Endless queues, oversized baggage and annoying passengers – BRIAN O'CONNELLlooks at how to take the hassle out of air travel?
WITH AIRLINE travel seen as less of a pleasure and more of a pain these days, air travel etiquette has taken on a whole new set of rules. Consider the following: how long before boarding a plane should you arrive at an airport? Which airlines allow more than one carry-on piece of luggage? What exact size should it be? Is it okay to stretch out your legs under the seat in front? What about allowing your seat go back all the way? Who gets to use the armrests in the middle aisle? Are you allowed bring your own water onto a flight?
There used to be a time, not so long ago, when airline travel was a comforting and pleasurable experience. Cabin crews smiled, fluffed pillows and sliced lemons for complimentary gin and tonics. They asked how you were, thanked you for flying with them and didn’t try to charge you €2.50 for a watery cup of tea. Now, air travel is a series of stressful situations that travellers have to endure, from cancelled or delayed flights to reduced in-flight food services, varying baggage allowances and cramped onboard seating. So, what are the best ways to minimise the stress of air travel and what rules of etiquette are now a given for modern flyers?
Let’s start with checking in. For many the anxiety of air travel begins when entering the airport and approaching the desk to check-in. That’s assuming, of course, that your airline allows you check-in at the airport. The simple rule is arrive in plenty of time. This ensures you face smaller queues and are less likely to encounter frazzled airline staff.
Going through security is an art form in itself. Some airports require shoes off, laptops out of bags, umbrellas out in the open and belts placed on trays. In the recent film Up in the Air, George Clooney's character Ryan Bingham, who spends almost every day of his life in airports, offers the following, rather ageist advice on choosing security lanes. "Never get behind old people. Their bodies are littered with hidden metal and they never seem to appreciate how little time they have left."
It’s a good idea to dress and pack with the security gates in mind, slip on shoes are good.
How you board the plane depends on whether you have been allocated a seat or not. If you have to fight for your seat, then it’s best to sit or stand near the boarding gate, unless you want to end up beside the bathroom and creche corner. But, can you join the queue where you have been sitting or must you go to the back of the line? This mostly depends on the size of the passengers ahead of you.
On the plane itself, if you’re travelling long haul, then the best advice is to try create your own peaceful environment. Bring an eye mask and ear plugs.
If someone is kicking the back of your seat repeatedly, particularly younger fliers who may not be aware of their actions, then it’s okay to ask their parents in an understanding way to have a word with them.
Sitting next to a passenger who is intent on continuing a conversation with you can be tricky, but there is no harm in letting them know you’d like some quiet time – “I’ve enjoyed our chat but I’m going to get stuck into this book now”.
And there’s no use looking to cabin crew staff to help you in these tricky situations – they are already overworked and more interested in selling you lottery cards than resolving minor passenger disputes. Some cabin crew can even be downright rude and seem to take delight in your misfortune.
On shorter flights many of the complimentary snacks and drinks on offer previously have been withdrawn, so it is a good idea to bring your own onto a flight. Generally the prices within the airport itself will be cheaper than those onboard and the added bonus is that you won’t have to wait until the trolley reaches you. With passengers in close proximity to you, you do need to be mindful of the type of food you are consuming – an apple may be preferable to garlic bread.
If you happen to be sitting in middle seats, then remember the armrests are joint property. This can vary though depending on who sits in their seat first – it can be quite tricky to dislodge an elbow from an armrest.
Reading over someone’s shoulder or extended glances at your neighbour’s TV screen can be another annoyance.
If you feel the eyes of someone on you for longer than normal, then a quick steely look should arrest it.
The bottom line then is that modern air travel is a minefield of potentially stressful situations. You just have to accept that air travel is not what it used to be and is, as Al Gore noted, “nature’s way of making you look like your passport photo”.
TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS
Beatrice Cosgrove, acting head of Europe for Etihad Airways
The very first tip is to arrive early. It seems obvious but it’s one of the things that creates most stress. Arriving late means that stress levels can rise as tolerance and civility decrease when you’re under pressure. Try and remain calm when everyone around you seems to be rushing – losing your temper doesn’t help.
With security queues, it’s important to know the limit in liquids and have easy access to items you need. Business people will be used to going through and therefore should have patience with those around them not as used to the whole process.
The three things I wouldn’t travel without are my iPod, eye mask and a good book. It is important to choose clothes carefully, jeans are not particularly comfortable. If you have a tight connection, advise a flight attendant and they will try to make sure you are out fast.
Stephen McNamara, head of communications, Ryanair
Ensure that you are fully aware of the airlines baggage policy, boarding area and the closing time of your flight.
Be realistic – if you do need a checked-in bag buy it before you go to the airport.
When on board be mindful of other passengers – if you use the bathroom, get an aisle seat.
