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SMART TRAVELER 101

the gracious traveler

Etiquette Expert’s 10 Tips to Make Flying More Enjoyable

ith airports and airplanes packed to Be respectful of those around you. Airplane seating is
capacity, flying isn’t always the most tight and interaction with your seatmates is inevitable. Keep
pleasant way to go. Etiquette expert the volume of your headphones at an appropriate level and
Jacqueline Whitmore, founder of The ProtocSchool of lower the light on your electronic devices so you don’t disturb
Palm Beach and a former flight attendant, offers these 10 or distract the person next to you.
tips to have a more enjoyable flight:
Bring your own food. Don’t depend on the airline to offer
Check in online and arrive early. Most airlines allow you food for sale. Many don’t offer more than peanuts or pretzels.
to check in online within 24 hours of departure. This will Bring some snacks from home or buy something in the airport
save time at the airport. Give yourself plenty of extra time to hold you over until you reach your destination. Stay hydrat-
in case you encounter airport parking difficulties, long ed with plenty of bottled water. Steer clear of packing pungent
lines at security checkpoints, or an oversold flight situa- foods that contain garlic and onions.
tion. Arrive at the gate
at least 30 minutes prior Pack the Pepto. To be on
to departure to avoid get- the safe side, tuck some
ting bumped. Prior plan- Pepto-Bismol into your
ning helps relieve stress. suitcase, especially when
you travel overseas. For-
Book your travel eign food and water may
during off-peak times. cause an upset stomach,
You’ll avoid the crowds which can ruin a holiday.
and save money if you
travel during late night or Allow those in front of
early morning hours. You you to disembark first.
may have to give up an Rather than grab your lug-
extra hour or two of sleep, gage and make a run for
but you can always rest the door, follow protocol.
on the plane. If you need to make a con-
nection or know you’ll be
Don’t pack more than in a rush, try to arrange to
you can lift. The number be seated near the front of
one pet peeve of flight the plane.
attendants is passengers who bring carry-on luggage too
heavy for them to lift. Don’t expect the flight attendant to Hold your tongue. If you have a complaint about another
lift your bag into the overhead bin. If you pack it, you stack passenger, don’t take matters into your own hands and don’t
it. Or flight attendants will be happy to check it for you. Be demand that the plane land at the nearest airport. Alert the
mindful that some airlines also charge for checked luggage. flight attendant.

Check before you recline. Airline seats recline to allow Parents, be prepared. When babies cry uncontrollably in
passengers to sleep and relax, but it may cause discomfort flight it’s probably because their ears hurt from the air pres-
for the person behind you. If you intend to recline your sure. It’s a good idea for parents to be prepared with a bottle
seat, do it gently or better yet, turn around and make sure or a pacifier or something to make their children swallow and
you don’t inconvenience the person behind you. Raise your relieve ear pressure. And remember: smell travels. Parents
seat during mealtime so the person behind you can enjoy should not wait until the plane takes off to change their baby’s
his or her meal. diaper. Change your child’s diaper in the lavatory – not on the
seat beside you.

Cartoonpublished with the permission from AirlineRatings.com
96 Wine Dine & Travel 2016