Chatties Toddler

No items matching your keywords were found.

Plane Manners

Excuse me

"I have the bladder of a frightened toad, so I reserve aisle seats instead of window because I hate to ask people to move for me, especially if they're sleeping, or climbing all over them," relates Nursophie Muhd Zin, 35.

"This is, of course, subject to who is sitting next to me. If it's Adrian Brody I'd climb all day long."

While it may be tempting to climb over your seat-mate while he's sleeping, you risk straddling him if he wakes up, cautions Lee.

"The seats are simply too close. Just give him a little nudge and ask him to move so you can scoot by. And, don't forget to apologise for disrupting his or her sleep."

The armrest hogger

"The armrest should go back and forth between you and your seat-mate. If you feel as if it is being hogged, stake your claim while your neighbour is using the bathroom and hold your position when he returns," opines Lee.

"If that doesn't work, I would suggest you politely ask: 'Excuse me, would you mind shifting your elbows a little to allow some space for me?' That should put the armrest bandit in his place."

Space invader

You are cruising at an altitude of 25,000ft. To your right, swirls of clouds. To your left, a guy who's boring his elbow into your ribs. So how do you maintain personal space on board?

"Nobody wants body contact on a flight, unless it's your significant other. Compact yourself a little - keep those forearms in your own space and those knees in front of you," Lee recommends.

Carry-on conduct

"Hold your bag in front of you and low to the ground as you walk down the aisle in search of your seat. Holding it up and at your sides will inevitably knock seated passengers on their arms, shoulders and heads," says Lee.

Just for kicks

It's migraine-inducing to have your seat kicked by an excited toddler while mum and dad think it's cute that their little precious is keeping himself occupied. Letting out an exasperated sigh or giving the parents a dirty look may go unnoticed, so what's left to do?

"You may consider asking the parents to switch seats. If this doesn't work, ask a flight attendant to handle the situation."

Walking down the aisle

The seat in front of you is not a third leg when getting out of your seat.

"When you get up, use the seat armrests. Yanking the seat in front of you can be unpleasant for the person sitting in it. Copy how the flight attendants balance themselves in the aisle by grabbing the luggage compartments above their heads, rather than the seat backs," Lee advises.

To recline or not?

Although reclining your seat is technically your right, just like humming, exercising it to the limit will make those around you think you're an idiot.

"Poke your head around and ask if it's OK. If the person is tall, or has a child on their lap, try keeping your seat upright out of consideration, especially if it is a short flight," Lee suggests.

"When you do recline your seat, do it slowly to give the person behind you time to react. Otherwise, you risk bumping the head of the unsuspecting passenger behind you, who may be getting something from the bag at her feet."

Snoozing over schmoozing

There is nothing worse than being held captive by a talkative seat mate.

"At times I just don't feel like being chatty, but don't want to seem rude, so I bitterly partake in shallow conversations when what I really want to do is sleep," laments Rahayu Samsuddin, 27, a student.

A strong signal if you don't feel like talking? "Headphones," suggests Lee. "That should shut him up immediately."

Getting off

When the aircraft lands, there are people who jump onto the aisle as soon as the seatbelt light blinks off.

"Resist the urge to push your way through," says Lee. "Let those nearest the exit get off first. You will get off the plane eventually, I promise."

Now do read, Hotel Manners And Etiquette, which is a must read to ensure that you enjoy you holiday and sleep while travelling!