Ever wondered how to handle the annoyances that comes with air travel, or the proper etiquette and decorum? We’ve got some ideas below…
No one really really loves flying economy, there’s cramped spaces and the boredom, but for me the most annoying thing is the people you have to deal with.
There’s snorers, there’s people who want to get up every 5 seconds, there’s smelly people, and then there’s kids. Here we’ve got the down low on some common aeroplane issues that bother us and how to handle them.
Armrest Negotiations
Personally, as a window seat kind of girl, I think that the person in the middle should get both arm rests as a consolation for having, let’s face it, the worst seat. So I’m happy to give it up, but others have different ideas.
If you want that armrest, just fight for your right to party. Inch your way in by placing just your elbow on it, which will leave plenty of space for your greedy neighbour to use it for their elbow – then everyone’s a winner.
Pandora’s (chatter) box
I always seem to get myself into this, I politely say hello to someone unknowingly opening up an opportunity for the chatterbox to tell me every detail of their life/trip/future plans and I’m so awkward that I just get stuck nodding.
Even when you stop responding, they just keep going. Just be direct; don’t be afraid to say, ‘I’m so sorry to be so anti-social but I’m just going to shut my eyes for a while’ or words to that effect.
Personal space invader
This is that passenger that seems to always find your shoulder when you sleep. Best case scenario, they’re very attractive and you don’t mind at all, worst case scenario, they’ve got horrible BO and is now drooling on you. We’re happy to suggest the threat of biochemical warfare in this instance. Cough repeatedly to jolt them out their slumber, they won’t cuddle up to you again if they think you’re harbouring germs.
The Lay-Z Boy
This isn’t actually one that bothers me as I feel that airline seats are designed to be reclined with minimum discomfort to the passenger behind you, but 55% of Brits apparently hate it when the person leans back unannounced.
Don’t be that person, make sure you recline your seat once the meal service has been completed. Also, a glance behind to check that they aren’t using the tray table for a laptop or children’s colouring book is also sensible and gives a subtle yet polite warning to the person behind.
The trumpeting snorer
We’ve all dreamed of elbowing this guy on the ribs, or a discreet but sharp step on their foot to stop the snores and give us a chance to sleep, but of course it’s impolite. We suggest some earphones or better yet, some noise cancelling earphones to give you some peace & quiet.
The human road block
I’m talking of course about the aisle seat snoozer that blocks your path from your seat to the toilet. You’ve held it for as long as you can but it seems there’s no chance of this person waking up to let you out. Unfortunately with this one, you’re not left with much choice. You’re just gonna have to wake them up. Being woken is a much better alternative to what may happen if you don’t make it.
Mini Annoyances
We’re talking about those pesky kids of course. There’s an old wise saying, every kid is annoying, unless they’re yours. Perhaps it was called the Golden Age as barely any kids got on planes back in the 50s or 60s. Now, statistically speaking, you’re bound to run into feral kids on any flight you get on. If there’s space, ask the cabin crew if you can move seats to get away from the little rug rats. If not, those earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones are proving to be a sound investment indeed.
