Galleries Today: September 2014

Social media has witnessed a lot of buzz around inflight etiquette recently. A few weeks back, a quarrel on board an international flight got ugly enough for the cabin crew and pilots to divert and land the plane to restore order. What's worse is that this outrage encouraged a few other mishaps a few days later.
During my time in the air, I've seen a few mild arguments between fellow passengers that have ended in a sarcastic statement or two. But people realize that the airplane, at an altitude of almost 30,000 feet, isn't a brawling ground.
Here are a few air-travel pearls that will improve your air travel experience:
Patience and Kindness: There always room for more patience inflight! I, personally, approach it with the mind-set that everyone coming on board just had a very bad day and could really use some patience. If there are people who take too long/skip the line/become annoyingly dependent while trying to load luggage onto the overhead compartment, I just count to 10 and breathe it out. If someone uses my shoulder as pillow (happens more often than I'm proud to admit) or restrict me from reclining my seat, I try and be as kind possible in my approach. A few simple words, said right, can really work wonders and not provide unnecessary in flight entertainment to others!
Optimism:

If you're on a long flight, try and read, indulge in some in flight entertainment. I recently watched some great old Bollywood hits that I'd missed previously, on board a Lufthansa flight to Boston. Think of it as your personal time to catch up on things and utilize it positively.

If your neighbour is chatty/nosey/annoying, try and tell them off as gently as possible. Best case scenario - you are seated at the window and have a worldview or something great is on the entertainment menu. Worst case scenario - you have to ask the flight attendant for a new seat. Chances are, you'll never run into the person again (BELIEVE it). So you may as well enjoy your journey.

Look at the flight attendants and take in some inspiration. They deal with the best and the worst every day and still look cheerful.

However, some people don't take hints when you are patient with them or disrespect your space. It's best to ask the cabin crew for help instead of letting any situation escalate. Nobody should be traumatised by unnecessary drama while flying.