Take your damned laptop out of your cabin bag… creep.
In this golden age of travel, most of the millennial generation have been on international flights by the time they hit puberty. But just because travel is such a regular part of our lives these days, it doesn’t mean that all etiquette should go out the window. It’s very easy to let jet lag and frustration get the better of you, but if you’re doing any of these nine things, then you’re probably a travel asshole and should stop immediately.
Note: This listicle may contain angry ranting and passive aggressive comments from a traveller who gets very irritable when flying.
1. Treating airport and airline staff like crap
We’ve all seen those TV shows in which airport staff are screamed at by angry tourists with a 4-hour delay. But more often than not it’s not their fault. Imagine yourself in their shoes before taking your jet lag-fuelled frustration out on them.
2. Rummaging for your passport when you get to the check-in counter
You’ve been queuing for the last 20 minutes to check in, that’s plenty of time to get out your passport and any other documentation that you know you’ll need when you get to the check-in counter.
You know they need to see your passport, so have it out and ready to speed things up.
3. Leaving liquids in your carry-on
Even if you’ve never flown before, surely you must know that you can’t take liquids in your carry-on luggage.
There are signs saying this pretty much everywhere.
So if you have to take liquids on board, put them in a plastic baggy BEFORE you get to the airport. And please please please, don’t be that jerk who gets all the way to the security check before taking them out of your bag.
What do you think the rest of us have been doing while we queued?!
4. Same with laptops
Now I don’t know why the X-Ray machine needs your laptop to be out of your bag, but it does. So use your time while waiting to take it out (along with your liquids), so you can put it straight in that plastic tub and head straight through.
5. Rushing to board at the gate
Most boarding procedures call up passengers to board based on their zones, so know which one is yours and wait your turn. Those with children and those needing assistance will always board first, but don’t panic; they’re not taking your seat, it’ll still be there for you when you board in a minute. You’re going to be sitting in it for the next few hours, what’s your rush?
6. Blocking the aisles while boarding
You might need to go through your bag to take out your book, snacks, and iPad, but please don’t do it while standing in the aisle.
There are a lot of people trying to get to their seat, and they shouldn’t have to wait for you to find and untangle your headphones before getting past.
7. Using the bathroom while people are boarding
You know what’s more annoying than someone standing in the aisle while 200 people try to board a plane? Someone walking in the opposite direction of 200 people trying to board a flight. Either use the loo before you get on board or hold it until you’re up in the air.
8. Putting your seat back while someone behind you is eating
That’s just a dick move. You’re probably eating too, so sit up straight and let them eat their “delicious” aeroplane meal in peace.
9. Getting up before the seat belt sign has been turned off
They say this every time, and without fail a load of jerks will jump out of their seats the second the plane touches the ground to clamber for their bags. Wait until it’s safe and then chill out and get your bag.
We’re not going anywhere yet as they haven’t parked the plane, so there’s no need to elbow Grandma out of the way to get your bags before she does.
