They say that traveling brings out the worst in people. I don't necessarily agree with that belief. I think, for the most part, we are who we are and that situations simply exacerbate certain aspects of our personalities that were already there - be they good or bad. I travel quite a lot and have seen and witnessed the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to how people behave when they travel, and nothing surprises me – hence why I decided to post our list of do's and don'ts as you travel over the holiday season.
Do: Weigh your Bags at Home or at the Terminal, Not at Check-In
Don't start off your trip by causing a ruckus at the check-in desk. Get your shit weighed at home or do it at the airport before you approach or line up to check-in.
Do: Get to the Airport on Time
Most people who are at the airport on time don't have any sympathy for people who run late or don't plan their travel times properly. You paid for your ticket and packed your bags, so get there on time, it's not rocket science. Other passengers don't want to be inconvenienced because you are late.
Do: Have Respect for Seniors and People with Disabilities
On this point – don't act like an ass.
Do: Check your Bags
I always check my bags, and it frustrates the fuck out of me when people board a plane as if they we unloading a camping expedition. Think about it, folks, everyone wants to get checked in, through security, and on the plane as quickly as possible without delays. All you need to do is pay attention to realize that your bags are what are causing these lineups for the most part. Without them, everything would run smoother. Take a backpack, pop it under the seat in front of you, and that's it. As for the airlines – here's an idea – charge for all bags but charge more for bags in the cabin. You'll immediately realize that regular business travelers will pay the extra cost while less frequent price-sensitive travelers will take the cheaper option of checking the items. United Airlines is already starting this - good for them!
Do: Be Polite and Courteous
On this point – demonstrate manners and restraint. I would have left it at that, but on this point - travel should be fun. Don't be that person that stresses everyone out from the check-in clerk to the flight crew. If you are that person – stay home.
Don't: Seat Hop to a Seat that is Not Assigned to You
I hate it when the plane is almost full, and someone just hops into a seat that is not assigned to them without asking, and then moments later, the person who does have that seat arrives, which starts the game of musical chairs. Get on the plane, sit your ass down in your assigned seat, and ask a member of the flight crew if you can switch to an empty seat, and they will advise you if that's an option.
Don't: Recline Seats all the Way Back Without Asking the Person Behind You
You might be 5'2", and on your way to see your mom to go shopping, but the person behind you might be 6'1" and en route to an important meeting and might have to work on the plane. We all know that airlines squeeze us in there pretty tight, so extend a little courtesy to your fellow travelers and ask if it's OK that you recline your seat. I guarantee for those of you that always recline without asking, you'll be shocked at how many people will say no, and you'll realize how many people you've pissed off in the past when you didn’t ask.
Don't: Act Like You are the Only One Traveling
In other words, don't act like a jerk.
Don't: Cut Into Lines and Then Play Stupid When You're Called Out
Don't be the person who walks up to the check-in desk as people are boarding the plane to ask for an upgrade – in other words, wait your turn, wait until the time is right. Always remember, every single person on that plane paid to be there just as you did, so be respectful.
Don't: Be Miserable
It's actually a lot easier and way more fun to just chill, don't sweat the small stuff, and try to enjoy your day. When you're in a good mood, it's infectious, and you'll probably notice people are nicer to you as well.
