Airplane Etiquette

The flight attendants will show you how to buckle a seat belt, but unfortunately there’s no in-flight guide on keeping the peace with fellow passengers..

Problem I: The child behind you is kicking your seat
Solution I: “Appeal to the parents’ sense of empathy,”says Caroline Tiger, a coauthor of How to Behave: A Guide to Modern Manners for the Socially Challenged (Quirk Books, $12, www.amazon.com). Say,“Do you mind asking him to stop kicking my seat? I’d love to take a nap.” If the child doesn’t stop shortly after your initial plea, kindly ask the adult if she would be willing to switch seats with the child.

Problem II: You want to enjoy a little peace and quiet; your neighbor wants to trade life stories.

Solution II: Grab a book or a magazine and she should get the hint. If she continues talking, says author Caroline Tiger, tell her, “I’m sorry — I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m dying to read this.” Another strong signal that you don’t want to chat? Headphones.

Problem III: You have to go to the bathroom, but your sleeping neighbor is blocking the way.

Solution III: It may be tempting to climb over her while she’s snoozing, but you risk awkwardly straddling her as she wakes up. Instead, give her a gentle pat and say, “Excuse me.”

Problem IV: You and your neighbor are jockeying for the shared armrest.

Solution IV: The armrest should go back and forth between you and your seatmate, says author Caroline Tiger. If you feel as if it is being hogged, stake your claim while your neighbor is using the bathroom and hold your