Captain Nowhere Air Chatter

There are two very basic types of travelers out there. The talkative chatty
passenger and the quiet leave me alone passenger. There are ways to properly
handle both types of passengers. This means that you don’t have to stuff one
those nasty airline blankets in a passengers mouth to shut them up or pretend
that you have rampant Tourette’s Syndrome. Flight usually goes smoothly when
you pair two of the same type of passengers up however, even then some basic
rules of etiquette should be followed.

First, if you are a friendly talkative person you have to accept that not everyone
is. Some of us just want to be left alone with our book, magazine, or personal
space. There are those who need to sleep on a flight to deal with their nerves and
chatting them up isn’t going to help things. It may be hard to sit quietly and
enjoy the flight but, forcing conversation on a person who doesn’t want to
engage is rude.

Signs that you are dealing with passenger who doesn’t want to talk can be very
blatant or subtle. It is necessary to be able to read these hints to ensure that you
aren’t annoying your fellow passenger. Here are a few of the things you could
look for. The passenger gives short answers your questions and makes little
effort to contribute to the conversation. They don’t keep eye contact with you.
They have a book, magazine, or other item that they are trying to be engaged in.
There head is tilted, eyes closed, and a slight line of drool is coming from there
mouth. Just try to use common sense and things should work out.

For those of you who are dealing with a passenger that won’t let up and is
insistent on talking your ear off there are ways to politely deal with this and
observe the rules of flight etiquette. Some people are just genuinely friendly and
talkative and some deal with there nerves in flight by talking it out. If you are so
inclined it wouldn’t hurt you to talk with them at least for a few minutes during
take off and prior to landing. If they won’t let up sometimes a simple excuse will
allow you a courteous exit from conversation. “It was nice to meet you Mr. or
Mrs. Whomever but if you will excuse me, I would like to squeeze in a chapter or
two, catch of on my gossip, or take a nap” Most usually this will work better than
ignoring the passenger completely. Mp3 players and in flight movies are other
great ways to keep to yourself. Many passengers won’t try to compete with
earphones.

For either type of passenger looking to find more agreeable seating
accommodations is often an option. If you really want to find someone to talk to
or need some quiet to take a nap looking for another open seat can be a viable
option. I wouldn’t suggest this as a first option but rather as a failsafe if all other
attempts fall short. Often it’s not a big deal but also bear in mind that taking a
seat next to another person who had a little extra elbow room isn’t always going
to be a change for the best. Think of others before you think of yourself and you
will find happiness more often. Be courteous and observe the rules of flight
etiquette.

Travel Safe, Travel Smart . . . Get Somewhere!