Whatever you do, don’t stand up before the plane is at the final gate.
When airline pilots travel as passengers, they bring a unique perspective from the cockpit to the cabin.
And their fellow travelers could learn a thing or two about what not to do.
HuffPost asked pilots what behaviors they always avoid when they fly as passengers.
Dont leave your shoes off when you go to the bathroom.
How crazy is that?
Dont stand up before the plane is at the gate.
Dont board without a beverage.
Dont panic about turbulence.
I liken turbulence to riding in a boat, Carter said.
In the boat you’re able to see the waves as you are bouncing along.
Air is a fluid just like water, but in the air you are unable to see the waves.
Its perfectly safe and the airplane can handle it.
Dont put both bags in the overhead bin.
If everyone would do that one small thing, it would make travel so much easier for everyone.
Dont keep the window shade closed during takeoff and landing.
I never keep the window shade closed for takeoff or landing, said pilot and bloggerMindy Lindheim.
Still, she emphasized that air travel remains safer than many travelers fear.
We pilots prepare for the worst, but it is uncommon to encounter, Lindheim said.
The drive to the airport is much more dangerous than the flight.
Dont board before getting organized.
From a pilots perspective, I want the boarding process to be as seamless as possible, Arnarsson said.
Before boarding begins, I arrange my belongings to minimize my time getting to my seat.
Dont forget to thank the flight crew.
New health concerns spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic andpassenger ragehave made flight crew members jobs riskier.
In a tough work climate, acknowledging the work they do goes a long way.
As Im deplaning, I always say thank you to the flight crew, Carter said.
