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  Kathleen Gran is having a great time working as an Image Coach and helping people achieve a strong, personal brand. Her mission is to get people to understand the power of their visual impact so that they can thrive and succeed.

  

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My last vacation involved air transportation. On the way back home, I sat beside a lady who proceeded to tell me all about her cruise adventures (including her squirms of nausea), her fear of flying, her weight gain and her upcoming three hour stopover in Montreal – before I had the chance to settle down in my seat. When I opened a magazine in an attempt to get some respite, she started reading over my shoulder and passing comments on the contents of my magazine. I then put on my earphones and started looking at the movie selection. It did not take 2 seconds before her finger was pressing the icons on my screen! So I had no choice but to fake sleep in order to get a little privacy.

This episode got me thinking about air travelling etiquette and how much more relaxing and pleasant travelling would be if only people would show a little more restraint and civility in the airport and on board the plane! So I put together a list of passenger types encountered over the years that could use a course in civility.

THE RUNNER
This passenger loves to arrive at the gate panting, sweaty and late. He is the one whose name is called over and over again on the loudspeaker because the plane is boarding and he hasn’t shown up yet.
Solution: Most airlines ask that you arrive anywhere between 1 and 2 hours prior to your flight. Having a lot of time before boarding allows you to have a hot cup of coffee, buy your magazines and check your emails before you board the plane… with a smile and without delaying departure.

THE WHINER
This passenger is impatient and wants everyone to know. He is particularly annoying when going through security and will push your security bin in an attempt to make you move faster. He will stand very close to you and make loud sighs if you are slow in taking off your shoes or regrouping your belongings.
Solution: Yes, going through security is a hassle and we have no choice, so getting irritated won’t change a thing. There are things in life that you cannot control. This is one of them and it’s therefore a perfect time to practice your Zen breathing!

THE ENTHUSIAST
This passenger can’t wait to get on board! You will spot him standing near the boarding desk 15 minutes before boarding time, just so he can be the first in line. This passenger does not care when they call rows 25 to 40 to board, he gets in line with seat 10B. He will then be asked to step aside, which he barely does, and will be obstructing the boarding flow.
Solution: You do realize that your seat is reserved for you, right? Get in line when you are asked to and it will be much quicker to get to your seat. Why be in a rush to sit in an enclosed metalic cylinder for several hours, anyway? OK, you want the overhead locker space, we get it.

THE CRUSHER
Speaking of overhead lockers, this passenger is determined to get his carry-on luggage in the overhead locker no matter what. He will push, crush, bang, or do whatever it takes to squeeze his bag into the space, without giving much care to the other passengers’ belongings.
Solution: Travel light! Overhead lockers are not expandable. Pushing and crushing won’t create more room. And honestly, do you really need all that stuff on board?

THE LOUNGER
The first thing this passenger does when the plane reaches its cruising altitude is to completely recline his seat, leaving just enough breathing space between the passenger in the back and his retractable table.
Solution: There is none because space is limited, to say the least, once you are seated. You may be tired, but please refrain from reclining your seat completely, especially during meals.

THE CHATTERBOX
This passenger will talk to you the moment you make eye contact and won’t stop unless you take extraordinary measures, like faking sleep (see introduction).
Solution: Watch a movie or read a book. The reality is that most passengers do not want to chat with you during the trip. Being friendly and polite is one thing, being invasive of another person’s “me” time is quite another story.

THE SPY
You will find this passenger gazing on your laptop screen, reading from your e-book reader or watching you play games on your tablet.
Solution: Buy your own!

THE REBEL
This passenger totally ignores instructions about shutting off his mobile phone or other electronic devices upon take-off and landing. What he may not know is that he is putting his life, and that of his fellow passengers in danger.
Solution: While there is still controversy regarding this, who wants to take a chance! Read the following Mobile phones and plane crashes and please comply!

THE SLOB
This passenger will leave the washroom so unclean that you hesitate before you walk in.
Solution: What can I say? Clean up after use – or is this an antiquated concept?

THE INVADER
This passenger takes over the armrests and will not budge!
Solution: Share. Armrests are not a first-arrived-first-served notion. If you are sitting in the middle of a three-seat row, you are entitled to one of the armrests!

THE IMPATIENT
This passenger is so eager to exit the plane, that he is ready to climb over you and hit you on the head with his carry-on to get in line in the aisle.
Solution: Relax. We are all impatient to exit the plane, stretch our legs and regain our personal space. Trying to force someone out of their seats before there is room to do so is just plain rude. Just a few more minutes confined to your seat isn’t the end of the world. Check your emails!

So why should you care about civility when you travel? First of all, it makes for a more pleasant experience for everyone involved, and second, you never know who is watching. I have unexpectedly met clients in airports and on board planes. You want to be at your best at all times.

Do you have a passenger type to add to the list?

Note: I encourage feedback but will never publish comments that arrive through spam.