By Gretchen Ditto, Image & Personal Branding Advisor

Not so long ago I had a job that resulted in me flying three times a month. Boy, was I cranky—so many people with so little regard for those around them all jammed into a tiny space—it was enough to put anyone over the edge. Those days of mega travel are long gone for me, but I still fly on occasion to speak at events, and of course, to vacation! On a few recent trips I’ve started observing, taking notes, and talking with flight attendants about proper flying etiquette. Here’s what I’ve learned:

DO

• Give the person in the middle seat both armrests. A problem arises if you’re stuck in the middle and your neighbors don’t know this. In that case, get their business cards and send them this blog as soon as you land.
• When you’re boarding, always smile and greet the flight attendants – look them in the eyes.
• Lend a hand to anyone who seems like they need a little extra help with their luggage. I often just see people sit there and stare at the poor soul who is trying to heave her bag into the overhead – get up and lend a hand. Good karma.
• When a flight attendant is talking to you, give them eye contact.
• When a flight attendant is talking to you, remove your headphones. This is the complaint I heard over and over from flight attendants.
• If you’re a parent travelling with a child, prepare with silent toys and distractions as much as possible.
• If you’re travelling with a child and bring video toys, be sure to pack the headphones as well. Video games and movies are great, but if your neighbors can hear them then they aren’t so great.
• Leave the place better than you found it (this includes the bathroom).
• Ask your row-mates before you open or close the window shade.
• As in church, always wait your turn to get off the plane.
• Smile and thank the crew as you leave the plane.

DON’T

• Eat Mexican food before boarding.
• Grab the back of the seat in front of you as you heave yourself up. Use your legs.
• Have your music blasting so loud that other people can hear it.
• Touch a flight attendant to solicit their attention.
• Prop your feet up on other people’s seats.
• Remove your socks and shoes.
• If there’s a screaming child nearby, don’t glare at the parent—ear plugs!
• Talk your neighbors ear off (unless you’re really clicking).
• Sit there and stare at people struggling to stow their luggage—lend them a hand.
• Confuse “flight attendant” with “personal attendant”—they’re real human beings!

Keep these simple do’s and don’ts in mind, and we’ll all make it up and down with just a little more peace of mind and less stress.

Is there something that you like to do to make others more comfortable when you fly?