This week, as the temperature rises and people begin to daydream of lazy summer vacations spent at beautiful destinations, we are revisiting an article from 2007: “Polite, Posh and Simple: The Passenger’s Guide to Airline Etiquette.”
The article is a guide to airline etiquette, written by two travel writers who have been on countless flights and have experienced all types of travelers. The article is divided into three sections: Polite (for domestic flights), Posh (for international flights) and Simple (for those looking for a few simple rules for airline travel).
The writers give tips for everything from keeping your feet off the wall to the proper way to use headphones.
Airline travel is complicated and stressful. While there are several different stages to the flight process, each stage can be a source of frustration and confusion. Here are some tips to make your airline experience more enjoyable:
1. Booking Flights
2. Airport Security
3. Boarding the Plane
4. Flying Etiquette
5. Arriving at Your Destination
Booking Flights: The first step in airline travel is booking your flight. You can use a website like Expedia or Travelocity or you can book through the airline itself. It’s often cheaper to buy tickets from the website, but if you have an issue with your flight it’s easier to deal with the airline directly rather than with a third party site. Always read the fine print before making a purchase! Make sure you understand what kind of ticket you are purchasing and if there are any fees associated with changing your flight (most airlines will charge you extra). Be sure to arrive at least two hours before your flight when flying domestically and three hours when flying internationally as it can take time to get through security, especially during busy times like holidays, spring break, and summer vacation.
Airport Security: Airport security has become increasingly frustrating over the years due to all the rules
It is not always easy to know what to say when you travel. Each culture, like each airline, has its own rules, regulations, and customs. With this in mind, we offer a brief guide to the language important to airline passengers around the globe.
How To Say “Delayed Flight” In Italy:
“You’re on time.”
How To Say “Delayed Flight” In America:
“The captain just tried to kill himself.”
How To Say “Delayed Flight” In France:
“Your flight will be leaving in five minutes. Please take your seats as soon as possible and make sure that your seatbelts are securely fastened. The normal safety instructions apply; if we experience any sudden changes in temperature or atmospheric pressure, oxygen masks will appear in front of you; please make sure that they are securely fastened before assisting children or adults with special needs. The emergency exits are located at either end of the cabin; should the need arise, please ensure that you are fully aware of their location and operation before assisting others with their exit from the aircraft. We thank you for choosing Air France and look forward to seeing you on board again soon
The following is meant to be taken as a guide, not a rulebook. There’s no single right way to fly the friendly skies; however, it is helpful to keep some common courtesies in mind when traveling.
If you’ve ever tried booking a flight with a child under the age of two, you know that most airlines charge for lap infants. As such, many parents opt to pay the fee and secure their kiddos’ seats so they can bring their own car seats. If you have never done this before, be sure to read up on the CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System) device. It’s an FAA-approved harness that attaches directly to your airplane seat and keeps baby safe and secure during takeoff and landing. Plus, it can double as a highchair at restaurants and at home until your child outgrows it at 40 pounds!
Here’s the thing: most airlines don’t allow children younger than five to sit in an exit row or near an emergency door (which usually means the entire row). And really, that’s for the best. If there were an emergency in flight, how would little Johnny open the door? He wouldn’t be able to
Flying is the fastest way to travel longer distances. It lets you cross oceans, continents, and even borders in a matter of hours. It’s also one of the most common activities in today’s world. Unfortunately, air travel can be stressful because of the unfamiliar environment and the number of people involved.
There are many things you can do to make your flight as smooth as possible. Proper packing, knowing how to behave on board, and taking care of your health will help ensure a pleasant experience.
Packing is one of the most important aspects of preparing for an airplane trip. Overweight and oversized luggage can cause delays and extra fees. Knowing what you can carry on board will save time at security checkpoints. Pack only the bare essentials to avoid hassles with baggage handlers.
Seat backs, tray tables, and armrests are for your use only. They are not for supporting babies, beverages, or body parts. Other passengers may be sitting there in the future.
Try to refrain from kicking or knocking on the seat of the person in front of you. If you must communicate with them, speak clearly and directly: “Excuse me — I am sorry to say that my foot has been resting on the back of your chair this entire time!”
It is appropriate to ask a flight attendant if she might switch a crying baby to another row. It is not appropriate to ask a fellow passenger.
If you have a choice over whether to sit next to a baby or to sit in an exit row, choose the exit row. Although they may be less comfortable, they do offer more leg room and fewer screaming infants.
It is proper etiquette to open a beverage container before passing it back between rows of seats.
“I know it’s a cliché, but I always dress as if I might end up in an emergency room. “