Be Mindful Of Your Travel Manners

As the holiday season is in full swing, so is the high travel season. It can be hectic, chaotic, exhausting and stressful getting it all done during the holidays. There is the enormous amount of planning, shopping and coordinating. Traffic and parking in general are always a hassle. Flights are delayed, overbooked and sometimes cancelled. Passengers may travel with a cold. And oh those bags and presents we lovingly bring with us, for the celebrations ahead.

During this harried time of year it’s especially important to remember to show consideration for others when traveling, particularly in airports and on airplanes. Be mindful of your travel manners and how they affect others:

• Practice elevator courtesy. Hold the elevator door open for others when entering or exiting. There are a lot of bags, luggage, presents, strollers and wheelchairs that need to fit in and move quickly.
• Be polite with waiting area seats. Don’t set your purse or bag on the seat next to you in the waiting area – keep it open for someone to sit there. Keep your legs upright in your seat – you don’t want to accidentally trip someone, nor do you want to prevent someone getting past you.
• Be prepared. Take a moment before you get into the security and check-in lines. Have your ID, ticket, stroller check and any other forms out and handy so you can quickly give to the ticket agent, and keep the passengers behind you moving quickly.
• Take turns. Your boarding pass tells you when you can board. Be respectful of those who are boarding ahead of you and don’t crowd the boarding area if it’s not your turn.
• Be mindful of delicate items. When loading your luggage into the overhead bin, be respectful of the other items in stowaway when placing yours. There might be a breakable gift inside, or a garment bag with freshly pressed clothes.
• Step aside. Be mindful that others are trying to get to their plane seats. When organizing your seat area, step inside and don’t block the aisle.
• Keep your conversations private. Do you really need to Face Time or talk on the phone while you’re in the boarding line or walking down the plane aisle? Please be courteous to others (and keep this to a minimum) if you must.
• Take a look. Glance behind you when reclining your seat – the person may have just placed an item on her tray that can easily be tipped over.
• No spreading germs. Cough or sneeze into your elbow away from others, not into the seat in front of you nor in the aisle.
• No leg stretching. Keep your feet and legs to yourself, not in the aisles or on the armrests in the seat ahead of you, or spread out while you’re sitting. A plane seat is not your sofa.
• Be aware of those around you. When listening or watching on your PCD, please use ear buds.
• What about those elbows? Keep them to your sides when dining or typing on your device. Being poked by an elbow can be startling and painful.
• Keep your conversation level low. This goes for whether you’re speaking to someone across the aisle or in the next row, or in the airport waiting area.
• Be a peaceful traveler. Don’t be a constant window shutter or tray slammer.

Get Your Travel Etiquette On! And have a safe and happy holiday season!