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).

Hotels, Motels, and the Holiday Inn

I was recently asked to weigh in on hotel etiquette, more specifically, etiquette for room service. As this is a broad subject, I'd like to break it down to a couple topics:

• What is appropriate attire to wear when accepting room service?

Although hotels are meant to feel like a home away from home, it's important to remember some discretion when stepping out of your room or when others will be coming in. Try to be as covered up as possible. Lounge wear (sweats, pajamas) is acceptable. In a pinch, most hotels keep white robes in the closet near the door. Although I'm sure hotel employees have seen it all, it's best to prevent yourself from overexposure and potential embarrassment for the room attendant.

• Should I tip on top of the included 18% gratuity for delivered food?

Generally speaking, I don't tip on top of included gratuity in restaurants or for room service. Some wait staff go above and beyond when setting up a room service meal. In this case I suggest tipping a few dollars in cash rather than adding an amount onto the ticket.

• Should Housekeeping be tipped?

Tipping housekeeping is something that has become more prevalent as of late. Showing this appreciation is partly due to the fact that many hotels are cutting back on their cleaning staff and housekeeping employees are having to take on more rooms. A couple dollars a day will suffice. If you leave the room especially messy, I recommend tipping a little more. I also recommend doing a little pickup yourself before leaving the room for the day. Housekeeping doesn't generally interfere with your personal affects, however leaving them scattered all over can make it more difficult for them to properly clean the room.

• When is it OK to submit a complaint to management?

There are those who expect five star service at a two star price, and will gladly vocalize these expectations. Please do not allow yourself to fall into this category. Unfortunately, the situation may arise that the essentials of your stay are over-looked or service is sub-par (Items I would include with this are unclean linens, anything that is visibly dirty, a rusted iron, or broken utilities). When this occurs, go to the front desk and ask for management. Patiently explain the problem, taking the approach that you thought it important to inform the hotel of the situation in hopes to prevent this from occurring with future guests, rather than complaining. Do not cause a raucous. A good hotel will provide some recompense for the inconvenience, however do not express that this is expected. If you feel your concerns were not adequately addressed, end the conversation by thanking them for their time, but regrettably you will not be returning for a future stay.

Fly The Friendly Skies. Part One.

Summer time is a great time to travel. The kids are out of school, the weather's warm, and a little getaway is ever so tempting. There are, of course, some courtesies and etiquette guidelines I'd like to gently remind all you jet setters of out there.

Timing.

• Give yourself and your party plenty of time to check in and get to the gate. Rule of thumb is one hour for domestic and two hours for international. Please add a half hour to both estimates if you're traveling out of a notoriously large and busy airport like JFK or LAX.
• Waiting will be inevitable. All of the traveling public is going through the same process and standing in line as well. Grumbling about the inconvenience to neighbors or airline staff will not help speed up the process one bit. It also won't make you any friends.

Preparation is key.

• Research any new FAA regulations that may be in place prior to leaving home.
• Get yourself ready while waiting. Pull out your ID and boarding pass, have your liquids already gathered together in a clear bag, remove bulky clothing and jewelry, separate your laptop from its case.
• If you are traveling with little ones, give them a head's up beforehand of what to expect while traveling. The entire process is trying on adults, it can be even harder for youngsters. Prepping them on what to expect at each step of the trip might help. Even better, make a game out of it.
• Take the length of your flight and your personal needs into consideration and plan accordingly. Do you get warm easily? Wear layers. Cold? Bring a blanket or sweater. Bothered by light? Have an eye mask handy.

Travel with a polished appearance.

• As fashion writer, Derek Blasberg puts it, the airport is one of the last great places to meet single men who can afford to travel, so why show up to your flight looking like a hot mess?  I've mentioned the importance of taking pride in one's appearance before, and flying is no exception. Business contacts, romantic contacts, old friends, or gasp, a celeb! can all be found on the same 747 you're about to board. Ditch the Juicy suit and opt for a classic ensemble.
• My current go to travel outfit is a pair of jeggings (the comfortable hybrid of jeans and leggings), mid-height heels, a tank top, jacket, and plenty of accessories (jewelry is a light and easy way to dress up one's outfit). I keep in my bag a sweater, hair scarf or hat, sunglasses, and ballet flats.
• If you check a bag (which I unfortunately always do), you should also keep an entire change of clothes with you in your carry on. This is in anticipation of the unlikely but unfortunate event that your luggage decides to take a later flight.