I’d like to call myself a frequent flyer. I do it much less often than I used to, but I still fly about once every other month. When you’ve lived far away from your parents for years, flying is the safest way to get there. I even fly with a baby which, in some cases, is a passenger’s worst nightmare.
I’m here to tell you that my sweet, sometimes fussy, baby boy is much better behaved than some of the barbarians we encountered on our trip this week.
None of the things I’m about to tell you are new or unique to our trip to New York. In fact, we noticed it just as much when we landed in Columbia last night.
1. Trams. This is just like the elevator rule. If the elevator stops and you’re waiting to get on, stand away from the doors so that the people that are already on the elevator can step off. Are there really people that weren’t taught this? My parents used to pull us back away from the elevator doors so people could get off. Last night in Atlanta, we had 10 minutes to get from Concourse T to Concourse A and get on our plane and we couldn’t get off the cock-a-doo-dee tram because the people on the other side of the door were trying to push their way onto the tram. Of course, I asked them to move back and embarrassed TC, but seriously. Back up!
2. Baggage claim. Here’s the baggage claim rule: stand back away from the carousel. When you see your bag, you step up and get your bag off the carousel and step back again. At LaGuardia and at the Columbia airport, the vultures just crowded around the carousel. I guess they’re worried that five seconds may pass between the time they see their bag and actually pick up their bag, so they need to stand as close to the carousel as possible. We always stand back until we see our bags and then have to knock elbows with people to squeeze through the crowd to grab our bag. But we refuse to conform to the ways of the vultures that rush the carousel.
3. Carry-on luggage. I know it’s expensive to check bags now, but if you’re going to carry-on, make sure that you have your one bag and one personal item and nothing else. It is not acceptable to ask the nice man sitting next to you if you can store your brand new handbag (still in its box) under his seat because it won’t fit under yours.
Also- if you’re storing your luggage in the over-head bin, try to do it above your seat or in front of your seat– not behind. The deplaning process is seriously slowed down by those folks who have to walk toward the back of the plane to retrieve their bags.
Here’s a tip: travel light! Even when I travel alone with Hudson, I have two carry-on items: the diaper bag and Hudson. When it’s our turn to get up and get out of the seat, I pick him up and pick up the bag and we’re gone.
And when you’re wheeling your carry-on bag through the airport, be mindful of whose feet you’re rolling over. Pretty sure this doesn’t just apply to airports.
4. Be quick. Move along. Even Emily Post says, “When boarding, find your seat and sit down as quickly as possible so as not to keep those behind you waiting in the aisle.” Thank you, Emily. I love you.
And then at security, you know the drill. Take off your jacket and your shoes. Remove any metal from your pockets. If you think your belt will cause the alarm to go off, then take it off, too. Keep your boarding pass with you to pass through security. Let’s just get through it before my flight leaves!
5. Reclining. Is it really necessary? You gain about an inch or two by reclining, but the poor guy behind you. Your seat is now in his face.
6. Arm rests. This one is touchy, but I’m going to say it. I paid for my arm rest and my space between those two arm rests. So I’m going to put the arm rest down in order to designate my space. If you need for me to keep my arm rest up so you can fit into your seat, then you should probably pay for two seats. I’m not trying to sound intolerant because I’m not intolerant. But if I have to be trapped in a tiny space for two hours, I’d like to get all of the space I paid for and be as comfortable as possible.
And those are my tips on airport and airplane etiquette. Have I missed anything? What would you add?
I am the most tolerant person you’ll ever meet when it comes to babies; sleeping babies, screaming babies, happy babies. I like to offer to help the mothers if they’re traveling alone and understand that there’s not a whole lot the parents can do to help their child when they’re at 10,000 feet. But adults? Adults know better.
Amen, couldn’t have said it better myself!
Oh the one that drives me NUTS is the moment you can stand up, people stand up and rush into the isle. Wait in your seat until it is your turn for your isle to deplane. If you know you’re going to take a long time to deplane then just sit down until things have calmed down a bit and then get off the plane. No need to hold everyone up. Good tips, now if only people would respect those tips!
Love these. I’d have to add “Do not bring stinky food on the plane.” I don’t want to smell your nasty onions or fish, thank you very much.
I hate it when people want to leave the armrest up because they can’t fit or would be more comfortable. No, I don’t want to rub sides with you for an entire plane ride. Ew!
I hear ya girl. When we were in ATL getting our connection for our honeymoon (mind you we had overslept almost missed our 6am flight out of Pcola & I was suffering severe illness which i believe was associated with my body trying to rid itself of wedding crap) we rode the tram. When we got on no one was on there and we moved to the far right. I sat down on the bench. People starting filing in as we went to each concourse. I think we where in A and going to last concourse. A young woman (who I don’t think spoke English) with lil kitty heels walked right in front of where I was sitting and stepped directing on my 3rd toe. I shouted…you’re on my foot! She didn’t move, I shouted again…you’re on my foot, get off. She still didn’t move, then my husband literally pushed her off of me and she turned around like we’d done something to her. Then I started crying I swore that she had broken my toe. Of course…everyone is staring at this point. She hardly even apologized for it and I hobbled off the car. I hate ATL airport, that’s just 1 more reason why…
Oh and the minimum 3 gate changes that happened everytime I tried to fly back to Pcola.
I can’t believe you had to fight to get off the shuttle!
The only point I’d disagree with is the baggage claim. My dad had a suitcase stolen a few years ago, and I’ve had one accidentally taken (and returned about an hour later) by someone who thought it was their bag. So yeah, I’m going to wait up close and personal. Sorry!
Hi! I don’t think I have ever left a comment, long time reader first time comment-er 🙂 I totally agree with your “airport etiquette”. It is SO important to be respectful of other fliers to get and receive the best travel experience that you can! Thanks for the tips!
So true! Especially that about carry-ons. I’d also like to add please don’t bring on smelly food.
I wish that was all common knowledge! (I mean, it is…but apparently not for everyone??)
Here’s my issue….what do you say/do if someone violates the arm-rest rule? I sat next to a heavy-set guy who took up the arm-rest (spilling into my seat) AND took over my leg room too. I just crowded next to my husband in the other seat, but it was pretty unbearable. (and so awkward to be like “I know that you can’t fit in your seat, but please don’t take up my space too??”)
I’d like to add that the tray table should be for only ‘quiet’ activities, i.e. working on a laptop, doing a crossword or reading a book. I once was on a flight where a 8-10 year old boy and his grandfather were playing slap jack on the back of my seat!!! not nice, now i know the little boy might not know any better, but grandpa really should have noticed the evil eye and frustrated huffs my seat partner and i were giving him the whole flight.
Yes, yes, yes. Especially the baggage claim and the stinky food on the plane. I think that is SO rude.
Uh, nailed it! This sounds exactly like some of our flying issues.
Now, let me just tell you about the 50 some odd students on a flight that didn’t know how to read their tickets. Boarding took WAY too long. Then!
And I’m way serious about this…
The students wanted to take a picture of the stewardesses…while on my way to the bathroom. One of them (stewardess) actually told me I needed to wait… REALLY!?
Yes, I agree with all of these! Especially the baggage claim. The only other thing that drives me batty is when people try to get on the plane before their “area” or “zone” is called (not a problem with Southwest, but on other airlines). I secretly love it when the flight attendants are sticklers and make people wait on the side when they try to sneak on before their zone.
Oh… I’ve got one… I was once on flying back from Hawaii (an overnight flight), and the lady who sat next to me was unreal. She brought her own “airplane bottles” of liquor, got drunk, kept the light on the whole night, and dug through her purse constantly. Here’s the worst part: my forearm was on the armrest as I was trying to fall asleep… I had my sleep mask on… and I just happened to be looking down in frustration… when I saw her sneakily PUSH my arm off the armrest! (And it was a big enough armrest for 2 people!!!!!) At the end of the flight, she shoved her way to the front of the plane to get to the door first. This woman was certifiable.
I 100 percent agree! Thank you for this!
I’d like to add that people literally yelling on cell phones need to stop the moment they board the plane. I think the majority of people yell on those things because they can’t hear themselves. However, it is so inconsiderate to laugh loudly, scream and discuss your previous night’s endeavors while sitting a few mere inches away from someone. It leaves me totally unimpressed.
I also get irritated with sick people that fly. I understand that people DO get sick, but when you’re constantly sneezing/coughing in the back of my head, I get irritated…and fast! I just KNOW that air does not circulate well in planes and I do NOT want to smell/breathe in/be anywhere near someone’s germs.
Hope your trip was wonderful!
Oh, how I agree with all that you wrote. I will add my pet peeve – hovering around the gate door until your row is called. People – there is a method to boarding a plane and believe me, if you are at the gate, ready to board, the plane isn’t going to leave without you. So please, stand back and allow those that have seats behind you to board first.
I agree with almost all of what you said minus reclining. I’m 5’10 so I know leg room is important, but you don’t lose much when someone reclines, and it does help when you want to sleep while on your flight. I think this is one people are divided on like the arm rests. I don’t think it’s rude to recline, but I do think it’s rude when someone asks me not to.
This is awesome. It should be posted somewhere as you are picking up your boarding passes.
The worst for me is the reclining. As a long-legged person (who also has bad knees), I have little legroom as it is and when someone reclines it makes it soooooo much worse. And especially when you are using the traytable.
Tip for those who are long-legged and flying: volunteer to sit in an exit row. There will be extra space in front of you – how much depends on the plane, but at least it is something! And if you don’t feel comfortable in the exit row, at least aim for an aisle seat. That way, you can stretch out for the few seconds that the beverage cart is going by.
YES!
I love it! I agree with everything except for the luggage thing. While I’m not standing directly next to the belt, I like to be close enough that I can watch my bag come to me and I retreive it. I would hate for someone to get it before me and I never see it again.
Also, the kids on the plane that can’t control their tray table. Jerking it back and forth is just as bad as having the seat back. If you have a kid, don’t bring the table into their sight and they won’t use it or annoy the person in front of you.
Next, announcing sections on a plane. You know at the beginning when they are like “elite members and families that might need more time with their children”. This doesn’t mean ANY ONE who needs more time. It’s just those people. Also, if you are in section 3 don’t go when it’s section 1. You’re going to bog those people down.
GRRRRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Blood pressure is boiling. Need to stop thinking about it.
Can’t believe the tram thing. People are just animals sometimes!
I agree 100% on all of them especially the arm rest. I like to designate my personal space with it. Maybe I’m weird but I like a little space between me and a complete stranger. Oh and I hate when people bring on multiple HUGE carry-ons. The past two times I flew we were some of the last ones to board the plane and there was absolutely no room for our reasonably sized carry-ons so we had to check them. So annoying!
I too am a frequent flyer.
Here are my added rules (besides the elevator rule – my pet peeve!)
1) if you have an ipod, keep it down to where only you can here it. No one else wants to hear your ipod music.
2) tray tables are not kid toys – they are not attached to your seat, but the person in front of you.
3) board the plane in the order in which you are called. If you are in row 5 and they call row 50, don’t even try. They will turn you away making you look like a jerk when you grumble and complain.
4) oh, and keep your massive amount of carry-ons (seriously, I have a child and don’t need more than a diaper bag!) OUT OF THE AISLES. I couldn’t tell you how many times I have tripped on peoples bags, scarfs, shoulder harnesses etc.
Amen to the armrest comment (and the others)! This is going to come across as Kate Hating Fat People, but when you are on a plane you are essentially renting space. If you need more space than I do, you need to rent more. It’s a simple concept and I don’t know why people got all up in arms a few years ago when Southwest Airlines tried to make this concept an actual policy.
AMEN! I could not have said it better myself about the tram rule and armrest situation. The overhead luggage ordeal always bugs me too!
All I can do is give you a big fat AM EN!!!!!!! All this is true, so very true!!!!!!
YES! YES! YES! I’d like to add to please be nice to those around you, including your flight attendants. And for heaven’s sake PLEASE do not paint your toe nails when we have to recycle the air for another hour and a half!
Girlfriend, thank you for posting this!
I travel for work 2-3 times a month and I could go on and on about rude travelers. Many of your same issues! I’ll never understand crowding the baggage claim.
My one to add is that if you have 2 carry on items one goes in the bin and one goes under your seat. I’m so sick of people being bin hogs! Then after everyone has put their larger items in the bin if there is still space then you can put your smaller items (laptop bag, coat, etc.) in the bin with your larger item. (unless one of your carry ons is a baby! 🙂 )
I agree with just about all of these too! I fly a lot as well and one of mine is that if you know the person across the aisle and 2 rows in front of you, it doesn’t mean that you need to yell your conversation out for everyone to hear for the entire THREE HOUR FLIGHT. Can you tell that happened to us on our way home from Atlanta?! Ugh! And they were talking business so it was that much more enjoyable for us all to listen to…
Amen!!! It’s so important to be courteous at all times; it shows respect to others. Recently, I was sitting in an airport waiting area next to a woman who was talking on a cell phone and clipping her toenails, letting the clippings fall on the carpeting. Ugh 🙁
The only thing I disagree with is the reclining issue. All of the seats recline (except for the ones near the exit rows) so if I recline the person behind me can recline as well. It makes a big difference for me to be able to fly as it does for my husband who has back issues. So, it relieves one issue but I can understand it poses another issue for tall people. I will try to be more mindful of taller people in the future. However, I mostly fly Virgin America who boasts ample leg room comparitively! Love that airline!
I am SO on board (ha!) with the stinky food comments! Yuck! And I fully agree with the “renting space” comment and I am NOT a small person. I am not large enough to need two seats, but if I were I would be mortified if I took up more than my seat. I would definitely buy two seats!
I agree with all of it except the reclining part- I paid for a seat that reclines (seats that don’t recline in the back of the plane -in front the kitchen or lav- are typically priced accordingly & are sold at the discount rates) and if I want to recline to sleep, especially on an early/late/trans-Atlantic flight, I want to recline! I sat in front of a guy once who tried to PHYSICALLY jam his knees up (he wasn’t that tall) to stop me from reclining, never mind that his seat was reclined – when I politely asked him to stop he made some snarky comment about my stealing all the space. Buddy, you want *that* much space in coach, pay extra for an emergency aisle seat bulkhead seat or hush up!! (Side note for super tall people, especially on airlines with open seating: you can request pre-boarding for this. I promise. My Dad is an airline pilot and his company (cough cough SWA cough) allows people over 6’2 to pre-board to get an emergency row/bulkhead seat with extra room!)
so… I do have one thing to say LOL: if you are going to SLEEP on the plane, and you have an aisle seat, it would be kind to offer to switch with the window seat person… because at some point during the 3 hour flight, they might have to use the bathroom… and if you are dead asleep… they have to suffer!
I feel the same way about arm rests and reclining…
I cannot believe someone had the nerve to ask another passenger to put her bag under his seat! That is insanely rude! I agree with everything except for the reclining issue. I like to recline unless I’m reading. I am not bothered too much by luggage carousel vultures but I AM irked by people who play their ipods too loudly.
Great post! Amen, sister!
Ok, the baggage carousel thing makes me CRAZY. Why the heck can’t people just step forward to get their bag when it comes to them?
Oh and bravo you for saying what most people are thinking when it comes to arm rests and fitting in the seats. I would also add that I can’t stand when people don’t keep their legs closed and our thighs touch. I’m working hard to stay in my space bubble, so should the person next to me.
This is making my blood boil just thinking about it! Another pet peeve is mine is people wearing their grungiest clothes, or short-shorts on a plane. I know it’s old school, but I grew up where everyone dressed to go on a plane, even if it was a private jet. I try my upmost to look respectable at the bare minimum! Even when flying back from my bach party in New Orleans, which was quite a feat!
I once refused to put up my armrest so the very obese person sitting next to me could fit in her seat- they ended up reassigning her to a row with an empty seat- I’m not sure what would’ve happened had the flight have been full.
Oh my gosh. I totally agree. I once had to ride on this tiny plane with a large man in the seat next to me. I actually only had HALF of my seat to use because he took up my other half. On top of that, he was extremely smelly and sweaty. It was miserable.
Could not agree more. I was flying back to the states last year from Germany a (10 hour flight) and the guy who sat next to me actually thought it was okay to rest his head on my shoulder, repeatedly. I kept pushing him off and eventually had to say something to him. Some people just have no respect.
Hi! I was at Beth Moore too 🙂 This is my pet peeve: My husband is a pilot and often has to check the computers at the gates to print paperwork, look up his route, etc. I HATE it when I’m on the phone with him and people come up to him to ask him questions, thinking he is an agent. He clearly has a name tag on that says PILOT and CREW on it. And helllllooooo the outfits are different 🙂 It drives me nuts. Every 2 minutes, he has to tell me to hold on, ugh! Also, people has him where the bathroom is ALL the time. Check the signs peeps!
Brilliant! I think these things all of the time and I am so glad that you put them in writing. When waiting for our trip home from our honeymoon in a very cramped, very small and very under construction terminal in Jackson Hole the same man rolled over my husband’s foot with his carry on bag THREE seperate times and never apologized. Simply. Amazing.
Courtney S.- as a former flight attendant, UM YES! I cannot even tell you how many crazy questions people asked me. Gate 10 is probably next to Gate 11 on one side and Gate 9 on the other and there are these crazy things called signs ALL OVER THE AIRPORT to help you find your way. I used to wonder how some of these people drive since clearly signs were beyond them.
Kate- it doesn’t come across as “hating fat people” to believe that you are entitled to the personal space you paid for. My peeve is how everyone screams about how small the seats have gotten, but not really, it’s how big we, as a society, are getting. My airline actually gives more room than in the past. And flights are full now, it’s just the way it is. If you want a half empty airplane you need to be prepared to pay double for your ticket.
I agree with just about everything in the post and in the comments. If people would think beyond themselves for a minute, we’d have a lot less of these issues but I think that is a societal problem that shows no signs of ending anytime soon.
LOVED this post! When the Mr and I were long distance dating for 2 years, airports were my best and worst friend. Flying on the Express-Jet definitely teaches you patience, if you’re ready or not! My favorite ever was when the 40 yr old man in front of me went through security with his cell in his pocket and the security lady yelled! Ha!!
Hope you guys had a great time!
…… and the whole church said, “Amen!”
meredith took the words right out of my mouth. All I have to say about this is Amen!
Another baggage claim pet peeve: when people let their kids crawl all over it. They are going to get hurt, plus, they are in the way!
Great post, Erin!
Love, love, love it! I laughed out loud when I got to the part about reclining the seat. You couldn’t have said it any better! Love reading your blog!!!
I completely agree with the arm rest!!!
I hate flying, but I’ve done a fair amount the past couple years! I agree with your airport etiquette 100%!
Also. YOUR FEET DO NOT BELONG ON MY ARMREST. You’d think I wouldn’t have to say that, but I have had to. SIGH.
I have experienced the same thing Megan S mentioned – and I was in a row of three seats with a large (tall and proportional, not heavyset) man on the other side. Thankfully, my flight was only to LA (from the east coast), so not quite as long. You’ll love flying with Hudson when he is big enough for his own seat – you’ll have a seatmate that you love to snuggle with! We flew to Seattle last summer with our two – 3 and 5 1/2 at the time – and it was actually a more relaxing flight than traveling alone. Gearing up to travel again in a few weeks – alone – and I’m glad my plane will only have two seats per row!
I would have to set my pet peeve is electronics that make noise. They came with the hole to insert headphones for a reason…
AMEN!
The ATL airport is the worst! I totally agree with all the points you discussed—especially the arm rest thing. Drives me nuts when someone spills into my seat.
Hope you had a great time in NYC!
xoxo,
Minnesota Girl
…and that’s why we drive most of the time now…
Erin, I want to know your tips for traveling with a baby! Do you buy a seat for Hudson? We are flying with our 8 month old for the first time this summer- I’m clueless!
My pet peeve- Dress Appropriately! Pajamas, sweats, and daisy duke shorts are not suggested travel attire! Think of others!
Sounds like you may have had some stories from the airport! I LOVE the one about not storing your new handbag under another person’s seat. Last year flew and had a woman expect to store her luggage right where my feet would rest and then was offended when I wasn’t ok with it.
Buy a seat for your baby and bring your car seat no matter his age. Chances are you’ll need the car seat at the other end anyway. Some car seats won’t fit so check to make sure yours is ok. I was indifferent about this until I was on a flight where a baby on a lap was badly injured in turbulence. You never think it’s going to happen to you and it was so, so scary. There is no way I would consider not buying a seat for my 9 month old daughter now.
I have to say the worst was my last trip when I went from Charlotte to Chicago and back when the flight attendant asks you to turn off your ipod because we’re preparing to land TURN OFF YOUR IPOD. The craziest thing I have seen by far was a woman talking on her cell phone while we were landing. What is wrong with you?? I’m a smaller person and I always get stuck next to rather large people when I travel alone. I think they have a radar for these things…
AMEN on the arm rest issue!! If you want the arm rest up because you need to spill over into my area, you should definitely have paid for two seats!
Re: bringing a car seat for your child, DEFINITELY check to make sure it has a sticker on it indicating that it is approved by the FAA. Our family was recently traveling to Lake Tahoe, and we had to fly on 4 separate flights. Our 4-year-old sat in her car/booster seat on the first 3 with no problems. Flight attendants/gate agents asked if we were checking the seat, but they were always fine when we said she would be sitting in it. On the last flight (almost home!), one flight attendant gave the green light for the seat while the other said we couldn’t use it because it didn’t have shoulder restraints. When we got home, we noticed that it did, in fact, have a sticker saying it was not FAA approved. However, this didn’t take back the 20 minutes of crying (and disturbing other passengers, which didn’t happen on any of the other flights) because she wanted her car seat back and was afraid she wouldn’t be safe without it. She was worried we’d have to “put the yellow cups on our noses” (the masks would drop from the ceiling). She’s an awesome traveler, but this was not what we needed after a long day of traveling.
I fly almost every week for work so this is a topic near and dear to my heart. I, too, and extremely tolerant of flying with children because they’re confused/tired/hungry so I feel for those little guys. But I do think that parents should be required to sit with their children. On a flight back from Hawaii (in first class nonetheless) I had a dad sit three rows up from his 5 year old daughter. I asked if he wanted to switch seats and he told me “no thanks.” I was left teaching the child how to use her tv, prepping for drinks, etc. I could have kicked that dad’s butt!
I’m aslo a big fan of waiting until your zone or aisle is called before boarding. And my all time favorite is when people punch their tv’s. That’s my head rest your smacking around buddy!
Amen! When did flying get to be so horrible? I used to actually look forward to it! Maybe that was my teenage optimism?
For me, the worst is when everyong jumps to attention the minute the plan gets to the gate. Really? We’re in the 24th row. Are we really going to somehow beat the people in the 10th row off the plane? No. We aren’t. Make peace and let’s just all wait our turn–it will be OK!
You hit the nail on the head with this one. I can remember my parents telling me as the train pulled up “we have to let everyone off before we can get on” and then always wondering why there were adults next to me pushing their way on board.
I just got back for a week of business travel. I have to say, the reclining seat in an airplane just gets me every time. Why do people have to recline?!!! I hate having a seat in my face. Ugh!
Thanks for the post!
I agree with you on everything except reclining. Reclining is one of the bundle of rights you purchase when you purchase an airline seat. It’s not rude to recline.
ITA on ATL tram blocking by people. it always makes me so mad! (we live here) seems we are always time crunched, and then I am always afraid the doors will close and we’ll have to wait to come back around b/c those people WON’T move! fortunately, my dh is a big guy (but proportionate) and he kind of pushes his way through for us (we have a toddler/stroller to maneuver, too).
on a side note, fyi- a website tried to attack my computer just as your website was loading (had just gone to this page). norton blocked it. I am not computer savvy AT ALL, so it might be unrelated to your site, but just in case it somehow attached itself to your site, you might want to check it out and everybody else might want to run a virus scan. GL!
also, the website was “firesave”
I 100% completely agree with the bagage pick up! PS- Hudson is a doll!!!
I agree with these, for sure. Would love if you’d do a post on plane travel with a baby. My husband and I will be taking our baby on a trip this summer. He’ll be 7 mos. at that point and we are a little nervous about managing him on a plane. I’m probably making a bigger deal than I need to, so would love some advice.
*same thing happened to me that happened to crewlade drinka. . .some website started loading when i went to your page and symantic blocked it. i ran a virus check to be sure.
Wonderful post! I too would love a post on plane travel with a baby. I am traveling to Virginia this week from California with my three month old baby boy. My husband is not coming with me, so it will just be the two of us and honestly, I’m a bit scared! Any tips on how to make the trip as smooth as possible would be appreciated!!!
I also had the same problem that KT and crewlade drinka experienced with the Website loading when I went to your site.
ITA! I get frustrated when we are out to dinner somewhere and I make sure my three boys are all well behaved and then there is a table of obnoxious jerks acting like a-holes. Happens all the time! 😉
Love this post! So true, so true! I have two small children 3 and 2 and flying with them is tres difficult! I am so grateful to those travelers that are helpful and kind. However, there are always people who make totally rude comments. They act as though I should not travel with children. Really? Am I supposed to drive across the country to see my family and their cousins. What I say in reply is usually, “Well I am sure glad that my children are not in your care…..that would be horrific”.
I travel and produce events around the country, and I’m on an airplane around 2-3 times a month… I could not agree more with what you have written. As for people pushing their way on to the tram, I find that they do this in hotel elevators, too. It makes me so crazy! It just goes against common sense, not to mention that it’s rude. This was a great post!
This is perfect! I especially love that you feel the same way I do about reclining.
I agree with all those except for the reclining seat bit. My husband is 6’2 and he’s glad for any extra space, even if it is only 2 inches. But travel across the big pond (AKA Atlantic Ocean) and all that courtesey goes out the window! Not that Europeans are all rude, just no sense of personal space!