Airplane etiquette: don't leave your manners at the gate

Fly Me Away...Without Pushing Someone Out the Exit!
Summer is around the corner, which for many of us means packing up and heading out for a much-needed break.  I travel frequently for business and pleasure... and nothing will get me more fired up than being surrounded by travelers who left their manners at the gate.  Below are some guidelines to help you survive the upcoming busy air travel season, as well as make you a better seat mate.

Mind Your Space. The arm rests are shared space, not for wrestling.  Work with your seat mates to make sure you are both using the armrest equally.  When getting up from your seat, the back seat in front of you is never to be used as leverage, use your arm rest for leverage.

It's Not a Party. Some people look forward to meeting strangers and befriending them on a plane. Others don't. Learn the difference. If your conversation seems one-way, take the hint.

Careful Lugging your Luggage. Carry your bag in front of you as you walk down the aisle. Over-the-shoulder luggage and back packs can and often do hit passengers that are already seated. It's not a good way to make friends.

They Make Paperbacks, Don't They? Never bring a broadsheet newspaper (Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe) to read on the plane. It's OK in the terminal, but violates the personal space rule (see No. 1). If you must read a newspaper, bring a tabloid (NY Post, Newsday). A magazine or book is even better.

If You're a Bathroom Person, Take an Aisle Seat. You've downed six sodas and two cups of coffee and you've requested a window seat. Not a good idea.

You're Not the Flight DJ. If you're going to listen to music on your IPod player, keep the volume down. Not everyone enjoys 50 Cent and Pat Boone. The volume is louder than you think, especially if the headset is not snug to your ear.

Eavesdropping. Don't read the magazine or book that the woman sitting next to you is reading. They notice and it's annoying, trust me. Worse yet, don't comment on the article or story.

You'll Get Off the Plane, Promise. Don't jump up and try to be the first one off - unless you're in Row 1. Wait your turn. It is only a matter of minutes and it makes it easier for everyone. If you're in Seat 37D and the woman in Seat 36D is a little slow pulling down her luggage, don't leapfrog past her. That's just rude.