Where do you stand on the in-flight small talk issue? According to a survey of 1,500 travelers by British Airways, people are pretty divided when it comes to chatting up seat-mates on planes. Here’s what most people think is okay when talking to your neighbor on a plane and how to avoid awkwardness on your next flight.
- Don’t overshare.
Pexels Most survey respondents agreed that personal details aren’t appropriate to share when it comes to airplane small talk. Regaling your seat mate with tales of digestive upset, how your dog died or why you’re still not over your ex isn’t good in-flight etiquette. The conversation should stay light and friendly.
- If someone has headphones in, they don’t want to talk.
Pexels It doesn’t matter how interesting you’re finding that article in the airline magazine – if your neighbor has headphones in, they don’t want to hear about it.
- End an awkward conversation as soon as possible.
Flickr/Thomas Hawk Or you may be stuck in it for the long-haul. The longer you’ve been talking, the more difficult it is to send the signal that you’d rather just be left alone. Get out of an unwanted discussion by excusing yourself to go to the bathroom or simply saying you’re going to start an in-flight film and putting in some headphones.
- Don’t talk politics or religion.
Unsplash This one should be obvious, but discussing weighty subjects like religion or government on a flight is just a recipe for trouble.
- Consider switching seats if things are going really badly.
Flickr/Paul Stocker If the conversation deteriorates into anything resembling an argument or one party seems really offended, a cut-and-run may be your only option. Get up, seek out a flight attendant and explain the situation. If they have an empty seat available, they’ll likely let you move. The last thing flight crew want to deal with is a mid-air altercation.
- Say hello and be polite.
Unsplash Over 80 percent of respondents said that saying hello, giving a smile and generally being polite is acceptable and appropriate.
Hopefully these tips can help you avoid an awkward flight. For more travel new and intel, click here.
Pexels
Most survey respondents agreed that personal details aren’t appropriate to share when it comes to airplane small talk. Regaling your seat mate with tales of digestive upset, how your dog died or why you’re still not over your ex isn’t good in-flight etiquette. The conversation should stay light and friendly.
It doesn’t matter how interesting you’re finding that article in the airline magazine – if your neighbor has headphones in, they don’t want to hear about it.
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
Or you may be stuck in it for the long-haul. The longer you’ve been talking, the more difficult it is to send the signal that you’d rather just be left alone. Get out of an unwanted discussion by excusing yourself to go to the bathroom or simply saying you’re going to start an in-flight film and putting in some headphones.
Unsplash
This one should be obvious, but discussing weighty subjects like religion or government on a flight is just a recipe for trouble.
Flickr/Paul Stocker
If the conversation deteriorates into anything resembling an argument or one party seems really offended, a cut-and-run may be your only option. Get up, seek out a flight attendant and explain the situation. If they have an empty seat available, they’ll likely let you move. The last thing flight crew want to deal with is a mid-air altercation.
Over 80 percent of respondents said that saying hello, giving a smile and generally being polite is acceptable and appropriate.
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