Air travel does not typically bring out the best in people. The stress of tight connections, long lines, cramped cabins and general transit fatigue can push even the calmest travelers to their limits.
But that doesn’t mean you have to add to the unpleasantness. Indeed, there are many things passengers do that make the flight experience worse for their fellow travelers ― from the airport to boarding and even deplaning.
On the latter front, the lack of courtesy has gotten particularly dire.
“It’s like a cattle call to both get on the plane and then get off,” said August Abbott, an etiquette expert with JustAnswer. “It’s embarrassing to the whole human race to see otherwise caring, helpful and patient people lose all sense of their humanity and seemingly revert to instinctive behavior and act like animals fighting for survival.”
To help improve the situation, HuffPost asked etiquette experts to share some common rude behaviors during the deplaning process. Read on for eight faux pas and what you should do instead.
Not Waiting Your Turn
“It’s important to be courteous to fellow passengers, and waiting for your row to deplane is the most obvious and courteous behavior,” said Diane Gottsman, an etiquette expert, author of “Modern Etiquette for a Better Life” and founder of The Protocol School of Texas.
There’s a term for people who immediately stand and rush up the aisle the moment the plane arrives at the gate: aisle lice. You don’t want to be part of this group.
In instances of major delays, the flight crew often asks passengers who aren’t making tight connections to stay seated and allow those in a rush to deplane first. So if you’ve arrived at your final destination, show courtesy by respecting that request.
Otherwise, Gottsman advised not assuming you’re the only one with a connection.
“If you are running late for another flight, so are the people in front of you and behind you,” she said. “If you need assistance, you can ask a flight attendant.”
Ignoring Flight Crew Requests Around Tight Connections
As noted, in the event of a long delay, flight attendants may ask those who are arriving at their final destination or have ample time to make their next flight to stay seated and allow those with shorter windows the chance to deplane first.
“If a nearby passenger has a very tight connection, it is kind to allow them to exit as quickly as possible,” said Jodi R.R. Smith, president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting.
Those who’ve been in this situation know that passengers don’t always heed the request, however, which is a very inconsiderate behavior.
SolStock via Getty Images
Don’t be an “aisle lice,” which is a person who gets out of their seat and into the aisle before it’s their row’s turn to exit.
Being Unprepared And Holding Everyone Up
“Let’s face it. Even on short commuter flights, everyone wants to be off the plane,” Smith said. “Gather your belongings so you are ready when it is your turn to deplane.”
She pointed to “clogging the aisle” as a deplaning faux pas many passengers commit. “It is their turn to exit and they just start looking about for their belongings.”
Travelers who aren’t prepared to deplane when it’s their turn should allow others to pass them, Smith added.
“Be ready when it’s time for your row,” echoed Nick Leighton, an etiquette expert and cohost of the “Were You Raised by Wolves?” podcast. “It’s no secret when you’re next. Be prepared!”
Smith recommended taking a moment after landing to look around your seat.
“Check for anything that may have come out of your carry-on,” Smith advised. “Do you have your phone, snack containers, water bottle, book, etc.?”
Shoving Into The Crowded Aisle
Smith noted that “trying to push into an already crowded aisle” is another rude deplaning behavior.
“You should allow the row ahead of you to clear before you deplane,” she said. “It certainly is fine to stand in the aisle if there is space, but shoving is not going to speed your departure.”
If standing at your seat is uncomfortable, you can always sit back down and have your under-seat belongings ready to go on your lap. There’s no need to push anyone out of the way.
“Is shoving your way to the front so you can save 10 seconds really worth it? Probably not!” Leighton noted.
Taking Bags Down From The Overhead Bin With Nowhere To Put Them
Just as you shouldn’t shove your body into the aisle when it’s already full of people, you should refrain from adding luggage into the mix if there’s nowhere to put it.
As Smith noted, another rude behavior is “insisting on taking down items from the overhead bin when there is no physical space to put them yet.”
Of course, everyone needs to retrieve their luggage eventually ― just wait until there’s actually room to safely maneuver. Timing is everything.
Whacking People With Your Things
“Be aware when you do remove bags from the overhead bins,” Smith said. “It is never polite to hit another passenger in the head with your luggage.”
Spatial awareness is hugely important when it comes to courtesy and consideration toward others.
“Try to be conscious of your space,” Smith advised. “Whipping your backpack or bag onto your back while standing in a crowded aisle is bound to create issues.”
Leaving A Mess Behind
Don’t treat the plane like your personal garbage can. If you missed the trash collection before landing, don’t leave it to the crew to clean up the mess.
“Nowadays, it is polite to assist the crew in turning over your plane,” Smith said. “Armrests up, shades down ― especially in warm climates ― and seat belt crossed. Any of your remaining trash, wrappers, empty drinks and certainly used tissues, should be carried with you into the terminal for proper disposal.”
Complaining Without Helping
“One of the most rude and offensive behaviors is complaining about someone struggling to collect their carry-ons ― instead of just helping them,” Abbott said. “Is it that much easier to rant and rage than to be kind and caring?”
Before complaining, travelers who are able to assist their fellow passenger with a tricky overhead bag maneuver should offer to help, or try to find someone else who can.
“Shame on those growing impatient with the speed that those ahead of you are setting due to struggles no one is helping them with,” Abbott said.
Source link
CHECK OUT: Top Travel Destinations
READ MORE: Travel News
