The cost to fly goes up. If you want something to eat, besides peanuts, you have to pay for it or bring it on board with you. The flights are often full and the seats and leg room seem to get smaller. It's no wonder people get grumpy when it comes to airline travel; with circumstances such as these, good manners are more important than ever!
Carry-on luggage: Space is limited and most airlines are cracking down. Don't think "Oh, I'll be able to slip this through"; there are at least 20 other people thinking the exact same thing. Carry your bag in front of you as you walk down the aisle -- over-the-shoulder luggage has a tendency to knock heads of those already seated. Your bag either goes under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin adjacent to your seat (not the first bin you come across as you board.)
Armrests: The person in the aisle seat gets the one on their right, the person in the window seat gets the one on their left; the person in the middle seat typically gets both armrests to help make up for that horrible seat. An alternative would be to share a middle seat armrest but this should be discussed before staking claim. Don't assume that because the person removes his arm for a moment that the armrest is now yours for the taking.
Personal Space: While it is not much, it does belong to the person in the seat. Keep your laptop and papers on your own tray. Your music should be heard only by you (no singing along). Keep your shoes and socks on because smells count. This also goes for any food you bring on board, cologne, and the need for deodorant - be considerate and think of everyone else on the plane.
Seats: Be considerate when reclining your seat back. Do so slowly, and refrain from fully reclining. Yes, you paid for your seat and have the right to do so, but the person behind you also paid for her seat, which includes the space in front of her. It's about consideration and cooperation in small spaces. Use your arm rests to get up and avoid grabbing the back of the seat in front of you.
Restrooms: They are not there to be used as a make-up table, dressing room, or, um, anything else. Lingering is disrespectful of other passengers; be quick and tidy up after yourself.
Chatty Seatmates: If you aren't interested in conversation (or someone is driving you nuts with their life story) it is ok to say you are too tired, busy, sick, what have you, to talk. Always remember to be courteous and use a smile - you never know who you may be seated with.
Oh, those kids: Yes, they may cry, kick seats, and have you wish you could book a "No Kids" flight. Keep in mind that for babies and small children the pressure differences in their ears can be very painful. Try to have a little patience, especially if the parents are obviously trying; they usually want their child to stop crying even more than you do. Earplugs are inexpensive, very small, and easy to keep in your bag if this is a real issue for you.
Flight Attendants: First and foremost, they are there for your safety. They have no control over the weather, delayed flights, canceled flights, or your bad day. Be courteous and respectful of them. Follow their instructions; allow them to offer beverage and food service uninterrupted. Don't make them babysit you -- they have many passengers to watch over and assist.
Disembarking: Please, make it easier on everyone and wait your turn. (If you are desperate to make a connecting flight, alert a flight attendant ahead of time for assistance.) If someone is having trouble getting an item out of the overhead compartment, offer to help -- you may prevent an accident. Items can and do shift during the flight. Refrain from clogging the jetway waiting for colleagues; you can meet up at the gate, allowing everyone to exit quickly and easily.
It all comes down to courtesy and consideration of others, using the magic words, and remembering that everyone needs to do their part, starting with you.
