Flying is always a stressful business – and thoughtless behaviour from fellow passengers just makes it worst.
But help is at hand for male passengers keen to know how they can make the journeys for those around them more pleasurable.
It comes in the form of a survey that addresses the most annoying habits men have while flying – and how a gentleman should comport himself whilst in the air. Subjects covered include over-indulging in G&Ts and helping fellow passengers with luggage.
Two thirds of those polled said that a gentleman should offer assistance to fellow passengers with their overhead luggage
The study, by The Gentleman’s Journal, polled 2,000 people across the UK, with two thirds of them stating that a gentleman should offer assistance to fellow passengers who are struggling to stow baggage in overhead lockers.
Another rule for a person of refinement is not to quaff too many G&Ts.
Sixty-five per cent said overindulging in drink is the biggest anti-social sin you can commit while flying.
Turning to seating do’s and don’ts, the survey reports that not asking permission to recline a seat is mostly frowned upon.
Here 60 per cent said that failing to do so is a source of annoyance.
In addition, a model gentleman flyer should also never show irritation or exhibit displeasure at a crying child.
Hogging the armrests is also a no-no, with 54 percent of people admitting they weren’t thrilled when this occurs.
In fact, manspreading in general is frowned upon. So if you want to be gallant, learn to travel light, the Journal reports, with luggage that doesn’t take up too much space in the overhead locker, and don’t stick out legs and elbows.
A model gentleman flyer should never show irritation or exhibit displeasure at a nearby bawling child
Twenty per cent of women surveyed felt manspreading was a ‘cardinal sin’.
When deplaning, don’t push into the melee trying to get off, the Journal says. Help people down with their bags from the overhead lockers and get yours down with a minimum of fuss.
And thank the cabin staff on the way out.
British Airways also recently tackled mid-flight etiquette.
It polled travellers in both the US, UK, Germany, France and Italy on the main issues most people have when flying.
When it came to getting comfortable, 59 per cent of all travellers surveyed by BA said it’s fine to kick off shoes.
However, most draw the line with removing socks, with 87 per cent of people saying going bare foot is too far.
And 80 per cent said it is acceptable to wake your sleeping neighbour if you need to get past them to answer a call of nature.