Airline Etiquette for Frequent Flyers

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, there were 146 incidents on airlines in 2019. In 2021, there were 1,081 investigations of incidents involving unruly passengers. Obviously, there are problems with passengers who don’t know how to behave in a respectful manner. In an era when mask mandates, TSA checks, and other inconveniences are already causing stress, this lack of good manners just makes the situation worse.

What is a traveler to do? Here are some ways to make air travel more pleasant for yourself and those around you:

Always Be Prepared

Make sure you have all of your paperwork in order. When you get in line at airport security, anticipate taking off your shoes or removing metal objects so you do it before you can cause delays.

Respect Your Flight Attendants

It’s always good to offer the flight attendants a smile as you board your flight or give a greeting. Their jobs are a lot tougher these days and it’s important to be as respectful as you can be. It will make the flight a lot easier and more enjoyable for both of you.

Don’t Take Over the Overhead Bins

The bins are for everyone to share. If you have too much luggage, consider checking some of it. Also, put your bag over your own seat instead of just shoving it in the first space you see.

Be Considerate to the Person Sitting Next to You

You’ll be spending a few hours with the person sitting next to you, so it’s always a good idea to give a pleasant greeting. If they want to talk and you do as well, great. But if they indicate they want to be left alone – don’t impose on them. Similarly, if you want your space, you can politely let them know.

Also, give the middle passenger the armrests. One passenger gets to look out the window, the other has access to the aisle – what does the middle passenger get? Graciously let them have the armrests.

Don’t Stink Up the Plane

There are a few ways to ensure it’s a pleasant flight for everyone––be mindful of certain odors. Firstly, don’t bring smelly food on board, take off your shoes if your socks have a strong odor, and keep in mind that the perfume you love may trigger someone else’s allergies, so don’t use too much.

When to Recline Your Seat

Feel free to recline during the flight but be mindful to put your seat back in the upright position during mealtimes. If the person behind you requests that you not recline so deeply, try to accommodate them.

ABOUST KELLY HANSARD

Kelly Hansard is a young professional who has already formed an impressive resume for herself. Based in Austin, Texas, Kelly has jumped headfirst into a career in program management.

In this current role, Kelly Hansard manages strategic initiatives at an enterprise software company. She is able to lend her expertise to the organization while also learning from her superiors. Kelly is proud to be involved with an organization that prioritizes the growth of its employees and provides feedback when needed. She has already learned and applied many newfound skills and pieces of knowledge that are sure to accompany her throughout all stages of her career.

Kelly Hansard loves embracing her passion for travel and visiting new places throughout the year. For Kelly, travel is not just a privilege in life – it is a necessity.

Travel is often a form of self-expression and self-growth. Throughout her youth, Kelly emphasized the importance of travel in her life and used it to learn more about the world around her. These experiences helped shape Kelly Hansard into the woman she is today and formed her into a well-cultured individual the more often she experienced new parts of the world. Her college years spent at the University of Texas, where she earned her MBA, allowed her many opportunities to learn about new cultures. Wanting to take advantage of her youthful freedom, Kelly took every chance she could get to embark on trips.