Basic manners in the airport, plane

Once upon a time, people got dressed in suits and ties or dresses for the occasion of a flight, which was seen as a special affair. Today? Not so much. And our manners sometimes reflect that more casual take.

But anytime you have a lot of people smushed into limited space, etiquette is an important consideration. So here are some tips for airport etiquette to keep in mind the next time you travel:

– Keep your phone quiet. Somehow, even in 2019, people seem to forget that headphones and earbuds are the best way to keep peace with your neighbors. Enjoy your music and your movie, but remember to keep it to yourself.

– Share armrests. Airplanes have shoved more and more seats into their cabins, which makes elbow room harder to find. Be a dear and leave some room on the armrest for the person next to you.

– Save the fish for another day. Your fellow travelers beg of you: save the fish tacos for a more open-air space.

– Speaking of stink: it’s a sensitive topic, to be sure, but a shower and some form of deodorant is most appreciated.

– Share the charging stations. Stay nearby and keep an eye on your device, and once it’s charged, unplug and let someone else use it. It’s not nice to be an outlet hog.

– Understand carry-on rules and restrictions. Don’t be That Guy, who’s trying to shove an Obviously-Far-Too-Large Suitcase and a set of golf clubs into the overhead bin and holding up the boarding process.

– Have your ticket and ID ready. You know they’re going to check, so have a plan in place for fetching your identification and ticket or boarding pass.