With Janet Adetu

Continued last week

Landing Instructions

How many times have we heard the pilot announce the final approach to the destination, asking everyone to keep their seat belts upon landing also while the aircraft is still taxing until it comes to a complete stop. What happens next as soon as the plane lands? At times you hear a subtle sound of appreciation then click click click, passengers instantly releasing their seat belts and standing while still in motion. I’m not sure why the rush, they just cannot wait to touch ground and get off that plane. Is it that they had closed ears when the announcements were made? When your neighbor behaves in this manner, just politely tell them to take care, keep seated for safety. Most times the flight attendant should be quick to address this.

Queues in Air

Finally, you have just had a long flight what’s wrong with being patient getting off the aircraft. For some reason some people are again in a hurry to get off the plane, they are impatient to wait for you to bring down your carry on, or check your seat for anything you may have forgotten. They are quick to rush pass you regardless of flight class. It is easy to forget things on the plane. Take your time regardless of the unnecessary rush you see. I once forgot my duty free bag full of perfume on the flight, just because I had already gotten off the plane I was not allowed to go back on for security reasons even though I remembered just at the foot of the plane. It was such an ordeal for me to get my bag back, as I had to wait for the plane to be cleaned and my bag to be  reported as lost or left baggage before it was released to me.

When you need to pass someone who has children or who is elderly who is taking their time to gather themselves together, a simple ‘excuse me’ or ‘thank you’ is all you require.

Arrival Gate 

Queues are not exempted at the arrival gate, you are tired, weary and a little imbalanced coming off a flight. All you need is to comport yourself gather your momentum and composure. Greet customs pleasantly as you approach them, have your passport and travel documents available, and then proceed to receiving your bags. At times a number of flights arrive almost simultaneously meaning that large batches of passengers are heading for the arrival gate. The queues can become increasingly long and frustrating, keep children under control and patiently follow  the line as it does move quite fast.

Baggage Arrival

Caution needs to be taken when bags are being claimed from the conveyor belt. Passengers are anxious to retrieve their belongings; at times they may mistakenly take other bags that simply look similar to theirs. Inspite of my conspicuous tags and ribbons, I have had my bag taken out of the airport up to four times. Luckily I have been able to retrieve my bags on all occasions because I was able to identify this very early. It is essential you check the name tag properly even if the bag really does look similar to yours. Be careful when taking your bag off the belt to avoid injuring yourself or someone else. Keep your children away from the moving belt let them be seated while sort the baggage, If you need help with carrying your bags ask a fellow passenger or porter politely.

Your flight experience ends when you finally leave the airport. Remember these few tips on your next business or social trip. Your image and reputation is prime to you, do not sabotage it as you embark on your journey. Your attitude, behavior and the way you behave is on watch all the time.

Have a pleasant flight on your next journey.

Bon Voyage!