Fatshimetry
Traveling by plane can be an exciting but sometimes stressful experience, especially when it comes to respecting the rules of courtesy and good conduct on board. Understanding what not to do on a plane can make your trip smoother and more comfortable, while ensuring a relaxing trip for you and everyone around you. Here are seven things to keep in mind to be a polite and comfortable passenger.
First of all, avoid getting up as soon as the plane lands. It is common to see passengers rushing to get up as soon as the plane hits the ground, creating unnecessary chaos and slowing down the disembarkation process. It’s more efficient to wait patiently until it’s your row’s turn to exit, helping to maintain an orderly flow and helping everyone disembark more quickly.
Next, pay attention to the smell of the food you bring on board. Avoid consuming strong-smelling dishes, such as egg salad or spicy dishes, as these strong odors may disturb other passengers nearby. Instead, opt for snacks with a neutral odor to maintain peace and ensure a pleasant environment on board.
Another thing to avoid is drinking water from the airplane tap. This water is not always safe to consume due to possible contamination. It is best to turn to bottled water for drinking, and even for preparing hot drinks like coffee or tea. Bringing an empty bottle to fill at a water fountain is a smart way to stay hydrated safely.
It is essential to be polite to flight attendants. Flight attendants are there to keep you safe and comfortable, but they also deal with a lot of stress. Being polite and respectful to them can make your flight more pleasant. If you need something, ask nicely. Lack of politeness can result in poor service and a negative experience for everyone.
When sharing an airplane seat, avoid hogging the armrests. Airplane seats are often narrow, and sharing armrests can be a source of conflict. An unspoken rule is that the passenger in the middle seat benefits from both armrests, as they have the least personal space. If you are in an aisle or window seat, be aware and share armrests to avoid discomfort and irritation.
It can be tempting to take off your shoes and remove your socks to be more comfortable, but this practice is generally frowned upon. The plane floor can be quite dirty, and your feet might not smell as good as you think. Keeping your shoes on helps maintain hygiene and preserves a more pleasant cabin environment for all passengers.
Finally, avoid using your phone on speaker mode. Using your phone on speaker mode can be very disruptive for other passengers. Always use headphones if you need to listen to something or make a call, which helps maintain a calmer and more peaceful cabin environment.
By following these tips, you will help make the flying experience smoother and more enjoyable for yourself and your traveling companions. Have a good trip!