Etiquette En Route
While we're all fairly good about extending etiquette to those who have a direct and continued impact on our lives, we sometimes fall short when it comes to travel etiquette. Maybe that's because many of the courtesies that are extended while traveling by air, car, or ship are typically observed as ritualistic in nature.
Still, as business professionals our goal should always be to maintain a polished image. This chapter presents some timely travel tips to help establish you as a seasoned and savvy traveler.
Flight manners
Because of the lightening-fast pace of our personal and professional lives these days, air travel has become commonplace. Unfortunately, we can't always say that about the good manners of those who jet from one destination to another.
Following are some suggestions for making your next air trip both comfortable and in keeping with your professional image.
Excuse me. I need to get out.
Once you're seated, leaving your seat should be the exception rather than the rule. If you find that getting up and moving around is typically part of your travel ritual, then plan ahead and request an aisle seat.
Meetings in the air
If you're traveling with an associate, supervisor, or customer and plan to discuss business on the plane, arrange for your seats to be next to, rather than across the aisle from, one another. Not only will other airline passengers appreciate not having to overhear your meeting, you will be more apt to maintain the confidentiality of your company business.
Respecting your fellow passenger
During flights, some people like to strike up a conversation with the person next to them; others do not. "En route" etiquette dictates that before trying to strike up a conversation, you tune into your fellow passenger's body language, to look for nonverbal clues as to whether the person seated next to you is interested in chatting. Needless to say, it's of utmost importance that you respect your fellow-passenger's wishes. Assuming you haven't observed any body language to indicate that your fellow passenger is opposed to conversing, it's appropriate to initiate a conversation either after your beverage has arrived or when the meal is first served. If your fellow passenger's response is brief and not followed by a question or commentary, take a hint.
Respecting flight attendants
It goes without saying that flight attendants should be treated with respect. If you have a question, for example, pose it when you are being served. Never ring the call bell for an attendant unless it's an emergency. In other words, extend the same courtesy to these professionals that you would to restaurant servers. If you'd like something, ask with a polite, "When you have a minute, may I have . . ." You can be assured they'll appreciate your respect for their time.
Flight farewells
Although a smile and a good-bye are commonplace as you are exiting a plane, few passengers (or flight-crew members, for that matter) incorporate a thank-you in their farewells. If you've never said "thank you" as you deboarded a plane, try it next time. You'll probably catch the crew off guard and even receive a comment of gratitude in return. No matter what distance you've traveled on a flight, a smile and a thank-you go a long way.
Air travel attire
If you're traveling during the work day, wear business attire. If you're traveling after 6 p.m., "business casual" is acceptable (a blazer and skirt for women; sport coat and trousers for men). Many business people find that on weekends the travel dress code can be even more casual (skorts or slacks and matching tops for women; polo shirt and slacks for men). No matter when you travel and what you choose to wear, however, be assured that the way you're dressed affects the way you're treated.
* Source- Business Etiquette In Breif, Ann Marie Sabath, Adams Media
