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Dear Thelma: Spring-break season is upon us and that means more traveling families and college students. Can you publish some airplane etiquette tips for us?

Answer: Considering that the amount of personal space the average person needs to feel comfortable is roughly the size of an elevator, airline travel causes us to trespass on one another every time we enter a plane. Consideration for each other is the key to comfort.

Start with what you choose to wear on your trip. Dress in your own style, but in a way that respects the sensitivities of other travelers. Need further guidance? Consider whether what you've chosen would scandalize the 11-year-old and his grandmother traveling together. Also pay attention to your personal grooming. Don't overdo the perfume, but don't go deodorant-free.

Carry your bag in front of you as you board the plane being very careful not to bump those already seated. Place it carefully in the overhead bin above your seat and offer to help anyone you see struggling with a bag.

Mind your own and others' personal space - what little there is of it. Keep your hands, feet, knees and belongings in your own area and avoid hogging the armrests.

Some people look forward to making new friends. Some don't. Learn to recognize both. If you've been chatting with someone and now are ready to stop, simply tell them you're going to do another activity: "I think I'll do some reading now." If someone is politely engaging in your conversation, read any non-verbal signs they give that they'd like some quiet time. Once they take out a book, computer or headphones, respect their need for privacy.

Children can be an in-flight challenge for passengers and parents alike. Little can be done about a child's excited squeals of delight or the cries that come from pressure changes. However, parents can keep kids' feet and hands off the back of the seat in front of them. Instruct children to leave the tray tables alone and attempt to keep excited noise under control.

Avoid behavior that's likely to disturb. Refrain from pulling on the seat back of the person in front of you or slamming the tray table closed. Keep the music coming from your headphones down. If you must hold a business meeting in the aisle, use low tones so other passengers aren't forced to become party to your conversation.

When deplaning, allow the people in front of you to move into the aisle first. Your kind restraint will make the exit more pleasant for everyone.

Airline travel may test our manners mettle, but good manners never go out of style.