Traveling by plane is stressful, I don’t care how zen you can be. Making sure you arrive on time and get through security without any issues to make it to the correct gate with everything you need just takes a lot of brainpower. Parents traveling with children, you have my complete respect.
We are all under pressure and uncomfortable waiting to be cramped in tiny seats. So with that being said there are ways to be polite and make the experience less stressful for people around and hopefully they will do the same for you in return.
If you are traveling with another person or group do not spread out across the corridor. Other people frequently have short times to make it to another gate or they just got off a flight and need to get to the bathroom. Please try not to be an obstruction and this includes the location of your luggage- keep it close and let people pass.
Sometimes you have a long layover and want to meander around the shops or look for a restaurant. Great! Stretch those legs and look at all the shiny things but keep in mind that not every has the luxury of time that you are trying to pass. Try not to bob and weave through the corridors with your case dragging as far behind you as possible. Try to remember the times that you are pressed for time and there is someone moving at a snail’s pace turning back and forth between the shops. If you find it hard to maintain a straight line in an open space nice to one side and keep close to the wall.
The last one, and probably the most annoying. Stop crowding the luggage belt. Just stop. There is no need to stand right on top of the belt. Your bag will not be delivered faster if you stand closer. All you do is block the view and access of other people. Take five steps back and give everyone a view and the ability to remove their bag without feeling like they have to fight their way through.
Airports will never be fun or enjoyable but a little bit of awareness and common courtesy goes a long way to helping everyone’s journeys go a little smoother.
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