. The earlier you ask the better chance you will get it.
4. Flush the toilet. Airplane lavatories are small, uncomfortable, cesspools, sort of like inflight porta potties. Already, none of us wants to touch anything in there! Please, at least make it easier on our eyes, not to see what you did in there before us. Oh, and could you wipe up the water you splash over the counter and floor with the hand towels the nice airline supplies? Flight Attendants are not janitors. They are there primarily to save your life…should the need arise.
5. Don’t take over someone else’s space. Most of us travel in economy class where comfort is more like confinement and roominess is lacking except being able to flex your feet and rotate your neck. Must we fight over the middle armrest? Can we just share it, please?
6. Please use the call bell to signal the flight attendants. Whistling, waving at, or snapping your fingers at them will probably only get you ignored. Try to use the call bell sparingly. Remember, you do not have a personal butler at your beck and call, but a safety professional to assist you in enjoying your flight.

Tips & Warnings

• Please note that flight attendants can not remove a passenger from the airplane for body odor. They can not make children be quiet. They can not make the person in front of you put his or her seat forward so that you can eat more comfortably, nor can they make the person across the aisle close the window shade. Every person must do his or her part to ensure that all onboard have a pleasant flight experience.