Fly The Friendly Skies. Part Two. Now Boarding.

Congratulations. You have gracefully made your way past the security circus and to the boarding gate. Whew! It's easy sailing from here, right? Now's the time to just kick back relax and let everyone else do the work.

Ahem.

Unless you're boarding a private jet and literally have hired staff to do all the work, you still need to keep you social wits about you while flying commercially like the rest of us common folk. Like so many other guidelines for manners, friendly flying is truly about common sense and consideration for others. If I may elaborate:

• Try to take care of everything before boarding. Visit the loo, buy a bottle of water, grab a snack (more about this in a few), prepare your carry-on luggage by organizing what you will need for the duration of the flight under the seat in front of you, and what can be left in the overhead compartment.


• Wrap up all phone calls, business or otherwise. Although you can "technically" be on the phone until the airplane doors have closed, the close quarter seating arrangements and loud noise of the jets are not conducive for lengthy conversations. Your seat mates will thank you for wrapping things up early as well.


• If you are flying an airline that arranges seating, be to sure request your placement before boarding with the ticketing staff. It is completely unacceptable to ask your neighbors to switch places because you need a little more leg room in the aisle. This also applies to those trying to play musical chairs so they may sit with their travel party (exceptions to this rule are, of course, requesting to sit with minors and those in need of additional assistance).


• I myself am a big fan of checking out from reality the moment I get on board by grabbing a little shut eye. However, I'm aware that those next to me might have a different agenda and may be in the mood to chit chat. If my eye shades don't clue them in on my scheduled nap time, I'll indulge their wishes and converse. It doesn't need to be a long conversation, just a polite gesture that I'm open to communication. After all, I will be sitting next to these two people for several hours in very close quarters. It's important to keep them on my good side. Also keep in mind, you just never know who will be sitting next to you. My seat neighbors have ranged from film producers, a restaurateur, B level actors, clergy, politicians, soldiers coming home from serving abroad, and professionals with networking potential just to name a few.


• Alternately, if you are the chit chatter, be aware of those around you who may have work to do or prefer to keep to themselves.


• Airline food is a far cry from what it used to be. Peanuts or pretzels hardly satisfy the slightest of munchies. Airports have worked to offer a variety of meal options for travelers, and airlines are happy to allow this food on board. A word of caution though, choosing an enchilada burrito with extra onions will not only offend your neighbors, it might affect the whole plane. If a full meal is what you're craving, budget time before boarding to partake. Otherwise, keep your airplane snacks to food with minimal aroma.


• Finally, use caution when reclining your seat. I know that when upright, the seats are incredibly uncomfortable. Unfortunately, if the person behind you is working on a laptop, balancing an infant, or trying to eat, a reclined chair makes their tasks that much harder. There is no right or wrong here, simply consider your neighbors (and hopefully they will do the same for you).