Airline Business Travel Etiquette in Western Countries When conducting business travel by airline in western countries, there are some travel etiquette rules and tips you should pay attention to. Too frequently, business people and other travellers who violate these etiquette rules diminish the overall airline passenger experience for everyone involved – including them. Etiquette is always about making sure that everyone is comfortable. Please consider the following tips: Arrive at the airport early enough so that you may board when the plane is ready. Please remember that if you are running late and not boarding on time with rest of the group, you are most likely creating a delay for everyone. Domestic flights require you to check in 1 hour before take off, and International flights require 2 hours. Place one item in the overhead bin and a personal item under the seat in front of you. While you are on board the plane, you should always store only one item in the overhead compartment above your seat and a personal item should be stowed beneath the seat in front of you. It’s considered bad etiquette practice to store both of your items in the overhead bin so you have more leg room during the flight. Consideration should be extended to others who wish to sit together. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes for a moment and you will know what the “right” thing to do is. For example, it may mean that you can offer your window or aisle seat to a mother or father to sit with their child. It’s inconsiderate to push your seat back to its full reclining position. It may restrict the person behind you. If you wish to recline the airplane seat more than half of its capacity , you can ask the person sitting behind you if they mind if you push your seat down. You should feel free to relax as much as the seat will allow only if the passenger behind you does not mind. Encourage clean conditions for the lavatory. Once in the bathroom (be patient and courteous if there’s a line), remember that the airplane bathroom is shared with everyone on board the plane and it is a very small space. Do your best to avoid splashing water on the counter and floor and pick up paper towels if they have fallen on the floor. Do your part to help ensure the airplanes bathroom remains clean. Litter should be removed from seat pockets prior to departing. Passengers tend to treat the seat pocket space in front of them as if it’s their own personal space for storage and waste. Do remember to give your garbage to the flight attendant before disembark ing. Don’t leave litter behind – especially small wrappers or crumbs for the next passenger. Disembarking rows should begin with those who are seated on the side closest to the exit door of a plane. It seems that most travelers are ready to leave the plane by the end of a flight, and you’ll notice them pushing or shoving their way out of a row and grab their belongings as soon as they can. Of course it’s okay to stand in your own row and wait for your turn to exit. When traveling in a group, the person sitting in the aisle seat most times will help get the items that have been stored in the overhead bin while waiting. Check to make sure you have all your belongings , once the passengers in front of you have started into the aisle you may follow. Choose the best one to complete the following sentences.