Traveling

I just got back from a lovely trip and was once again reminded of bad manners. I don't know what it is with travel that brings out the worst in most people.

Why is it when it nears boarding time on an airplane people crowd the gate? It's impossible for the people who are called to board the plane because it's jammed with bodies agitated about getting on the plane first so they have a place to stow their luggage.

Of course airlines could make it easier...board the back of the plane first, segregating window, center and aisle seats. I like aisle seats; so I try and board last so I don't have to get up two times to let late comers or high zone numbers in after I get settled.

Why do passengers fill the overhead bin with small briefcases that will easily fit under the seat in front of them? Where is the etiquette of overhead bins? Oh, I'm supposed to write this. Only roll aboard or large pieces up in the bin. Once the plane is fully loaded then you may put little stuff up there.

But, the worst offender is the person that passes gas on a plane. It's men. They pass these silent deadly farts that asphyxiate all those around them. Personally, I think you people should be removed from the plane immediately for dropping that bomb.

Please, let's be civilized when boarding a plane. Remember we all have tickets, the plane isn't leaving until we all get on. If we smile at one another and are courteous we will all have a much better experience and a much better experience means a better flight. And for gas-heads, there's Beano...

Knowing When to Exit

A funny title for a column I agree, but ever so important. Recently, as you may know my column was cancelled and it was just devastating to me...but understandable because of the expense of print newspapers. My cancelation reminded me of the manners of making a lovely exit.

When invited to an event it is always polite to leave at the end. If it is a formal event, such as a symphonic concert, ballet or opera, you must leave when it is finished and not before. It is bad manners to rustle yourself out of the hall just as the last few notes are being played before the applause has begun. What a little piggy you are thinking you can avoid the traffic crunch out of the parking lot.

If you are at a dinner party of course you mustn't leave until the last of the food has been served and the final dinner conversation has begun. Leaving mid-meal because Gossip Girl is on is very impolite, especially now when you have TiVo and Hulu. I once had a friend who came to dinner and turned the television on in the middle so she wouldn't miss her silly program. Needless to say I've removed all televisions from my home.

Making a lovely exit requires a commitment to your host that you are there because you enjoy their company and that you would rather spend time with them than anyplace else at that given time.

It's quite simple, like good manners. Treat others how you would like to be treated.
xoxo Amanda

Travel Manners

Here's a little teaser from my next column in Solares Hill.

Q. I don’t understand why people push and shove to be first on a plane when we’re all going to the same place and the plane can’t leave until we’re all on it and seated. How do you suggest I deal with these rude passengers?
A. Dearest tender heart, there is nothing more rude than a pusher or shover. I wouldn’t be surprised if these people had been chastised for this kind of behavior as children. Something about airplanes that make adults act like children and believe me it’s not because they’re going to Disney World! The best way to handle these types is to step aside and let them go ahead or to wait until everyone has boarded. I really don’t know when airlines are going to finally get it and let window seats sit first etc.

We all know these people, they should be made to go to the back of the line.