Travelling by plane presents a unique set of circumstances when it comes to dealing with people in close quarters. People tend to be quite sensitive when they find their personal space being invaded. Here are some simple rules to follow that will help you and your business colleagues have a smooth flight:

1. Be considerate of other passengers when boarding. This means carrying your luggage in front of you and low to the floor, as you walk along the aisle, otherwise you will knock seated passengers in their arms and shoulders.

2. When seated, always ask before reclining your seat, especially when you see children or young passengers seated behind you. Otherwise, it is always better to keep your seat in an upright position.

3. Avoid grabbing the back of the seat in front of you, especially when occupied. It seems like common sense, but many times, when travelling we tend to try to find the right position by holding the back of the seat in front of us.

4. Place your arms on your armrest, not on the armrest of those beside you. Any invasion of personal space can be quite insulting, especially on long flights.

5. If you want to read the newspaper or work on your laptop computer, remember to make sure you are not elbowing anyone in the process or blocking their view. Remember to carry a headset if you plan on using any audio material. Beeping noises can be very annoying during the flight. And if you are reading, read your own newspaper, not the one of the passenger next to you.

6. Be quick and aware when placing bags in overhead compartments. Think ahead and retrieve any items you might want to use during the flight ahead of time.

7. Respect passengers’ airspace as well. When travelling by plane, the sudden changes in pressure and temperature make you sweat quite easily, so remember to wear extra deodorant. Always bring a handkerchief or tissue, just in case you feel the urge to sneeze.

8. A special message for business passengers: DO NOT SPEAK LOUDLY with your colleagues throughout flights. Airplanes are not a suitable place for any type of company meetings. If you have to plan ahead for a meeting, do your work on your laptop and pass the information from person to person if need be.

9. When exiting the plane, remember to wait for your turn. Let passengers closest to the exits, vacate the plane before you and then move quickly to the door of the plane to allow passengers with connecting flights reach their gates as soon as possible.

10. At the luggage pick-up or carousel, remember to take a step back from the conveyor belt to identify your luggage, then step forward only to retrieve it.

Following these 10 simple rules will make your flight, and that of those around you, a much more gratifying and relaxing experience.

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