Travelling soon? These tips from an etiquette expert may come in handy!
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Air travel can be a mixed bag of experiences.
On one hand, it's a marvel of modern engineering that allows us to traverse vast distances in mere hours. On the other, it can be a hotbed for unwanted situations that, according to experts, threaten the very fabric of society.
We've seen our fair share of changes in flight etiquette over the years, and it's important to remember the do's and don'ts to ensure a pleasant journey.
Journalist, etiquette expert, and podcast host Nick Leighton has spoken out about the decline of manners in the skies.
He's particularly critical of passengers who play music or watch videos without headphones, an act he deems disrespectful.
'We are living our lives through screens and when we do that, we become less aware of the real world around us,’ he shared.
It's a sentiment many of us can relate to, especially when we're seeking a bit of peace at 30,000 feet.
Leighton's advice comes at a time when aeroplane etiquette seems to be a hot topic, with stories of passengers propping feet on seats, wearing seatbelts incorrectly, and refusing to switch seats making headlines.
‘They should know that they are ripping the fabric of society apart, and they should stop,’ he added.
'Nobody’s going to die, this is not catastrophic, but it’s corrosive. It’s the rust on the machinery that makes society work, and at some point, the machinery will break down.’
These incidents not only cause discomfort but also spark heated debates about what is and isn't acceptable behaviour in such a confined space.
‘We don’t want to live in a lawless, etiquette-free society, that’s not a world we want to live in, and so it is important for everybody to do their part.'
So, what should you do if you find yourself seated next to a passenger who's blaring their latest binge-worthy show without a care for those around them?
Leighton suggests a polite, neutral-toned request for them to use headphones. It's a simple act of consideration that can make all the difference.
However, he also cautions against persistence if a request is declined for the first time. After all, you'll be sharing the same space for the duration of the flight, and it's not worth creating an uncomfortable atmosphere.
If diplomacy fails, seeking help from a flight attendant is your next option. They are trained to handle these situations and can provide a peaceful resolution.
It's worth noting that while we may encounter inconsiderate behaviour, we also have the power to set a positive example.
Keeping our personal space within our confines and being willing to compromise on seating arrangements when reasonable can contribute to a more harmonious flight experience for everyone.
As passengers, it's up to us to uphold common courtesy that ensures a smooth journey, whether it's by leading by example or gently reminding others of their social responsibilities.
We would love to hear about your experiences with flight etiquette. Have you encountered any of these situations during travels? How did you handle it? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below!
On one hand, it's a marvel of modern engineering that allows us to traverse vast distances in mere hours. On the other, it can be a hotbed for unwanted situations that, according to experts, threaten the very fabric of society.
We've seen our fair share of changes in flight etiquette over the years, and it's important to remember the do's and don'ts to ensure a pleasant journey.
Journalist, etiquette expert, and podcast host Nick Leighton has spoken out about the decline of manners in the skies.
He's particularly critical of passengers who play music or watch videos without headphones, an act he deems disrespectful.
'We are living our lives through screens and when we do that, we become less aware of the real world around us,’ he shared.
It's a sentiment many of us can relate to, especially when we're seeking a bit of peace at 30,000 feet.
An etiquette expert offered some tips to keep in mind for your next flight to ensure a peaceful trip. Image Credit: Jason Toevs/Pexels
Leighton's advice comes at a time when aeroplane etiquette seems to be a hot topic, with stories of passengers propping feet on seats, wearing seatbelts incorrectly, and refusing to switch seats making headlines.
‘They should know that they are ripping the fabric of society apart, and they should stop,’ he added.
'Nobody’s going to die, this is not catastrophic, but it’s corrosive. It’s the rust on the machinery that makes society work, and at some point, the machinery will break down.’
These incidents not only cause discomfort but also spark heated debates about what is and isn't acceptable behaviour in such a confined space.
‘We don’t want to live in a lawless, etiquette-free society, that’s not a world we want to live in, and so it is important for everybody to do their part.'
So, what should you do if you find yourself seated next to a passenger who's blaring their latest binge-worthy show without a care for those around them?
Leighton suggests a polite, neutral-toned request for them to use headphones. It's a simple act of consideration that can make all the difference.
However, he also cautions against persistence if a request is declined for the first time. After all, you'll be sharing the same space for the duration of the flight, and it's not worth creating an uncomfortable atmosphere.
If diplomacy fails, seeking help from a flight attendant is your next option. They are trained to handle these situations and can provide a peaceful resolution.
It's worth noting that while we may encounter inconsiderate behaviour, we also have the power to set a positive example.
Keeping our personal space within our confines and being willing to compromise on seating arrangements when reasonable can contribute to a more harmonious flight experience for everyone.
As passengers, it's up to us to uphold common courtesy that ensures a smooth journey, whether it's by leading by example or gently reminding others of their social responsibilities.
