Picture the scene. You’re doing the Atlantic crossing, 18 hours in the air as you journey from Johannesburg to New York. You’re sharing the cabin (and bathrooms) with at least 250 other souls. The rather large lady on your left has the window seat and to your right, on the aisle, a first time traveller who clutches at you frantically every time there’s a little turbulence.

You get dinner all over your lap as the next bout of turbulence has ‘first-timer’ grabbing you around the neck, then ‘rather-large’ decides it’s time to visit the loo (for the fourth time in an hour) and promptly stands on your foot (again). The urge to jump up and bash someone can be almost overwhelming. Tempers can flare and air rage becomes a very real possibility.

A little courtesy goes a long way
Yes, air travel can be trying. But remember that everyone is in the same boat and a little bit of consideration can go a long way to soothing severely taxed travellers.

According to travel consultants at Flight Centre, who are some of the most well-travelled people around, it seems that many people leave their manners on the ground after take-off, which can lead to passenger frustration and in extreme circumstances, violent outbursts.

Lee-Ann Scholz, retail manager for Flight Centre says: “Air travel is a means to an end and most people don’t enjoy being shut in a cramped environment for lengthy periods.

“However, if everyone had a bit of consideration for fellow passengers it would help make the journey more pleasant for everyone on board and incidents of air rage could be avoided.”

Here's a few tips on plane etiquette to help make travelling by plane a more comfortable and pleasant experience for everyone.

  • Put your seat in the upright position when eating.
  • Remember to rinse the bathroom sink after washing your hands/brushing your teeth.
  • Be careful not to splash water in the bathroom — most people take their shoes off on the plane and wet socks are very uncomfortable.
  • Airlines generally have three seats in a row and then the aisle. If you hog both armrests the poor traveller in the middle will be very uncomfortable.
  • Request an aisle seat if you’re a frequent loo visitor and try and cut down on the amount of alcohol you drink. That said, don’t be grumpy if someone has to clamber past you to go to the loo — we all need to go!
  • Don’t get drunk. Obnoxious, loud and disruptive behaviour on an aircraft is viewed in a very dim light. You may find yourself in handcuffs and spending the night in jail instead of enjoying your well-earned holiday.
  • Think about the cabin space in the overhead lockers before taking loads of bags and duty-free goods on-board as other people won’t be happy if you have taken up more than your fair share. Airlines generally have limits on how much hand luggage you can take on the plane (generally one small bag — excluding your handbag).
  • When travelling with children be considerate of others. No one likes unruly children running wild and kicking the chair in front of them.
  • Don’t obstruct the passage — the air hostesses will not be able to serve meals and drinks and passengers will be frustrated in their attempt to get past.

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