Flying with Grace: Airplane Etiquette and Kindness at 30,000 Feet
- Mary-Gail Durst
- Aug 7
- 2 min read
1. Kindness Is Your Boarding Pass
From check-in to landing, remember that the gate agents, flight attendants, and pilots are not only keeping the trip running—they’re keeping you safe. A friendly “Good morning” when you board, or a sincere “Thank you” when you disembark, costs nothing but means a lot.
Simple acts of kindness in the air:
Greet flight attendants as you board.
Say “please” and “thank you” when requesting service.
Be patient if delays happen—many are beyond the crew’s control.
Offer to help a fellow passenger with their overhead bag (if it’s safe for you to do so).
2. Respect Your Space (and Theirs)
Airplane seats are small, so be mindful:
Keep elbows within your armrest area.
Recline gently and only when appropriate (not during meal service).
Avoid using strong scents, as some passengers may be sensitive or allergic.
A little spatial awareness goes a long way toward keeping the peace.
3. The Seat Swap Dilemma
Sometimes, you may find someone sitting in your assigned seat—or they may ask you to switch so they can sit with a companion.
If someone is in your seat and refuses to move:
Calmly show your boarding pass and politely explain that it’s your assigned seat.
If they still refuse, avoid escalating the situation—call a flight attendant, who will handle it professionally.
Never argue or physically try to reclaim the seat. Safety and composure come first.
If someone requests your seat:
If you’re comfortable switching and it’s a fair trade (same seat type and location), go ahead—it’s a kind gesture.
If it’s not an equal trade or you simply prefer your assigned seat, you can politely decline. You do not owe an explanation. Example: “I’m sorry, but I chose this seat for my comfort during the flight.”
4. Share the Overhead Space
Overhead bins are shared, so place your carry-on bag in wheels-first to save space, and keep smaller items under the seat in front of you. It helps everyone board faster and reduces frustration.
5. Keep the Peace in the Air
Noise-cancelling headphones are a lifesaver—not just for you, but for your seatmates if you enjoy music, movies, or games. Keep phone calls short and quiet before take-off, and use your inside voice when chatting with your travel companions.
6. A Little Patience Goes a Long Way
Flying is an exercise in patience. Lines will form, babies will cry, and sometimes luggage will take a while to arrive. Your calm and kind demeanor can influence the mood of those around you.
Final Thought: We can’t control delays, turbulence, or the behavior of strangers—but we can control our own actions. Bringing kindness, respect, and understanding to the skies not only makes your journey better—it makes the journey better for everyone around you.
Next time you fly, think of it this way: you’re not just going from Point A to Point B—you’re sharing a small, temporary community in the clouds. Let’s make it a pleasant one.
Message me for your free Airplane Etiquette Checklist!
Mary-Gail Durst
780-289-2385
#travelwithmary-gail
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