Airport Etiquette: What pilots wish you knew
How to act like a frequent flyer
Airline tickets are cheap, and the people are loving it. Airports everywhere are obnoxiously filled with inexperienced flyers. I’ve compiled a list of helpful tips from my pilot friends’ personal experiences on the job, as well as mine from aisle 13. We are here to educate you shiny new travelers, frequent flyers, and everyone in between. If you’re thinking hmm is she talking to me? I am absolutely talking to you. So sit back, relax, and get educated on how to look and act like a respectable passenger.
Arrival
Your travel outfit can be fire yet comfortable without looking like an absolute slob. Linen pants, cute sandals and a jean jacket in the summer are my go to. Bring the class back into the airlines one outfit at a time.
Arrive to the airport two hours before your departure time. Do not get to security and expect for the entire line to let you pass them because you are about to miss your flight. Get there early and find an airport bar to have a glass of wine at 10 am. You will be more relaxed at 30,000 ft if you do.
Check your bag. The overhead bins are small and fill up quickly. Do not expect two weeks worth of vacation outfits to fit in your overhead compartment. It is not the flight attendant’s job to find room for your bag. Check that bag and move on to security.
You must show up at security with a valid photo ID such as a drivers license or passport. No, your debit card with a photo does not count. I have seen this happen thrice.
Take your shoes off in security and send them through the x-ray scanner. The number of times TSA has to repeat this all day every day is unfathomable. Visit the TSA website at www.tsa.gov to find the latest information on what can and cannot go through security. From liquid restrictions, to strollers and breastmilk, they’ve got the info for you.
Once through security, do not find the closest pilot in uniform and ask him what gate your flight is at. He has no idea. This information will be on your boarding pass. Check the monitors for updates on gate changes and any delays your flight may have. If you have questions, a gate agent will be more knowledgeable and can better answer them for you.
Departure
You have an assigned seat on your boarding pass. Please sit there.
Once seated (post-covid restrictions) order another drink! Have just enough to make the nerves go away.
The pilots cannot always control the turbulence. They ascend or descend to keep your ride as smooth as possible; however, as we are approaching hurricane season, know that the ride may become bumpy. Complaining to the flight attendants will not change the wind.
Tell the flight attendant it is your first time flying. Ask to see the cockpit and meet the pilots after your flight. All of the pilots that I know would love to show it off. They are very passionate about their careers and love new ears. If you’re willing to take the risk of your children wanting to become pilots, send them to the cockpit for their first wings pin and a new career goal.
Final Destination
When the plane lands - and I cannot stress this enough - unless you are seated on row 1 of first class, do not stand up. There is no reason why man in row 27 needs to be standing in the aisle. Sit down and relax. You will get off the plane when it is your row’s turn. The struggling passenger in row 13 cannot pick up her carry on bag from overhead row 16 if you are standing in the way.
Be sure to thank the flight attendants and pilots for a safe and happy flight. Flying a metal bird filled with 150 passengers at 30,000 feet is not always the easiest job. And thank you for reading - you just made their job a little easier.
xx emdub