By What Happens Now (WHN) – whathappensnow.com – 05/15/2009 – 1:06am
Have you been stuck in a plane next to someone doused in strong smelling cologne? Or, have you run like mad to make a connecting flight and the people in front of you are walking like it’s a stroll in the park?
Here are the top ten travel dos and don’ts from readers reminding us how to behave when we head to the airport:
Security
Security seems to change all the time, here are a few tips …
1. Three Ounces
Put carry-on liquids and gels into the Ziploc bags provided at the gate. Do this while you’re standing in line. (Remember no containers over 3 ozs.)
2. Laptops
If you have a laptop, take it out and get ready to put it in a plastic bin.
3. Remove Your Shoes
Remove your shoes, belt and empty your pockets. All of these items go in a separate plastic bin.
4. Boarding Pass
Keep your boarding pass with you when you walk through the metal detector.
5. Let Them Through
If a businessperson is behind you let them go ahead, especially if you are in a large group. They may be in a hurry to make their flight.
In the Airport
Here are some helpful tips from readers, authors and experts who travel all the time –
6. Move to the right.
“Stand to the right on the moving walk ways if you are not moving,” says Paula, a million-mile frequent flyer from Scotts Valley, CA. “Do not stop short without looking behind you if you are walking through the airport. It is important to realize others in the airport might be trying to make a plane or connection.”
7. Luggage tips.
“Never offer to watch someone else’s luggage, and don’t ask anyone else to watch yours,” says Sue Fox, etiquette travel expert and author of Etiquette for Dummies and Business Etiquette for Dummies. “Doing so not only puts you in an awkward situation, but also involves a big security risk. Always keep your bags with you, and never carry anything onto the plane for someone else.
8. Picking up luggage?
Stand back from the baggage carousel or allow plenty of room should someone else need to grab and remove their bag.
WHN Reader TIP: Keep It DownKeep your voice down in the airport and on the plane. You might be off for a wild weekend with your buddies but someone else may be working or trying to get some shuteye.
In the Air
Here are tips to make your next flight a little easier:
9. Be Friendly. Nod and say “Hello” to your rowmates. You don’t have to carry on animated conversation, but acknowledge others – especially in those tight quarters.
10. Mind Personal Space. Personal space is physical and mental in cramped quarters. “This can be physical (squabbles over the arm rest come to mind) or more remote – staring, being intrusive, that kind of thing,” says Rita, NY, NY.
11. BONUS TIP! Be Clean. “For the consideration of those around you, if you’re on a long flight and you must remove your jacket and shoes, be sure that you have clean clothes and deodorant on and have clean socks with you,” says Fox. “Sitting next to a passenger with body odor or stinky feet isn’t too pleasant.”
WHN Reader TIP: Stop Pulling on My Chair!
Don’t get out of your seat by pulling on the seat in front of you. Everything you do to the seat in front of you is annoying (pulling out magazines, the tray table…). Consideration of others is most important in such an enclosed space – Paula, Scotts Valley, CA
Bottom Line: Be polite. Put yourself in their shoes – after all, you would want the same done for you!
