Simple things that make you dread a flight...

Every time I go an airport, I get a sense of dread thinking about what flight etiquette my immediate neighbour might have. So I have decided to pen down some disgusting and irritating behaviour I have personally witnessed/experienced on flights. The objective of writing this article is mainly to create some awareness with regard to basic flight etiquette, which would make you a better passenger and contribute towards a better flight experience for everyone. 

1.    Do not chew off your fingernails and spit them in all directions. It is absolutely disgusting to be seated next to someone who spits his/her chewed up bits of fingernails all over you, especially when it is a full flight and there is nowhere else to sit! This has personally happened to me this year, and sadly no amount of politely requesting the individual to refrain from this helped the situation. Trimming your nails on a flight (even with a nail cutter) is not great either.

2.    If you have a toddler or a small child – It is understandable if they cry on the flight. What you can do to make their experience better is sometimes simple things like giving them a sweet to suck on during take-off and landing so that their ears do not get blocked. Mild sedatives prescribed by a paediatrician may be another alternative. This will not only prevent your kid’s discomfort, but also help you as a parent to get some rest and make it a considerably pleasurable flight for other passengers.

3.    If you have a child who is old enough to understand, who decides to throw a tantrum on board, be a better parent and quieten them. It is your responsibility to do that.

4.    Do not kick the seat in front of you. It is just simply irritating. If you are a parent and it is your child who happens to be kicking the seat, when that passenger asks you to ask your child to stop it, asking that passenger to change their seat is not the solution. They have paid for that seat and have every right to remain there. You, on the other hand, have a responsibility to teach your child good habits. And if you are an adult who does this, don’t.

5.    Do think about whoever is seated behind you before you recline your seat to its maximum. It is an absolute no-no during meals, but even at other times, it can sometimes be a bit inconsiderate.

6.    Even if your neighbour is the skinniest person you have ever seen, it does not give you the right to invade their space by stretching out over to their seat or keeping your belongings in their leg space. They have paid for their seat and it is their personal space in the air. Respect that and maintain boundaries. If you need more space, ask their permission before invading theirs. They may very well agree, and it is definitely a more courteous approach. 

7.    Wear socks if you decide to put your feet on the seats. You may have the cleanest feet, but it is still icky for others. Would you like to sit somewhere someone has rubbed their feet all over?

8.    Talk softly. Others may be trying to sleep or get some work done. 

9.    If there is turbulence, try to finish your drinks (especially hot ones) faster. It would just prevent an unwanted and possibly sticky bath for your neighbour.

10. Toilet habits! Where do I even begin? Flush after using the toilet; do not leave used tissues everywhere; do not make a mess, period. In a full, long haul flight, everyone would use the toilets atleast a couple of times. You would not like to use a messy, unclean toilet; well, so would others! 

11. If you must spray on copious amounts of strongly scented perfume, go the washroom and do so. Everyone around you does not need to breathe in that for the next 5-8 minutes.

12. Last but not least, the plane is not the place to get drunk and make a nuisance of yourself.