By Chantelle Emery
Some of us dread the thought of traveling, not only due to a fear of flying, waiting in security lines or long flights, but also because of those incredibly inconsiderate people that have no sense of travel etiquette.
The main thing to remember when you’re traveling is to have an awareness of invading someone’s personal space. We’re already in close quarters as it is, breathing recycled air for a couple of hours, no need to make the experience even more daunting.
You don’t want to be “that guy.” You know, the one who is loudly and abrasively chatting on his cellphone so that we become a part of the conversation, yet is wondering why angry stares are being directed toward him.
Many people act as if it’s their first time traveling. It’s not rocket science people—it’s just a security screening. We’ve all been there: shoes off, laptop out, liquids in a Ziploc bag; it’s second nature by now. So why is there always that one person stopping the traffic flow because he forgot his jacket needed to be on the belt with everything else? Maybe if there was a travel how-to guide, a little research could be done pre-travel.
We all know the middle seat is one to be avoided at all costs. Just your luck, you’re sandwiched between two very talkative people when you can’t be bothered and want to just sleep. They need to make large-scale horse blinders that eject when you’re in need.
If you’re lucky, you’ll be quick enough to land your elbow on an armrest before the awkward elbow battle between you and the traveler next to you begins.
The window seat is both a blessing and a curse. You can gaze out as you fly thousands of miles above ground and have something to prop your head against. However, the downside is the bathroom break—do you sit there in discomfort because the woman next to you is deep in dream world and you cannot squeeze past? Or will you be the one to ask everyone to clear the way, not once, but twice?
Using the bathroom should not be this much of a task. You’ve gotten past both of the passengers next you and just when you think you’re clear of all obstacles, it always seems that a new one arises. The food cart blocks the aisle right before your row, and now you must awkwardly hover behind as the flight attendants slowly make their way toward the back of the plane.
Next time you take a flight, brace yourself for the standard frustrations that seem inevitable. However, rather than cursing everyone in your head, smile because you can follow these simple codes of courtesy when traveling.
