Flight Etiquette: How Do You Measure Up?

canadatravels.com

Posted by Natasha Jervis

We all tend to think we are polite, charming and fault-free when we fly the open skies, but let’s take a look at how we really measure up to other frequent flyers with regards to flight etiquette.  It isn't just about allowing someone to cross over you to get to the aisle and passing a person’s peanuts to them anymore.

Flight etiquette professionals are considerate to their fellow blue sky travelers because they hope to receive the same respect in return.   Throughout the years flight crews have witnessed some of the silliest passenger scenarios, from armrest thieving villains to rude reclining seat avengers.  

If flight etiquette was the law then we would all be better off.  While it remains an unwritten law, there are some basic flight etiquette rules you can take into account when you are on your last minute flight to Europe or flying the red eye to New York.  Now let’s see where you measure up in the flight etiquette department.  Here are the top unwritten rules of air travel and flight etiquette when flying above and beyond.

Close Encounters of the Flying Kind

You are already in a confined space, so why make it smaller than it has to be. Try giving yourself and others as much space as utterly possible. Do you really need those two inches of seat reclining action?  If you feel it is necessary for you to recline your seat, take the time to look behind you to access the scenario. The passenger might have a seat tray filled with food, a baby in their lap or they might be super tall and twisted in a pretzel-like fashion. The best option for this situation is to ask the passenger behind you if it is ok to recline your chair.

Worst case scenario: You recline without checking and you find that you are facing a rather large 6 foot 8 angry man, hugging a crying baby and who is covered in apple sauce. Your call.

Armrest Wars

When you sit in your passenger seat after boarding the plane, do you immediately claim your armrest? Do you claim both? Yes, you are entitled to at least one armrest with your boarding pass, but if you are constantly battling it out for both armrests, consider that you might have a control issue.  All flight passengers need to practice a little ‘give and take’ in this scenario. If your neighbouring passenger possesses flight etiquette, most likely they will share the second armrest throughout the flight. It also depends on the window seat flyer and how much they battle it out for a little comfort.  Let the armrest wars begin.

*Take Note: Armrests were invented to break up each seat space, not to add ultimate comfort for passengers.

The Difference between Small Talk and a Chatty Cathy

Do you tend to tell your life story to people you have just met? Do you continue talking even though they have tried to escape your clutches by putting on head phones? If you are a natural chatterbox, take it down a notch when in-flight. Many passengers are trying to escape to exotic lands of peace and tranquility, preparing for their next meeting or attempting to find some down time before arriving in their next destination.

Pick up on the in-flight vibes that your fellow passengers give you. If they have a book, laptop, head phones or a DVD player with them, most likely they are not interested in starting up a major conversation.  Light chit chat across tray tables is polite and just the right amount during a short or long haul flight. If you both seem interested in taking the conversation further, by all means, go for it.  Just remember to read the signs of your fellow passengers before unleashing family photos that include pictures of your dog ‘Butch’ performing his famous circus tricks.

Tipping Etiquette

travelsense.org

When it comes to your vacation, it's the littlest details, such as tipping etiquette, that can become the most confusing. Whom should you tip? How much? Do you need to tip at all? Never fear! With this simple guide to tipping, TravelSense will take the guesswork out of tipping etiquette and help you focus on more important things - like enjoying your vacation.

TIPPING AT AIRPORTS AND TRAIN STATIONS

Upon arriving at or leaving from the airport or train station, tip the standard porter rate of $1 per bag; more if your luggage is very heavy. Typically, a $1 tip for hailing a taxi is appropriate for doormen. However, you may want to tip more for special services, such as carrying your bags.

 

 

HOTEL TIPPING ETIQUETTE

When you arrive at your hotel after a long flight, first things first: Tip the taxi or limo driver. Ten to 15 percent of your total fare is usually expected. If you drive your own car, give the valet parking attendant $1 to $2. If you take a shuttle van or bus, tip the driver $2 per person.

The bellman, who will be more than happy to assist you with your bags and the door, should receive $1 to $2 per bag. Tip when he shows you to your room and again if he assists you upon checkout.

Tip more if he provides any additional service. The concierge, who can get you anything from dinner reservations to hard-to-come-by theatre tickets, deserves $5 to $10 for such feats. You may tip at the time of service or at the end of the trip. To ensure good service throughout your stay, add a $20 tip to the bill.

Add 15 percent of the bill to a room service charge, unless a gratuity is already added, then add no additional tip or simply $1. If you requested something delivered to your room such as a hairdryer or iron, tip $1 per item received. Typically, the maid deserves a $2 tip each day, as well.

TOUR TIPPING ETIQUETTE

If you're taking a tour and a tip is not automatically included, tip a local guide $1 per person for a half-day tour, $2 for full-day tour. Tip a private guide more.

If you are on a multi-day tour with a tour manager - someone who travels with the group for several days and is essentially in charge - tour operators suggest anywhere from $3-8 per person per day. Don't forget the bus driver either - $2 per person per day.

CRUISE TIPPING ETIQUETTE

When on a cruise, tip according to your comfort level and only on the last evening of your cruise. As a general rule, dining room waiters receive $3.50 per person/per day whereas the dining room assistant waiter should receive $2.00 per person/per day, the dining room maitre'd $3.50 per person/per day and the dining room manager $1.50 per person/per day. 

The room steward, for all his efforts, receives $3.50 per person/per day. Other personnel, such as bar waiters, bellboys and deck stewards may be tipped as service is rendered.

 

 

RESTAURANT TIPPING ETIQUETTE

Although excellent service calls for 20 percent of the total bill, most U.S. restaurants accept 15 percent as the standard tip. In restaurants where you sit at the bar or the waiter is a small part of the meal (cafes or pubs), 10 percent is also acceptable. The bar tenders, themselves, generally receive between 15 and 20% when you sit at the bar. If the food or service is unsatisfactory, speak to the manager - don't walk out without tipping. And pay attention to lunch and dinner bills in Europe and Asia, as some restaurants tack on an additional 15 percent (usually listed on the menu or check as a "service charge") and do not expect tips.

At fancy restaurants, tip the maitre d' between $5 and $10 if he gets you a table - more when the restaurant is full and you have no reservations. Tip $1 when you check your coat, and another $.50 to $1 for restroom attendants. For personal service from the wine steward, opt for 10 percent of the wine bill.

This tipping etiquette will hopefully give you a general idea of the standard tipping rate for different stops along your journey. You are always welcome to tip more when the service is excellent, and when you do, you are sure to see the red carpet treatment all the way. Enjoy your vacation, and don't forget to tip!

Destination Wedding Basics: Top 13 Destination Wedding Tips

theknot.com

Pick the Perfect Spot

The location of your wedding determines not only the mood (rustic, sophisticated, beachy), but also the travel, time and budget required to pull it off. You want your guests to walk away from your wedding weekend saying, "That was so them!" Your wedding elements -- not just location, but also activities and overall vibe -- should say something about your personal style and your passions. Did he propose on vacation in Paris? Then why not host a swank wedding in the City of Lights? Are you foodies? Think about gathering your crew in a place like Tuscany or California wine country. Or if you love outdoor adventures, consider Costa Rica, where guests can zipline through the treetops before the rehearsal dinner.

Time It Right

Unfortunately, the best weather in popular vacation destinations tends to correlate with tourist season, when there are typically more crowds, fewer hotel and venue availabilities, and higher rates all around. If you choose to marry during high season, you’ll want to reserve hotel blocks and venues immediately and send out save-the-dates 10 to 12 months in advance so guests can book their flights and accommodations before prices skyrocket. If you choose the shoulder season (right after high season), you may be able to save yourself and your guests some money and still enjoy great weather. While the off-season will mean fewer crowds, the weather can be iffy, and you may find that many stores, venues and vendors close up shop.

Take a Trip

We seriously can’t recommend this enough: Take at least one planning trip and if you can swing it, two or three is ideal. On the first trip, you'll need to scout and secure your key venues -- ceremony and reception spaces, hotels for guests, a rehearsal dinner venue -- and local suppliers such as caterers, florists and photographers. Next (or during a second trip), you'll need to schedule "tastings" with your caterer, see sample bouquets from the florist, plan a hair and makeup session with a local salon and organize activities (golf, tennis, walking tours, museums) for your guests.

Factor in the Extra Expenses

If done right, a destination wedding can cost no more -- and maybe even less -- than hosting the same party at home (depending on where you live, of course). For example, if you live in a US metropolitan city where event facilities are in high demand, like New York City, then holding your wedding in Mexico will likely be less expensive than doing it at home, even when you factor in airfare, hotel expenses and planning trips. Still there are extra expenses you’ll need to factor in for any destination wedding, including importing key vendors and décor, welcome bags for guests, additional activities for guests and travel costs for you and your immediate families (including the planning trips, not just the big day).

Research Local Marriage Requirements

The legal side of tying the knot in a different country can be complicated. Many countries have a "residency requirement" (for example, 24 hours in Turks and Caicos and 7 days in England), which means you must reside in the country for a certain length of time before your ceremony. Although this is usually just a few days, it can be longer. France requires you to arrive at least 40 days before you marry!

Get Help

Control freaks, beware: If you’re hosting a wedding in a distant locale, you will need to entrust at least part of the planning to someone else’s capable hands. A wedding planner can shoulder the burden of researching and securing local vendors (especially valuable if said vendors speak English only as a second language), dealing with logistics like tent rentals and lighting and handling any last-minute fires that may start in the weeks leading up to the wedding. She is also the behind-the-scenes queen, creating gift bags for guests, greeting everyone at the airport, keeping people busy with fun activities once there, vetting special requests (babysitters, dry cleaners, and so on), and getting everyone where they need to be on-time. Many resorts include a coordinator in their wedding packages. Otherwise, set aside about 10 to 15 percent of your total budget for a local planner. Generally speaking, a local planner is your best bet, as he can be your man-on-the-ground when you can't be there. But if you prefer to go with a planner from back home, make sure they have experience planning weddings in your chosen destination and expect to cover his transportation costs for planning visits and the actual wedding.

Remember: You're on Island Time

Don't keep a constant eye on the clock. Remember that many tropical islands run on "island time" -- things happen when they happen -- so don't mistake a vendor's laid-back attitude for incompetence. Avoid the temptation to micromanage from afar. Schedule regular check-ins and then trust your vendors to work their magic.

Vet Vendors Carefully

While you can view vendors' portfolios online and check references from afar, it's especially important that you're comfortable with all your vendors. You'll be leaving a lot in their hands, as you won't be able to be nearly as hands-on, so it's important you trust those hands are capable. That's why we strongly suggest making at least one planning trip to meet with potential vendors. If you must hire your vendors unseen, schedule a video chat so you can get a sense for a potential vendor's demeanor and personality before you sign a contract. Your wedding planner can meet with potential vendors on your behalf and brief you on your options, as well. Another option: Bring pros you trust from home to handle critical aspects such as the wedding photography, hair and makeup, and design (lighting, flowers), and even work with local vendors in a supervisory capacity to avoid any communication mishaps. Just remember: You’ll have to cover their travel and lodging expenses.

Forewarn Your Friends

Tell your bridal party about the destination before you ask them to stand by your side so that they can gracefully decline if finances are tight. Don't be upset if some of your closest friends or relatives don't attend. While you are, in a sense, footing some of the food bills, their fees for travel, hotel, and car rental can really add up. And while your wedding is a mini-vacation for you, it may not be the one they want to take!

Mind Mother Nature

Don’t just assume that the weather in the Caribbean, Hawaii and Mexico is gorgeous year-round. Hurricane season lasts from July through October in the Caribbean and can put a major damper on your nuptials, while rainy season makes marrying in Hawaii dicey from November to March, and Italy can be uncomfortably hot in July and August.

Take Care of Guests

In addition to arranging group rates for flights and rooms, list information for getting to and from the nearest airport to your wedding locale, invite everyone to the rehearsal or welcome dinner and next-day brunch, and deliver welcome bags to their rooms, full of essentials for the trip, like suntan lotion, water and bug spray.

Dress the Part

Don't forget to consider the climate when choosing your wedding dress -- and deciding on everyone else's attire. You'll be swimming in sweat if you pair your fairy-tale satin ball gown with tropical humidity, and asking your groomsmen to wear tuxes in the sun and heat is just cruel. Also, if you're exchanging vows outside, you may want to reconsider a long train that will easily get muddy or grass-stained or three-inch heels that will stick in the mud.

Get a Move On It Already!

Not to stress you out, but you're basically competing in the Olympics of wedding planning -- the long-distance affair. You need to be twice as organized as a local couple and pre-think everything, because you won’t have much time to make up your mind, especially if you can only do one or two planning trips. Every trip should be one fat to-do list of appointments with vendors, coordinators and venue managers, so do your research, set up appointments and form a clear vision of what you want before you go. The good news: If you give yourselves one weekend to find a reception site, you'll find one. In other words, distance will make you decisive, which will make the whole planning process a lot less stressful.

-- The Knot