Macmillan Holdings, LLC. Modern Manners Guy, QDnow, and Quick and Dirty Tips are trademarks of Macmillan Holdings, LLC. How to deal with everything from carry-ons to kids. fairfie manners In 1990 our family flew from Honolulu to Atlanta. Our 2 kids, aged 8 & 2, were 2 of only 4 kids on the flight. There was no seat in front of us for our kids to kick (we requested the row). I attended to one child; my husband to the other. We were very mindful of trying not to disturb others. Other passengers, however, weren't finished with their vacations: talking loudly, drinking, standing in the aisles. Halfway through the flight, a flight attendant (very politely) asked ME if we could keep our children more quiet as someone had complained. I was seeing red at that point. The FA said she was doing her job in responding to the complaint, adding that she had noticed an increase in selfishness,rudeness & intolerance among passengers. She added that for some passengers, all they have to do is SEE a child on a plane to immediately become defensive & look for an opportunity to complain. I recall our experience whenever I see parents traveling with their small children, and I am determined not to add to the parents' anxiety. A smile & a friendly comment really helps them. http://manners.quickanddirtytips.com/airports-airplanes-2.aspx?commentid=17501#Comments http://manners.quickanddirtytips.com/airports-airplanes-2.aspx?commentid=17501#Comments Sat, 20 Jun 2009 13:01:13 GMT eliz manners Good advice, except I was on a flight last week where a young (2-3 year old) boy was messing with the tray on the back of my seat THE. WHOLE. FLIGHT. I couldn't say anything because the adults he were with were sleeping the whole time, and he only spoke Spanish! So frustrating. Any tips for dealing with language barriers? http://manners.quickanddirtytips.com/airports-airplanes-2.aspx?commentid=17493#Comments http://manners.quickanddirtytips.com/airports-airplanes-2.aspx?commentid=17493#Comments Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:36:24 GMT Sherri manners When our kids were very young we always travelled with a bag of (new) disposable ear plugs and a booklet or two of Frequent Flyer drink coupons. Out of our many trips we only had one flight with an un-quietable baby but I do believe that our cabin-mates appreciated that we came prepared as I passed out earplugs and chits for free alcohol! http://manners.quickanddirtytips.com/airports-airplanes-2.aspx?commentid=17492#Comments http://manners.quickanddirtytips.com/airports-airplanes-2.aspx?commentid=17492#Comments Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:31:41 GMT flygirl manners You're welcome! Anytime :) BTW, I believe some airlines still have cardboard boxes. Thanks again. http://manners.quickanddirtytips.com/airports-airplanes-2.aspx?commentid=17440#Comments http://manners.quickanddirtytips.com/airports-airplanes-2.aspx?commentid=17440#Comments Sat, 13 Jun 2009 02:26:04 GMT Trent Armstrong manners Thank you, FlyGirl for clearing that up! NEW RULE: Fold the garment bag or just place it on TOP of the other items in the bin. If I'm not mistaken there is some kind of garment box that can be obtained on check-in which can be checked and will keep clothes safe under the plane. (Confirmation anyone?) http://manners.quickanddirtytips.com/airports-airplanes-2.aspx?commentid=17385#Comments http://manners.quickanddirtytips.com/airports-airplanes-2.aspx?commentid=17385#Comments Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:52:12 GMT flygirl manners I was a flight attendant for over 20 years, and was enjoying your podcast until until I heard you say "..Fold your garment bags or ask the flight attendant to hang them up..." Please!!! NO!!! There is no 'secret' place, other than the cargo area underneath. The Good Old Days are long gone. There hasn't been a closet for 'main cabin' passengers since the early 1990s. The teeny tiny closets reserved for 'first class' are quickly disappearing, and can hold a few coats at most. Most of the airlines have eliminated almost all the storage in an effort to cram more seats in. Flight attendants will also appreciate your mentioning heavy 'carry on' bags too heavy for the overhead bins. If it's too heavy for you to lift, then it's too heavy for a flight attendant to lift. You also might consider overhead bins are opened during flight, sometimes on take-off. I've seen bags fall out on passengers on rare occasions. Please, if there is any question, check the bag in advance! If you find you have have miscalculated, then take the bag to the front of the plane to be checked. Almost every F/A has had a back injury at some time.I had to retire early due to a back injured on the plane. Thanks for covering this subject. http://manners.quickanddirtytips.com/airports-airplanes-2.aspx?commentid=17353#Comments http://manners.quickanddirtytips.com/airports-airplanes-2.aspx?commentid=17353#Comments Mon, 08 Jun 2009 23:51:22 GMT Sat, 20 Jun 2009 13:01:13 GMT http://manners.quickanddirtytips.com/airports-airplanes-2.aspx feedback@quickanddirtytips.com (Managing Editor) feedback@quickanddirtytips.com (Webmaster) en-us