7 types of people you don't want to meet at the airport
People who don't know how to behave in public places are usually avoided in order not to be part of a tense situation. However, what should you do if you encounter such people at the airport and risk ruining your mood before your trip?
Travel + Leisure asked etiquette experts for their opinion on this issue. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with 7 tips that will help you control the situation and determine how to deal with unpleasant people.
Waiting in line
You are likely to encounter irritated people in queues. They may be confused or irritated because they are not doing well or do not know what they need to do at the time. In such a case, do not rush to get upset but rather offer your assistance to help speed up the person. In addition, if the person is not aggressive, you can always ask to be let through without waiting in line.
"Patience is a virtue. If you are in a hurry because your flight is boarding, explain this to those in front of you and apologize for the inconvenience," says Laura Windsor, founder of the Laura Windsor Academy of Etiquette and Protocol.
The one who wants to be the first to board the plane
At the airport, you can often meet the type of person who tries to be the first to get on the plane. Although such people can be both surprising and annoying, they shouldn't bother you too much. One way or another, everyone is going to get on the plane, so it doesn't matter who is first or last. So, the best option in this situation is to ignore them.
"With that in mind, patience and good humour are often the best tools we have to just get through it," says Nick Layton, etiquette expert and host of the weekly comedy podcast Were You Raised by Wolves?
Crowded baggage belt
These people can create a crowd around the baggage carousel, checking each suitcase for their own and not caring about the crowd they create around them. In this case, you should also remain calm and remember that this person will eventually leave the area. However, if you are in a hurry, you should ask politely and not create a conflict situation.
"People in a hurry to board the plane and someone holding up the security line, or a person overcrowding the baggage carousel, may be the result of nervousness while travelling, or perhaps it's someone who doesn't do it often, is elderly or has a disability. Become an assistant if you see someone who may need help," says Mariah Grumet, founder of Old Soul Etiquette.
Watching a movie without headphones
You can often see this everywhere in the airport. Again, it's worth remembering to stay calm, change seats, or politely make a comment if you're in a crowded place.
Laura Winsor says, "All manners are based on the Golden Rule, which basically says do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It's a code of conduct that gives you the confidence to handle any situation, and ideally, it should be applied to every interaction."
Travellers with large suitcases
This is another common type of person at the airport. They are travelling with excessive weight, which they cannot always carry easily and quickly, delaying others. In this case, you can certainly offer your help, but you shouldn't forget about your own health.
Nick Layton notes that if the situation is worrisome and looks dangerous, it's best to contact the flight attendant. According to him, "They have special training and are often best placed to help."
People who take food from home
Such people are found in places where eating is simply inappropriate. In this case, if you are concerned about the smell, it is better to leave the place and come back later. However, if this is not possible or if you have an allergy, it is better to say so directly and politely.
Layton says, "The key to success is often to use an unbiased and neutral tone, even though your miles may be different."
Barefoot person in the bathroom
If you meet someone who doesn't wear a change of shoes in the bathroom, it's hard to ignore. However, as gross as it is, this problem does not apply to you.
"Barefoot (or socks) means bacteria, and it's disgusting. However, it's the passenger's problem," says Lisa Mirza Grotts, an etiquette expert from San Francisco.
