The debate over airplane etiquette rages on, but one commercial pilot is out to set things straight once and for all.
Speaking anonymously to DailyMail.com, the flight expert, who has been a pilot for 10 years and currently works for one of the world’s biggest airlines, addresses some of passengers’ most debated fears.
From handing over seats to other passengers, to the most suitable flying shoes, to packing luggage in a luggage locker, the frequent flyer gives his or her verdict on a variety of hot topics.
Take a flight to see how you can change your boarding habits for a smoother, less stressful ride.
Sit with your feet down and your arms in front of you
A retired commercial pilot tells passengers to respect their surroundings and sit up straight with their feet on the ground and their arms in front of them (stock photo)
The chair is designed for a single seat style. This means feet on the floor, not in the air, and resting on the chair in front, and arms in front of the body. The seat is designed to keep you safe in the worst turbulence and in the unlikely event of an incident. If you cannot place your seat belt across your lap, you are in the wrong position.
ALWAYS wear shoes on the plane
The floor in the main cabin was vacuumed but not swept. People vomit over this material on a daily basis, so it’s a good idea to wear shoes. For extra comfort, you can put on slippers or slippers. Always wear shoes in the bathroom as the liquid on the floor is most likely not water. Treat it like a residence and a dirty one.
When the crew is resting, they always have at least flip flops or disposable slippers to walk around the plane.
Instead of ringing the bell, visit the kitchen
Just stop being lazy, get up and go to the galley to request items from the cabin crew. Both parties benefit from this. If you ring the doorbell and ask for something from your seat, there’s a good chance that someone around you will also make a request. This means your order will take longer.
It’s always best to go to the kitchen first. The crew might tell you to ring the bell next time to avoid a crowd in that area, but at least then you know and you’ve built a relationship.
If you have paid for your spot, DO NOT give it up
In the age of the Internet, this is difficult. Most people who are organized and know where they want to sit choose their seats weeks or months before a flight. If people want to make sure they sit together, they should pay the extra money to do so instead of expecting others to move.
Also, passengers should never ask to exchange aisle seats for middle seats, because that’s just ridiculous. My top tip is to stock up on duty free chocolate to sweeten the offerings if needed.
“Always wear shoes in the bathroom, because the liquid on the floor is most likely not water,” says the flight expert (photo)
The pilot says of touch screen televisions: “They need to use as little electricity as possible.”
Request a special meal as soon as you board if not pre-ordered
If you’re looking for a special meal that you didn’t order, just ask the crew once you’re in the air. Just go to the kitchen and explain your situation and most of the time they can help you. They often make vegetarian meals, so there should always be leftovers.
If you’re traveling long distances and have dietary restrictions, it’s worth purchasing treats at the airport. If you ask nicely, the crew is more than willing to keep food in the fridge and heat it up!
Store bags in the overhead bins with the wheels facing the window
Overhead bins are a nuisance in the age of cheap flights because no one wants to check in their bags and pay the premium. If possible, store your bag in the hold with the wheels facing the window. This way you use the space optimally and can usually store two to three weekend bags this way.
If you’re one of the last to board the plane, start looking for places to store your bag right away. This is because 95 percent of the time there will be no space near your seat. Just because there’s an overhead bin above your seat doesn’t mean it’s reserved for you. First come first served.
Use as little power as possible on touch screen TVs
With touchscreen TVs, you want to use as little power as possible. The last thing you want is to damage the screen and be left without entertainment for the rest of the flight. If the person in front of you feels that you are pressing the screen, you are pressing way too hard! As soon as you get an angry look from the person in front of you, calm down your taps.
If you can, says the flight pro, it’s best to store your bag in the overhead compartment with the wheels facing the window, as this maximizes space
“If you’re looking for a special meal that you didn’t order, ask the crew once you’re in the air,” says the pilot
DO NOT get up once the plane has landed
Just wait your turn when the plane lands. If you are in a hurry, a minute or two won’t help you. Running through the airport is enough. Be patient and kind. If you get off row by row in an orderly fashion, the plane will empty much faster.
Use a neck pillow to avoid leaning on others
Invest in a neck pillow. This allows you to stay in your personal space as much as possible. Also try sleeping with your limbs under a blanket, this will prevent you from moving too much. If you sleep in an aisle seat, give the armrest to the poor soul in the middle seat because they are already out of space.
Cabin crew value good manners
Saying “please” and “thank you” goes a long way. The crew usually have to deal with hundreds of rude passengers. Be the one with manners and ask her how her day is going. You’ll be surprised at the additional freebies that come with manners or light-hearted conversation.
Download children’s TV programs in advance and reserve front row seats for toddlers
The front rows of the cabins have cots. So if you have a baby, try to book these seats, even if you have to pay extra – it’s worth it! For infants and young children, please bring their car seats on board. The child is used to sitting in it and it becomes more comfortable for him to sleep in it.
Tablets and smartphones with pre-downloads of their favorite programs are perfect for entertaining little ones. The crew is also always willing to help as long as you show your manners. Most cabin crew will happily entertain your child for hours as it makes their shift go by faster too!
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
