Member-only story
Airplane Etiquette 101
Or, how to not be a jerk
I love to fly. Seriously, I would so much rather board a plane and be somewhere in a matter of hours that spend days in a car.
I fly economy, or economy plus, and it’s always a bit tight, but I have the advantage of short legs so it’s not as bad for me as it is for someone who’s 6'3. Granted, it’s still uncomfortable to be squashed into a small seat for several hours, but it gets me where I’m going faster and more conveniently.
That being said, there are some behaviors in airports and on planes that can sour that experience. While most people are mindful of others, some were apparently raised by wolves and subject everyone else to their unpleasantness. Here are some tips for what not to do if you plan to fly.
Don’t overpack your checked luggage.
It’s pretty standard for airlines to allow a checked bag weighing no more than 50 lbs., or approximately 24 kg. If you’re packing a lot, please try and weigh your suitcase before you go to the airport. Don’t be that person who holds up the line because they have to basically repack their suitcase, transferring things to a carry-on or even having to throw some things away. Lines are long, especially these days. Don’t make it worse for everyone.
