08/02/2026
Flying has become a pretty regular part of my life lately, and I've been trying to be more intentional about how I travel.
I've watched thousands of people board airplanes in everything from business suits to pajamas. (No judgment... well, maybe just a tiny observation.) It made me realize I want to travel a little differently.
So I'm working on a few habits:
• Dressing like I might need to walk straight into a meeting when I land—at least jeans or slacks and decent shoes.
• Looking baggage agents, gate agents, and flight attendants in the eye, saying "thank you," and remembering that a little kindness goes a long way.
• Actually paying attention during the safety demonstration. A flight attendant once thanked me for making eye contact and listening, and it occurred to me that giving someone your attention is a simple form of respect.
• Minding the boarding queue, waiting my turn, and letting someone go ahead of me when it makes sense.
One thing that also helps my patience: every flight is a temporary community. For a few hours, several hundred people from different backgrounds, cultures, professions, and life experiences are sharing the same little aluminum tube. Some are heading to vacations, some to funerals, some to job interviews, some to weddings, and some are simply trying to get home.
Remembering that makes it a little easier to choose grace over irritation.
I'm curious... what's one travel habit or airplane etiquette rule that's important to you?
