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TRAVEL TIPS

JET-ETIQUETTE

Etiquette Expert and Former Flight Attendant Shares Tips On How To Handle The Most Annoying Airline Passengers

ith spring and summer just around the corner, many of us will be traveling by plane to reach our des-
tinations. But what happens when the stressful state of air travel leaves some people too frazzled to
mind their manners? Jacqueline Whitmore, an internationally-recognized etiquette expert, author
Wand founder of The Protocol School of Palm Beach, who is also a former flight attendant, offers these
tips on how to deal with some of the most annoying airline passengers.

The Armrest Hogger: If the person next to you
commandeers your armrest, simply inch
your way in by placing just your elbow next
to theirs. This should leave plenty of space
for your greedy neighbor’s elbow. Armrest
rules: When you have three seats next to
each other, the person in the middle seat
gets to claim the armrests.
The Chatterbox: If your neighbor strikes up
a conversation, be polite and exchange a
few pleasantries. Then say something like,
“It was nice speaking with you, but if you
don’t mind, I have to get some work done
(or some much-needed rest).” Closing your
eyes generally does the trick. Note: Always
travel with earphones and eyeshades.

The Space Invader: If this person invades your A guy tweeted a complaint about a "rude" gate agent
personal space with his newspaper or car- before boarding his Southwest Airlines flight, and was
ry-on bag, say something like, “It seems that asked to disembark for being "a safety threat." Here,
these planes are getting smaller and smaller. Adam Sandler stars in that famous airplane scene in
Would you mind moving your arm (or bag) Anger Management.
over just a touch?”
The Seat Recliner: If someone reclines too far
while you’re trying to eat, work on your laptop, or watch a movie, you have two options. 1. You can recline your
seat for more space or 2. Say something like, “Would you mind pulling your seat forward a little bit.” The person in
front of you most likely doesn’t know she’s inconveniencing you. Note: When you recline your seat, always glance
back and make sure the person behind you isn’t using his tray table to eat or work.

The Snorer: It’s best to always travel with a good pair of noise-cancelling earphones. Otherwise, you can ask the
flight attendant if you can relocate to another seat.

The Sleeper: If you need to use the lavatory but your aisle seatmate is sleeping, gently tap him on his shoulder and
say, “Excuse me.” No other explanation is necessary. Never attempt to crawl over him.
The Unruly Child: Never discipline someone else’s child. Your best bet is to move to another seat, if available, or alert
a flight attendant. Never try to intervene yourself.
The Seat Kicker: If a child is kicking the back of your seat, simply turn around and glance at the child and the parent.
The parent will oftentimes get the hint and ask the child to stop. If this doesn’t work, kindly speak up and ask the
child to stop kicking your seat.
The Surly Flight Attendant: It’s best not to challenge a flight attendant unless you want to be thrown off the plane. If
you encounter a rude flight attendant, jot down his name, your flight number, and email a letter to the company
as soon as possible. Better yet, share your grievance on Twitter for faster results.
www.EtiquetteExpert.com
www.JacquelineWhitmore.com

Wine Dine & Travel Winter 2015 75