Traveling is fun, but keep in mind while you are trying to get to your destination so are thousands of others. Planning and being mindful of others can make all the difference between a stressful trip and a pleasant trip.
Going Through Security
- Be Ready. It doesn't matter if you travel weekly or this is your first trip, make sure you are up-to-date with the latest TSA guidelines (they do change).
- If you know you're going to have to put your, laptop, toiletry bag, etc in a bin to go through xray, try to pack everything in the same zipper or compartment before you leave home. Keeping everything in easy-to-reach access is key to keeping the line moving.
- Make sure you have your boarding pass and ID ready to go. I once saw a lady open her suitcase at the TSA ID check because she packed her purse and wallet in her carry-on. Don't be her.
- Once you get through security, grab your bags and bins and move over to the nearby benches so you don’t hold up the line. Don't be the person holding up the line, getting stink-eye from the rest of us.
Carry-on Allowance
- Airline guideline change a LOT! Before you pack, check the airline website for size and weight allowances. Investing in a luggage scale can save you lots in excess fees. Also, there are slightly different size requirements for international carriers vs. U.S.A. carriers, so make sure your bag works for each country/continent you’re traveling in.
- Make sure you can lift your bag. I see this a lot. If you can't lift it over your head either start hitting the gym or check it. Even checked bags you should still be able to carry because you never know when you are going to encounter a broken airport escalator and elevator at the same time. True story.
- Only put your large bag in the overhead. Put your purse or briefcase under the seat in front of you, until you know for sure there will be room. Also, don’t put your jacket in a bin unless it’s going on top of or in front of your bag.
- Don’t make it your plan to gate check. This is a pet peeve of mine. If you bring a normal sized carry-on that you are happy to bring on the plane but has to be gate-checked due to space, that is one thing. But please don’t bring an oversized bag that you know will not fit in an overhead bin simply to try to save a few dollars. If you think you are bringing too much stuff, 1) you probably are and 2) you should probably check your bag. If you don’t want to pay the fee, bring less stuff. Don’t slow everyone else down because you’re trying to save $30.
On the plane
- Put your bag in the bin as close to your seat as possible. If you are sitting in row 25, and there is no room over 25 and there is room over 23, that’s one thing. But if you’re sitting in row 25 and you put your bag over row 10 because you don't want to carry it down the aisle then you're being rude to the people in row 10.
- Put your suitcase on the correct side of the airplane, facing the correct way. The flight attendants aren't telling you this for fun, roll aboard bags really do fit better a certain way.
- Armrests. I always let the middle seat have the armrests. Those seats tend to have less room so give the armrest to the middle seat.
- Respect the crew. If they tell you to power off your electronics, then power off your electronic. Don't try to dim the screen and hide it under your leg. Also, the crew is responsible for the transport and safety of over a hundred people on your plane. You are not special and they are not your personal assistants.
- Be mindful of reclining. This can be a controversial topic. My rule of thumb is reclining is ok, except during food service.
- Please, please don’t wear heavy fragrances, use any fragrant products, or eat any really fragrant food while on the plane.
Once you arrive
- Stay seated. It takes a while to connect the jetbridge and open the door, so there is no need to immediately jump up, block the aisle, just to stand there for 10-20 minutes. We all want to get off the plane and you know what? We will, but we can't all squeeze through the portal at one time so wait until its your rows turn. The airport isn't going anywhere. If there is someone who has a tight connection, it is polite to let them go first or pass you in the jetbridge if necessary. Think of how you would like to be treated in that situation!
- Clear the path. When you get off the plane and you realize you need to readjust your carryon, personal item, and coat, please do not stop in the middle of the jetbridge. Wait until you are out of the gate, step aside and readjust your items.
Did I miss anything? What is your favorite etiquette tip?
