Eight ways travellers can avoid being the most annoying person on a plane

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This was published 4 years ago

Eight ways travellers can avoid being the most annoying person on a plane

By Maria Teresa Hart
Updated
Considerate plane passengers know when to shut up.

Considerate plane passengers know when to shut up.Credit: Shutterstock

What is it about flying? The rules of civility seem to get cancelled as frequently as flights in a storm. And that's why a considerate traveller is an absolute godsend. These are the thoughtful, compassionate folks who make everyone's flight a bit smoother thanks to their courtesy. We're taking the time to applaud all the behaviour that makes them the perfect seatmate. Here are eight things every considerate traveller does when flying.

1. THEY USE THE OVERHEAD BIN ABOVE THEIR SEAT

The delicate balance of overhead luggage space gets severely disrupted when travellers just throw their bags in the compartment closest to the door, kicking off a domino effect of displaced suitcases all around. That's why considerate travellers will make the effort to lug their carry-on down the aisle to their seat, even if it's all the way to 37B, so they're not shortchanging the person in 4A.

2. THEY KNOW WHEN TO STOP TALKING

Being seated next to the guy who just won't stop talking is a fate worse than being in the middle seat. (A note to the chatty: Please don't expect your fellow passengers to be your in-flight entertainment.) Considerate travellers will offer a nice hello, maybe a few pleasantries, and then they'll shut up. You'll never feel pressured into pulling out a novel or headphones just to escape a monologue about their grandkids.

3. THEY RECLINE THEIR SEAT GENTLY

If the first thing you do when you get to your seat is jam it back without care for those behind you, you are not a member of the considerate travellrs club. Without knowing it, you could be slamming down on someone's laptop, hot beverage, or both. (Never a good combo.) That's why thoughtful travellers will slowly glide their chair back, and maybe spare a few degrees for the person behind them. And if the seat is jerky or jammed, they'll give the person behind them a heads up before their pushback.

4. THEY KEEP THEIR SHOES ON

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Photo: Alamy

Photo: Alamy

The airplane cabin is still a public space, not a rec room. But you wouldn't know it from the amount of travellers that feel A-OK about yanking off their footwear, even putting their feet up - sock holes on full display. Considerate travellers know to keep their shoes on, and they'll wear comfy, slip-on kicks that can handle a long flight and any foot swelling.

5. THEY THANK FLIGHT ATTENDANTS, REPEATEDLY

Think travel is exhausting? Try being a flight attendant. While you doze off or lose yourself in a movie, they're on their feet at all hours dealing with every in-flight snafu. A little kindness goes a long way. For every single beverage or snack doled out, considerate travellers will extend a genuine and heartfelt "thank you" - with eye contact and a smile. (Tip: This is also the secret to scoring free bonus snacks.)

6. THEY OFFER SNACKS TO SEATMATES

Consider this extra credit, but if you're travellng with airplane snacks or a little airborne picnic, there's something ultra nice about extending a square of chocolate or offering a chip or two to a seatmate, especially on flights where food service is limited or airlines charge a lot. The same goes for a stick of gum or a mint.

7. THEY STAND WITHOUT USING THE HEADREST AS LEVERAGE

Inconsiderate travellers don't see a headrest in front of them, they see a pulley system that can get them to their feet. Considerate travellers, on the other hand, always remember that someone's head is resting there, and when they stand, they'll push off from their armrests and their own seat, so the person in front of them isn't jostled. Naturally, the elderly or those with mobility issues get a pass, though an apology should still be offered if you shake someone in an effort to stand.

8. THEY SWITCH SEATS WITH SEPARATED FAMILIES

There isn't a ton of difference between seat 17D and 19D, which is why considerate travellers will step in to help couples and families sit together and offer to swap. The most saintly among us will even give up treasured window seats or bulkhead legroom, so families can sit together, too.

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