We’re about ready to hit another busy flight period. As a frequent business traveler, I honestly dread flying in the summer, during the holidays, and during spring break. I don’t mean to be selfish, but planes are like my car. When there’s traffic, car commuters get frustrated. When planes, airports, and TSA check points are crowded, I get frustrated.
Some of the delays are due to weather and mechanical issues, but when they come from inexperienced travelers, that’s preventable. Rather than continually complain about it, I’d like to offer novice travelers some helpful hints on how to navigate the process of flying quickly and efficiently as well as some absolute “do-nots” that will make us regular flyers a little more patient with you.
TSA:
TSA is a necessary evil. Here are some things to do to navigate it like a pro:
- Check your boarding pass. If it says TSA PRE, then go to the TSA Pre-check Lane. You don’t need to take your belt or shoes off or remove your liquids or gels. Be sure to take metal out of your pockets or you’ll set off the alarm and get a pat-down.
- Get organized before you even get in line. Put all of your metal stuff in one pocket or a purse. I use a SCOTTeVEST travel vest and put my keys, phone, wallet, and pocket contents in and then lay it on the belt.
- If you’re not in TSA PRE, then get your belt off, stuff out of pockets, laptop and liquids and gels out BEFORE you get to the scanner. Move quick. Put stuff in the bin and pay attention.
- When you get out of the scanner, move quickly to the belt and remove your stuff. Walk away from the TSA area and reassemble yourself away from the crowd right there.
Boarding the plane:
- Depending on the airline, be sure to pay attention to your boarding number and position. Don’t move forward or crowd the gate if you’re in Zone 5 and they’re only calling Zone 1. Pay attention but don’t push your way in.
- Hang up your phone. You can’t walk on the plane, find your seat, hold your luggage, and put it in the bin if your phone’s glued to your ear.
- Find your seat and put your big bag in the overhead bin. Put it in wheels first and don’t hog the whole bin. Put your backpack or purse in the space below the seat in front of you. You’re not entitled to free foot space if you have two carry-on bags. Keep your big jackets on your lap until the bins are full, then have a flight attendant put it in the bin when everyone’s luggage is stowed.
During the flight:
- Don’t recline your seat. Yes I know you are able to and you have the right to, but there’s just not enough room to do it. The person behind you will feel like a sardine. It’s just the humane thing to do.
- Don’t pull your big butt out of your seat to use the bathroom by pulling on the seat in front of you. It jerks the head of the person in front of you back and then snaps it forward.
- Don’t fumble with the tray table. It pushes and bumps the passenger sitting in front of you.
- If you HAVE to bring food on the plane, do us all a favor and get a bag of trail mix or chips. That stinky McDonalds meal may taste good to you but the rest of us around don’t want to smell it.
- If you have kids, be sure to bring them snacks and toys. Don’t let them kick the seat in front of you. Bored kids will become trouble on a long flight and remember…nobody thinks your kids are as cute or funny as you do.
When the plane pulls up to the gate:
- Stand up and if your luggage is right above your head and you’re on the aisle, get your bag down.
- Wait your turn getting off the plane. Don’t push ahead of the people in front of you.
- Move quickly. Some of us have tight connections. This isn’t the time to lollygag or chat up the Captain on your way off the plane.
- Don’t stop in the jetway to adjust your luggage. You’re liable to get run over.
Final thoughts:
There was a time when flying was fun. Crowded flights and security have pretty much changed that. If you’re heading out this spring for a vacation, have a great time but remember that people like me fly almost every week and are trying to make a living. Adopt some of these tips and not only will us business travelers be much friendlier, you’ll also have a much better flying experience.