Janet Adetu

We all know that  aircraft seats are  not the most comfortable – they are just about OK for the period of the journey. At times due to lateness or failure to check in online some people travelling together have been assigned seats away from each other. They are advised at times to politely ask other passengers if they would swap seats.  If this is fine by you, just accept politely and swap, if you prefer to stay in your assigned seat, simply apologize for not being able to do so; they will understand.

Many passengers prefer the window seats for privacy; however caution must be taken when moving up and down the aircraft as this can create a lot of inconvenience to other passengers if it is frequent. If you are concerned about service and room space you may have to consider upgrading to business or first class. Always drink lots of water, practice head, leg and arm exercises to avoid cramps. Seat belts are assigned per seating, at times you may mistakenly take one side of the belt that belongs to another seat, once you notice this just correct yourself immediately. Choose your preferred seating position while checking in online – the aisle or window seats are most preferable.

Baggage Hole

At times passengers have more than one carry-on so may tend to take up more space in the baggage hole than permitted. By doing this they extend their belonging to a baggage hole proposed for another passenger with no apologies. For them it is a case of who got there first. I witnessed an argument on a flight where the rightful owner took out all the bags from the baggage whole and replaced with his after knowing that the owner of the bags had taken up 3 baggage holes for himself and family just because he wanted all the bags to be in one place. Out of courtesy follow your seating arrangements as given to you upon check in. Ifyou are uncertain, call the air hostess for assistance.

Washroom

How interesting it is to see the washrooms sparsely used during the course of the flight. Suddenly the pilot announces 40 minutes to landing, and then you see everybody rushing to use the washroom just before landing; by this time there is a line clutter.  Passengers anxiously waiting sometimes become very angry especially when the person using the facility has decided to take their time regardless of the known queue outside. Unfortunately the number of washrooms is very limited, and assigned according to the class of seating you are in. You are not to leave your section to use the facility in another class. It is also important at this time to keep the wash room as clean as possible. Many times the floor is wet, the sink is full of soapy water and tissue paper is carelessly lying everywhere. The washroom should be left just the way you would like to see it as you enter. If you are flying with children it is a good idea to follow your children to the washroom, at times if you are polite other passengers will consider your children and give them way.

Keep reading for more tips……