How to Be a Patient Airline Passenger

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By BeingArtsy
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The results of this article may never be revealed to you, unless someone is kind enough to tell you it was noticed. The basic premise is to have manners and use them, while simultaneously discouraging "energy vampires." An energy vampire is someone who craves, or creates negative circumstances at any cost. Avoiding confrontation with this type of person will ensure you have a good trip. No matter the mode of transportation you decide to use, you can apply this basic technique. Because I was a Flight Attendant for so many years I will focus on airplane activity and share with you what got me through the difficult times.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Manners

Step 1

When you are traveling you will notice the frustrations of other travelers, the lack of manners of others, and the reactions, and unfortunately often attitudes of those affected.

Memorize and utilize this as a personal affirmation: "I will not take on other people's negativity or destructive issues as my own."
Step 2

You can be the "bigger" person, even if you are not involved in any altercation. Treat others with respect. Be kind. If you notice that someone was mistreated by someone else, also know that the person may be feeling pretty low about it. When it is your turn to interact with this person, be accommodating, helpful, and kind to them.

For example, whether an airline is serving or selling meals, there are only so many of each kind boarded per flight. If the Flight Attendants run out of your choice before offering you, roll with the flow and choose something else or do not eat. Remember that it is one meal out of your lifetime and they can not stop the airplane and purchase more supplies more suitable to your liking. Here's a tidbit you may not know. The airline bases the meal selections, and number of choices on customer survey feedback. Yelling or becoming angry and rude with the flight attendant will not change this. You're better off writing a letter to the airline. The corporate address is usually found in the front of the inflight magazine in your seatback pocket.
Step 3

Fact: Babies will cry. Accept this. Remember that you were once a baby. Rather than glare at the parents or yell at the Crew to "do something", understand that this is not in your control. Instead, bring ear plugs, noise reduction headsets, an iPod, or a DVD to watch to tune out any potential unwanted noise.

If you have any of these tools and you notice someone having a difficult time with such noise, offer them the temporary use of yours. Public gestures of kindness are a rarity in today's world. Work toward changing that.
Step 4

If another passenger is giving you a difficult time, for example, bumping or pulling on your seat while you attempt to relax, kindly bring it to the person's attention. If it continues, ask to be moved. There is no need to argue or fight with the person causing the harm. It is probably what that person wants.

If there is no other seat available, ask the person causing the harm to switch seats with you. Suggest he or she may be more comfortable with that arrangement.

If all else fails, alert the flight crew, and write a letter to the airline's corporate office after your trip. Airline's are generous to keep passengers happy and traveling with them.

Comments

xrayness said

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on 6/2/2009 Excellent advice. I always laugh when I see people "acting the fool" on airplanes. Personally, I try to help the flight crew manage the crowd. After 9 - 11, I would watch fo suspicious/unruly/noisy persons and let the stewardesses know that I was available to assist with any of those passengers. Flying the airplane is hard enough...who needs people on board causing all sorts of headaches.