Jetiquette…Check Your Behavior Before You Board

By: Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco

As we head into the travel season, here are a few manageable manners to make flying the friendly skies a more peaceful and pleasant experience.

Be prepared… Being on time is a basic as it relates to proper manners, but when it comes to travel, it is the difference between a potentially blissful vacation to a sea of delays and disappointments. Reality check…You are not the only person traveling and should not expect others to hasten their pace just because you are running late.  Being at any airport two hours early will cut anxiety, and who knows who you might meet while you wait.

Bin there, but don’t do that… With airlines charging up to $25 for a checked bag, travelers are bringing more baggage on board.  Rules of the road… one bag up and one bag under.   If you are seated in 26C don’t think it is ok to stow your carryon in first class, unless directed by a flight attendant.

Be mindful of your space… The 17-inch- wide coach seat leaves little wiggle error.  Keep your hands and feet to yourself.  When in a row that has middle seats, both armrests go to that unfortunate middle seat traveler.  It is the least you can do.  Look behind you before you recline your seat.  This could avoid an unfortunate spill and expensive dry cleaning bill.

Snacking, stinking and spilling oh my… With the end of free food on planes, passengers have found it appropriate to bring their own delicacies on board.  Some foods are too fragrant or too sloppy for close quarters.  Eat before you board or after you land.

PG13 – Kids on board… With the onset of personal computers and personal choices in viewing material be mindful of content. You don’t know if Jr. behind you is also watching the multiple love scenes in Love and Other Drugs.  Moreover, earphones are a must and be sure your ears are the only ones hearing…

Smile and Listen…Travel protocol may seem like a waste of your time, and the people working in travel do not want to waste their time disagreeing with you.  In addition, they do not intentionally want to disappoint.  If you are asked to check your bag, change your seat,  or change your boarding gate because of a delay, politely ask if there is an alternative.  If there is not one then you should take a deep breath and fly with it.   A gate agent, flight attendant or TSA have the reserved right and implied permission to dismiss your flight privileges at any time.

Call on Mother, May I for additional guidance on travel etiquette at MMIpgh@gmail.com

Check us out on our website www.mothermayisite.org or call us for more information on how we can make your life experience…nicer.

Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco are the Co-founders of Mother, May I-a premier company that trains and teaches proper behavior, common courtesies and social skills updated. MMI is licensed to train professionals in Protocol and Corporate etiquette.  MMI provides customized presentations for all audiences. MMI’s Mission  is to share valuable information for everyone to improve their world–“Changing your manners, may change your world”