Air Travel: Eight Tips for Passengers from Pilots

While flying, we all want to be comfortable during the flight, but there are some habits that passengers should avoid according to pilots.

Pilots are not always in control of the aircraft, sometimes they are passengers. However, their experience allows them to have a different perspective on things. Here are eight pilot tips that apply when flying:

1. Put your shoes back on to go to the bathroom

Most people like to take their shoes off after boarding the plane, it's important to put them back on when going to the bathroom, but to avoid getting urine on the floor.

“Many passengers naturally take off their shoes when seated for comfort during a flight, but I always make sure to wear them when using the restroom,” he explains. HuffPost Stefán Dór Arnarsson, pilot for PLAY Airline.

2. Don't get up until the plane is near the landing gate

Even if the plane feels like standing up when it hits the ground, it is dangerous to stand up before the plane has come to a complete stop.

In addition to the fact that it's illegal to unbuckle your seat belt when the warning light is active, Michelle Gouris, a pilot with a charter airline, recalled that the plane would suddenly slam on the brakes.

“You can imagine that [si] If people are in the aisle, they are more likely to get hurt,” she said.

3. Always bring something to drink

It is advisable to buy a water bottle before boarding to avoid thirst during the journey.

“On commercial flights, I've found that there are times when flight attendants can't serve refreshments because of a very short flight or because of reported turbulence,” points out Jeannie Carter, a pilot for the private aviation company Wheels Up.

4. Don't panic when there's turbulence

M. said that there is no need to panic if there is chaos.^me Carter.

“Turbulence is a nuisance for many people, but the plane won't fall out of the sky. It's usually harmless as long as you follow the flight crew's instructions: sit down and wear your seat belt when asked,” she explained.

5. Don't put your two carry-on bags in the overhead compartment

It is not unknown that you are allowed to bring two carry-on bags on the plane. However, few people know that you should only store one in the overhead compartment and the second one should go under the seat in front of you.

“Early in my career, on commercial flights, I would throw two bags into the overhead compartment and think nothing more of it, until I was very disappointed when one of the last passengers to board didn't do it,” she says, adding that there was more room for her suitcase. in the overhead compartment,” Jeanie Carter said HuffPost.

6. Keep window covers on during take off and landing

Having access to a window allows you to not only see the view during takeoff and landing, but also to see if anything is out of the ordinary. According to pilot Mindy Lindheim, the route to the airport is more dangerous than the flight.

“Pilots can't see most wings from the cockpit, so a passenger might be the first to see something unusual and alert the crew,” she said.

7. Be prepared and organized while boarding

Being ready during boarding makes the process easier for everyone and avoids creating a traffic jam in the aisle.

“From a pilot's perspective, I want the boarding process to be as smooth as possible,” Arnarsson said. Before boarding began, I put my belongings away to minimize the time it would take to get to my seat. I remove everything from my trash bag that I want to have with me at my seat during the flight.

8. Don't forget to thank the staff

This simple measure of courtesy is often forgotten. However, it is important to thank the flight attendants and other members of the crew as well as recognize their good work in what is not always an easy environment.

“Whether the flight is delayed or the crew has to deal with bad weather, I always say thank you,” said M.^me Carter.