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Keith Kowalski's avatar

Great insights and rules- forwarding to my three well-traveled daughters. Middle seat armrests have been a discussion topic during many holiday gatherings. Thanks!

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PeterK's avatar

"If you are incapable of putting it in the overhead yourself, it is not a carry-on, and it should be checked."

rather than having the useless carry-on baggage template at the gate, airlines must require everyone who has a carryon to prove that they can lift it up over their head.

for years I was flying every other week. Rule #1 is "be nice to the flight attendants and the gate agents" especially the latter as they control who gets an upgrade to first class.. Can't tell you how many times Please and thank you ended with an upgrade

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Ben Connelly's avatar

Great advice. Having just taken a flight, this is top of mind for me.

“ And finally—I realize I may be in the minority here—guitars/banjos/cellos etc. are not carry-ons.”

This also applies to skateboards! I’ve been a couple flights where the young (or not so young) person next to me had his (inevitably this has been an all male category of person) skateboard stuck under the seat in front of him. This seemed so obviously something that security shouldn’t have let on the plane (ie a potential weapon).

“ But if your choice includes numerous items of flair (bangles, rings, necklaces, etc), put them into your personal bag and put them on your person AFTER you have cleared security.”

Would you extend that advice to belts (for those whose pants fit well enough that they won’t fall down)?

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Joan Folvag's avatar

Pointer for those traveling with small, active children: instead of the whole family taking advantage of the pre-board, select one adult from said party (if multiple adults) to pre-board with all carry-ons, and leave the remaining adult/adults with children in gate area so as not to confine the wee ones for 45 minutes longer than necessary.-for the sake of your fellow travelers.

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Bryan McGrath's avatar

This is genius.

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Ben Connelly's avatar

I’ve never thought of that but that’s brilliant. I’ll try to remember that when I have children.

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John Allen Williams's avatar

Concur all. I would add that before claiming your reclining space (which I almost never do, especially if I’m in steerage), don’t just suddenly slam your seat back into tender kneecaps. Harrumph! ⚓️

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Bryan McGrath's avatar

Agreed.

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Russell Smith's avatar

YES!!

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