Armrest, curtain and silence: how one should behave on board an airplane
Boarding an airplane is now commonplace for everyone, to the point where we no longer wonder what [...]
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Boarding an airplane is now commonplace for everyone, to the point that we no longer wonder what the right attitudes to have on board are. But what if we make gross mistakes without realizing it? What are the in-flight rules to follow? Below we try to outline a vademecum not to forget.
Rules on the plane: what not to do
The passage of time has led to some changes within aircraft cockpits. In the last 20 years, for example, we have seen seats shrink, on average, and the space between passengers shrink. This raises questions about how to behave on board to be as respectful as possible to other people traveling.
One question is pivotal in this discourse: Can I recline the seat? If the system provides that I can do that, why should I give up the chance to be able to be slightly more comfortable and try to rest? It is perfectly normal to recline one's seat. Looking at the perfect way to behave on board, however, one should do so only when necessary and especially opt for the slightest inclination for one's own comfort, avoiding encroaching entirely on the space of the person behind.
What does it mean to recline when necessary? The reference is mainly to the type of travel. Moving by plane on a two-hour leg certainly does not require that level of comfort to rest. Finding yourself on a 16-hour flight to Australia Is, however, a different matter altogether. Finally, in the case of the perfect passenger, it would be a good idea to check the situation behind one's back before reclining, alerting the other passenger in case of resting computers, drinks of various kinds, or anything else.
Another issue of on-board etiquette concerns the armrest sharing. The unwritten rule would like one per passenger, so as not to disturb the others sitting next to them. The crucial role here is played by those sitting in the middle, who should definitely avoid monopolizing the supports provided.
On low-cost flights you have to pay to choose your seats. In many cases, however, people prefer to avoid this and leave everything to the willingness of other passengers to change seats. Ask for a change of place puts the other person in an uncomfortable position. He or she may have paid to have that specific positioning or simply be annoyed by the request, finding themselves cornered because they would find it rude to refuse. If it is really necessary to make such a request, it would be best to go through a flight attendant.
Talking to the passenger on the side Is it courteous? It all depends on the individual case. All one needs to do is to read the situation. It is not difficult to understand when the other person would like nothing more than to sleep, read a book, or do something else. Imposing a dialogue, whether out of boredom, romantic ends or to manage one's own possible fears, is never correct.
Waiting your turn is very important, when you enter the plane and look for your seat but especially when you are ready to leave the cockpit. It is a delicate moment and patience is needed. Everyone has luggage and traveling light does not justify rude attitudes toward those who take longer to retrieve their belongings from the overhead bin. One stays in line calmly and waits for the normal flow.
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