We spoke to the people at Fly.co.uk about what really irritates passengers when they travel by air. A little thought for your fellow travellers can go a long way so here are 7 top tips on how not to irritate them when flying. Of course, there are lots more – feel free to post a comment at the end if youd like to add your own.
1. Rules are rules
Watch and listen to the safety announcements, regardless of whether youre a frequent flyer. Take note of any instructions and dont think that rules apply to everyone except you. Switch off your phone if youre supposed to, dont get up if the seat belt light is still lit… and so on and so forth. The rules exist for your own safety as well as the safety of others.
2. Your seat
If there’s one thing that’s sure to annoy your fellow passengers, it’s got to be suddenly reclining your seat into the face of the person behind you, no doubt spilling the said person’s drink that was delicately balanced on the seat’s precarious make-shift table. If you feel the urge to recline it a little, do so slowly and be sympathetic to whoever is sitting behind you.
3. Their seat
Don’t pull on the seat of the person in front of you when get up – push off from your own seat.
4. Your / their arm-rest
Nobody wants to feel cramped by whoever they’re sitting next to. If you’re wider than you are tall, book two seats. Better still, do some exercise and go on a diet. But if youre of normal build, remember not to hog the arm-rests. Those occupying middle seats ought really to get use of at least one.
5. Incessant talking
It might just be that your neighbour was looking forward to reading a book or maybe a rest on his/her flight. Dont talk incessantly and bear in mind that if theyre engaging in conversation, it might just be that theyre being polite.
6. Babies and children
If you have them, try to keep them under control. Dont let them incessantly kick the seat in front of them. Come prepared with things that will entertain them for the duration. If your child kicks off, at least make an effort to calm the disturbance – theres nothing more annoying than an unruly child and parents who seemingly dont care.
If you dont have them, understand that sometimes babies (in particular) and children have their moments. They could be suffering from a change in air pressure or just having a bad day. Remember, you were their age once.
7. Dont get drunk
For your own personal health and comfort, you should be looking to keep well hydrated during a flight. Alcohol is dehydrating and its effects are magnified at high altitude. If youre going to have alcohol, then do so in moderation.
