- A travel expert has revealed what NOT to do as an airline passenger
- The expert put an end to the debate about the adjustable chair
- She also established the laws regarding baggage
A travel expert has put an end to the debate over what is and isn't acceptable on a plane and revealed who the worst type of airline passenger is.
Dawn Gilbertson made a comprehensive description list of do's and don'ts to ensure that by 2024 everyone is on the same page about what behavior is appropriate in the air.
Travelers have long debated whether it's okay to recline your seat, and at what point during the flight.
Gilbertson said that regardless of whether you're Team Recline or not, you should absolutely alert your rear flight neighbor if you're about to launch your chair back into their space. “It's the polite thing to do,” she said.
Another rule that Gilbertson codified into law concerns disembarkation procedures.
Dawn Gilbertson, a travel expert, has put an end to the debate about what is and isn't acceptable on a plane and revealed who the worst type of airline passenger is
A woman sparked debate over airline etiquette after she got into a shouting match with a fellow passenger, accusing them of 'repeatedly pushing her seat' as she reclined it
Gilbertson has said that regardless of whether you're Team Recline or not, you should absolutely warn your rear flight neighbor if you're about to launch your chair back into their space.
The expert firmly says that you should wait your turn to leave the plane – unless a flight attendant has already announced that the specific passengers will be given special privileges for some reason.
According to Gilbertson, this means an orderly, row-by-row disembarkation from the plane. When it comes to baggage laws, the expert has a few.
Gilbertson says don't be a trash hog. When people put too much stuff in overhead bins, especially stuff that fits in the space under your seat, it creates less space for other people who need it.
Another age-old feud that happens on almost every flight arises when people put their carry-on bags in overhead bins on the plane.
On almost every flight, every seat has assigned overhead bins. If everyone sticks to their assigned space, there should be no last-minute stressed flight attendants trying to make room for someone's suitcase.
Seat changes are controversial matters.
Should you be expected to switch your window seat, which you paid for and carefully selected, so that a mother can sit with her young child after being assigned a separate seat?
Gilbertson says you should think twice before asking another passenger to switch seats.
The expert says you should reconsider your request when it comes to sitting next to a partner or friend and reserve those requests for more serious scenarios.
Another rule that Gilbertson codified into law concerns disembarkation procedures
When it comes to baggage laws, the expert has a few. When people put too much stuff in the overhead bins, especially stuff that fits in the space under your seat, it makes less room for other people who need it
A serious no-no for the travel expert is watching movies or TV shows during the flight without headphones.
She says the headphone rule also applies to video games and your toddler's YouTube video entertainment.
In addition to the general manners and norms on board, Gilbertson also highlights things people do before even boarding that can be annoying.
Gilbertson urges passengers not to abuse pre-boarding privileges by bringing everyone in your family — especially on airlines like Southwest, which operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
She also tells travelers to stay humble and not flaunt their luxury airline status.