The gentleman’s guide to air travel

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Some simple things to remember include the following:

First, limit your carry-on baggage. The gentleman sitting next to me on my last leg back to Paris had boarded with a backpack, carry-on bag, and satchel. Not only did his items take up more than his fair share of overhead storage space, he assumed that he’d store one of his items on the floor in front of my seat. That didn’t happen, of course, but the lack of courtesy didn’t help.

Second, when you board the flight, be patient. You’re not fleeing a dictatorship (yet). You’re on a scheduled commercial flight. There are seats for everybody, and the plane is not gong to taxi and take off until everyone’s on board and buckled up. So if the retired couple in front of you are slow to find their seats, don’t sweat it.

Third, don’t lean your seat back during the flight. Sure, it might be a little more comfortable, but it really is a pain for the person sitting behind you. People are bigger. Seats are smaller. The top of your head is not pretty, especially close up. Be thoughtful. Sit upright.

Fourth, unless it’s absolutely necessary, don’t make extra requests. The flight crew have their hands full with unruly children of all ages who positively pounce when given the opportunity to have someone serve them.

Of course, the flight crew is there to serve you…and a couple of hundred other passengers.  When they offer coffee or tea, don’t ask if they could make a nonfat decaf double macchiato with just an ever-so-light dusting of cinnamon. Just keep it simple with a Smile, a Please, and a Thank You.

Fifth, stay in your lane. We’ve all sat next to the inconsiderate passenger who takes both arm rests and spreads out like a sultan sailing down the Nile. Unless you’re in business class or first class, space is usually limited. Be aware. If you’re on the aisle, take the aisle arm rest and leave the middle person some room. Ditto for the window seat.

Sixth, we can hear your music coming through your headphones. Turn it down. Or better yet, turn it off. Read a book.

Seventh, be awake when the food is delivered to you.

Eighth, after landing, be calm. Take care when pulling your luggage out from the overhead compartments. Allow those in front of you to stand up, step out, and head to the exit.

In summary, a lot of this is common sense. Today, however, it’s just not that common.

Be a good traveler.

About Byron Tully (right)

Grandson of a newspaper publisher and son of an oil industry executive, Byron Tully is an author who also writes for the entertainment industry. His nonfiction debut, "The Old Money Book," was published in April of 2013 to excellent reviews and enjoys consistently strong sales worldwide. His other works include "The Old Money Guide To Marriage", "Old Money, New Woman: How To Manage Your Money and Your Life", and "Old Money Style - The Gentleman's Edition".

Byron regularly contributes to its blog, www.theoldmoneybook.com, which has been visited by over 1 million readers since 2014.

In February of 2020, "Old Money Style - The Gentleman's Edition" was published by Acorn Street Press. This fourth book in the Old Money series reveals the fundamentals of dressing well in a classic and timeless style. In November of 2020, Byron published a 2nd Edition of "The Old Money Book", which expands on his original classic. This 2nd Edition includes vital information and insights for readers as they navigate a very different, post-pandemic world.

Byron speaks frequently about the culture and values of Old Money. He has been interviewed by KABC New York's Financial Quarterback Show, The Huffington Post, and The Simple Dollar, among others.

He lives in Paris and is happily married to an Old Money Gal from Boston.