Traveling Politely

On an American Airlines flight back in November 2011, I had an interesting experience regarding dealing with the flight attendants.

Because I had my three children with me, I has hauling quite a bit more than usual. Checking in luggage is both expensive and risky due to the "care" that the ground crews dole onto said baggage.

Anyway, while I was placing our baggage into the overhead bins, a flight attendant approached me and requested that I rearrange them in order to make room for others, since the passenger count was at maximum capacity. I simply said, "Whatever makes it easier for you is cool with me." She seemed a little surprised, but in a more positive note.

Now, since I had to rush to the airport, I didn't have time to stop by an ATM, so I was not carrying any cash, but I was carrying my debit card that needs to be replaced due to its magnetic strip being worn out. Many card readers have a difficult time scanning the plethora of information contained in the black stripe.

Later into the flight, when they passed out the free beverages and small snacks, I always made sure I said "Please" and "Thank you." At the same time, my children were behaving better than many adults do on flights. This was brought to my attention by the same flight attendant. Of course, I beamed at someone complimenting my kids.

Nonetheless, I wanted something besides just a soda or coffee for myself and pretzels for my kids, so I offered to purchase a large chocolate chip cookie for my three young ones and a small bottle of red wine for myself (though I love traveling, I'm a rather nervous flyer).

As it were, I needed to pay with my debit card, but when the flight attendant tried to swipe it through, the portable card reader would not scan the information. She tried it about seven times, and alas! Nothing.

I offered just to skip the culinary indulgences, but she decided just to let me have them both "on the house," or should I say, "on the jet." She then relayed to me that due to my demeanor and use of simple words of courtesy that there would be no charge.

Therefore, she seemed happy, my kids were happy with their big cookie, and I was happy that I could pour a little fermented grape juice down my throat.

Now this is not to say that good behavior and courtesy will earn material benefits, but it can always go a long way in creating a more pleasant atmosphere in an already stressful situation.

So when traveling, try to make it easy on whoever it is that deals with passengers. Their job is hard enough as it is. Using courteous words that contain on one or two syllables will not deplete a passenger of oxygen, and it makes for just slightly better experience for the attendant. That in turn can affect the manner in which the attendant deals with others.

So, before making demands or acting impatiently, take a few moments and turn on the positive vibes. Who knows? You may just get a free bottle of merlot.