The transport system with strict and firm regulations is air travel. You are anxious about your air trip. As a first-timer, you are not sure of what to expect. If it’s a long trip, the temptation to carry a big suitcase is high.
Here are a few dos and don’ts on what you need to know and plan ahead of your airplane
The dos…
- Carry what you need
There is a limit to the amount of luggage you can carry, if not you pay for the extra load. In case you cannot do so, then you have to leave them at the airport. It’s important to just carry what you will use instead of clutter. It will be bulky for no good reason.
Moreover, a big suitcase is inconveniencing for you and fellow passengers since it occupies a big storage space.
- Make good use of the space above you
You need not inconvenience your seatmate with your luggage all over. The contents may be precious but trust me; the airplane is the safest place you can think of. Just in case of anything, there is always CCTV footage to help trace your luggage.
It doesn’t mean that you become careless with what you have. Space is not so big or too small, but enough to fit a medium-sized suitcase. Just carry what you feel can fit in.
- Always sit on your designated seat
When you purchase an air ticket, it has all the details including the departure date and time as well as the seat number. You may not like the position but you have no option. Some airlines are liberal enough to give you the left spaces to reserve the seat.
Once the ticket is out, you cannot change this. Whether you don’t like your seatmate or the seat in front of you is empty; you just have to sit on where you booked. Just in case you are genuine in your concern, it is not your duty to change the position. There is a reason there is a cabin crew; talk to them and let them give you a go-ahead. It sounds kind.
- Fasten your seat belt during takeoff and landing
When you haven’t experienced turbulence then take-off and landing is a simple version. It’s a mandatory safety measure to have your safety belts on; depending on the prevailing wind system.
International flights have an automated system of using the belts such that when a passenger doesn’t comply, there is an alert and the plane can’t move until you do so. It’s the best way, for your safety.
- Follow instructions
There is a reason there are cabin crews- to help you achieve a comfortable airplane ride. When you are in doubt over anything, the cabin crew comes in handy to your aid. Listen to the announcements; it doesn’t cost you much to follow instructions.
You might have flown for long and got used to the plane services. Each flight is different and you have to follow instructions as much as they don’t make sense, to you. It’s not time to make comparisons and engage in useless arguments. Who has the time anyway?
The don’ts
- Never carry someone’s luggage
Most drug trafficking cases are from people who have shown some form of kindness. When a traffic peddler notices that the security systems might catch up with him or her; he tries to evade them by using unsuspecting passengers on the arrivals queue.
The law will catch up with the current owner of the bag. No one will listen to your side of the story. It is an unwritten rule. Only disembark with your bag to avoid the corridors of justice.
- Don’t randomly recline your seat
This is not your chartered jet. You are on this plane with other passengers. Anything you do, consider your fellow passenger using the same service. Reclining your seat is not an issue; inform the person behind you to get the right position to avoid any inconveniences.
Some of the plane trips take hours; the same position all the time may not be practical. Do it, but with consideration and kindness.
- Don’t panic in case of plane turbulence
Plane turbulences are normal events in air travel. The pilots understand what they need to do to safeguard you. Unless the plane is nose-diving back to the ground, have faith and let the pilot do his job.
Imagine when over 200 passengers panic, even the pilot may lose focus on the best practice to bring the plane back to normalcy. The best you can do is to fasten your seat belt. Hold the imaginary brakes but stay on your seat until you go through the storm.
- Don’t occupy the whole shared table
The business class has the privileged of having shared tables. They are designed with the best cabinet saws to accommodate all of you. The rip capacity of the saws is evidence of the kind of woodwork involved in the construction.
Be professional and considerate to use the space that allows the other passenger to also enjoy its presence. Riding a plane should be fun and exciting. When everyone follows the dos and don’ts discussed above then everyone will have an exciting story to tell.
