Smile and politely greet the passengers in the same row as you as you take your seats. Photo / Getty Images
Anna Hart explains how you can be the perfect plane passenger.
In the century since the first commercial flight, international travel has become less like a glamorous high-society party in the sky, and now resembles a shabby student flat on a hung-over Sunday. We've lost the dinner jackets and
clink of martini glasses; they've been replaced by stray grubby sports socks and dog-eared copies of trashy magazines. And when we lose glamour, we lose good manners and decorum. Glamour, in essence, is a visual cue to behave a little bit better, to bring the best versions of ourselves into the arena. Alas, there is little glamour to be found in Economy Class these days, and that's where firm, fixed rules of etiquette come into play.
Jet-iquette, if you like.
In-Flight Attire
For long-haul flights, comfortable sportswear is permissible but if you're going to dress like a slob, you need to ensure you don't smell like a slob, talk like a slob, or eat like a slob. Bare feet aren't acceptable and neither are shabby socks; if you remove your shoes, have a dapper pair of flight socks to hand.
Airline Personnel
Treat airline staff like hosts, not staff. They have invited you to this peculiar party in the sky, and the more enthusiasm and gratitude you can muster, the more miniature bottles of merlot they'll bestow upon you.
