Connecticut and Etiquette: Travel

As some you already know, my Dad grew up in Connecticut and it holds a special place in my heart.  It is one of my favorite places to visit, but I haven't been since my Dad died.  I have been aching to go back and a few weeks ago I got the best early Christmas present.  My aunt called and offered to buy my plane ticket to spend Christmas in Connecticut.  Needless to say I am beyond thrilled. Having an actual white Christmas, eating a grinder, people saying I sound like the Shake-N-Bake girl... It's all just too exciting!  So, in this traveling to Connecticut light, I thought for my etiquette portion of this post it would be appropriate to discuss something that many of us have very strong opinions about: airplane etiquette.

Before Boarding:

• Show up to the airport at least an hour before your departure. Earlier is better and I usually shoot for an hour and a half.  There are so many hoops you have to jump through before you can get to your gate and you never know how long the lines will be.  No one likes the person who is paged over and over in the terminal and then strolls on while everyone else has been in their seats buckled for 20 minutes.
• Get all your liquids in your designated Ziploc bag before you leave home. 
• Double check the Transportation Security Administration website while packing to check if you have a prohibited item or if any regulations have changed.
• Wear slip on shoes. You are going to have to take them off you might as well make it easier on yourself and others. 
• If you get pulled aside to be wanded or have your bag checked do not make a scene or get huffy.  Remember it's for everyone's safety and the TSA workers are just doing their job. 
• If you have carry-on items don't take up seats in the waiting area by placing them on the seats if it is crowded.  The pregnant lady needs that seat more than your Vera. 

On the Plane:

• While boarding the plane be patient with others as they load their belongings and take their seat.  Offer to help someone if they are having some difficulties.
• Do not smash your bag into a full over head bin.  Just go to the next one if there is one available. 
• If someone asks to switch your seat it is up to you whether you want to or not, but be polite when responding.  And please take special consideration when it's a parent and child. 
• Do not bring on overly smelly foods to snack on.  Tuna may be delicious, but no one wants to smell it for 4 hours. 
• Crying children. It's the fear of all travelers.  I always make sure to bring ear plugs and my iPod with me to try and prevent any problems.  The parents already know that their child is being annoying and are probably slowly dying of embarrassment already.  Snarky remarks are not going to help the situation.  And someday you could be that embarrassed parent. The only time you should say something is if your seat is being kicked or something like that. Remain civil and kind. 
• When you are de-boarding don't rush to the front like you're a teeny bopper going after Justin Bieber.  Let the people in front you get their bags without fear of being side swiped. 

Off the Plane:

• Once you are off the plane and waiting for your luggage do not stand right next to the carousel.  It becomes impossible for people who see their bag to squeeze in and they invariably will probably accidentally lug their luggage in your shins. Stand a few feet back and patiently wait. 
• When you are waiting for your ride or public transportation, do so in the designated areas.  It is a safety issue and will help the process go faster for everyone involved.

Do any of you have any special airplane etiqutte tips or questions? Let me know.

The Key Prep on Campus,

-G