Over 178 million Americans took to the air in 2022, as airplane travel soared after two years of COVID lockdowns. That’s up from 99 million in 2021 and just 67 million in 2020, according to Statista.
With air traffic heavy again, and as consumers grumble about tight airplane spaces and long waits at airport check-in lines, one etiquette expert is calling for civility in a highly uncivil corner of the U.S. consumer economy.
"With the seats getting smaller and smaller these days, we all have to learn to get along," said Protocol School of Etiquette founder Jacqueline Whitmore, in comments to Fox Business.
To help alleviate air travel boorishness, Whitmore shared some common-sense flying civility tips for harried consumers to Fox.
Here’s a look at some of Whitmore’s tips:
Civilize your onboard food stash. "Don’t bring anything with a highly identifiable or offensive smell," Whitmore said. "There’s nothing more annoying than having to smell someone’s greasy fish tacos."
Stay in your lane. If you’re looking for a seat swap, don’t expect to upgrade.
Restrain yourself. Air travel is not a contact sport, Whitmore noted.
"Keep your arms and legs to yourself. The seats may be getting smaller by the day, but that doesn’t give you the right to spill over into someone else’s space or put your head on another person’s shoulder — unless, of course, you know that person well,” she said.
Check your little ones. Kids can get unruly and loud on planes – but it’s up to Mom and Dad to keep Junior in line.
"Nothing is cute or amusing about getting the back of your seat kicked, your hair pulled, or watching someone else’s children running like wild banshees up and down the aisle," Whitmore said.
Older family members should "bring plenty of games, toys, and snacks to amuse your child,” she added. “Crying babies are an exception as they may have aching ears. The crying helps alleviate the pressure. (But) so does a bottle of milk, water, juice, or Benadryl."
Respect the flight crew. Airline crews have enough to do without dealing with self-absorbed fliers.
"Their job is hard enough and they don’t make enough money to put up with your b.s.," Whitmore added. "They’re there for your safety, not to wait on you hand and foot. Furthermore, if you’re kind and considerate, you might possibly get an upgrade or an extra alcoholic beverage."
