Feb
15
How to keep the peace with your fellow airline passengers
Filed Under Image & Brand, Relationships & Networking, Travel
Here are a few suggestions from Real Simple Magazine on how to keep the peace with your fellow airline passengers…
Problem: The child behind you is kicking your seat.
Solution: “Appeal to the parents’ sense of empathy,” says Caroline Tiger, a coauthor of How to Behave: A Guide to Modern Manners for the Socially Challenged (Quirk Books, $12, www.amazon.com). Say, “Do you mind asking him to stop kicking my seat? I’d love to take a nap.” If the child doesn’t stop shortly after your initial plea, kindly ask the adult if she would be willing to switch seats with the child.
Problem: You want to enjoy a little peace and quiet; your neighbor wants to trade life stories.
Solution: Grab a book or a magazine and she should get the hint. If she continues talking, says author Caroline Tiger, tell her, “I’m sorry — I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m dying to read this.” Another strong signal that you don’t want to chat? Headphones.
Problem: You have to go to the bathroom, but your sleeping neighbor is blocking the way.
Solution: It may be tempting to climb over her while she’s snoozing, but you risk awkwardly straddling her as she wakes up. Instead, give her a gentle pat and say, “Excuse me.”
Problem: You and your neighbor are jockeying for the shared armrest.
Solution: The armrest should go back and forth between you and your seatmate, says author Caroline Tiger. If you feel as if it is being hogged, stake your claim while your neighbor is using the bathroom and hold your position when he returns.
