Airplane Tips: First Class Etiquette

It's handy to know that you should use the personal reading light instead of the overhead light when flying first class. My boss needs to head out of town for a meeting, and he wants to make sure that he's comfortable in first class. I'll share this information with him so that he can look further into ways to properly fly first class in the future.

1. Close the window shade. For you, its "lamp" (and lets be honest, youre reading something back lit)... for everyone else its the beacon that keeps ships from crashing against the shore. Close the damn shade. *if you have some.phobia relieved by an open window, discuss this with the person next to you, and give them a chance to move. Before takeoff. It shines in peoples eyes, makes crappy tablets feflect like crazy, and you dont even know. *youre awake and tje captain says "take a look at the sierra nevada out of the right window... its ok to open, but tjen close. 2. Space. Theres so much fucking space. Dont invade. Thats hard to do in economy (avoiding invasion in economy is hard), but unless youre going to the lav... But in first class? Stay on your side! 3. Assist the stewards. Pass drinks if youre aisle. Stack plates, put garbage neatly packed in a glass if window. Clear a sleeping passengers tray. Pick ONE DRINK and stick with it. The staff wont remember half the time. But ordering your white wine with a separate glass of ice then sending it back because there was too much wine in the one glass, and it couldnt fit in the ice class is facunty to the max. Also it delays everyone elses service. You arent a special snowflake. Keep it simple. Help everyone. 4. Shut up. You know whats not in first class? Babies. You know what people do in first class? Be quiet. Its all about INVASION OF OTHERS HAPPINESS. You wanna take off your shoes? Cool. You want to listen to young jeezy? Ok. But everything you do should stay in your space. Moreso in fc than economy. Headphones. Silence. Flirt with the staff, ok. Talk a little, pass the time. Youre not going to take a stewardess home and your incessant cackling makes everyone for three rows as mad at you as if you put a "mental health dog" (we know its just your dog) with a screamig baby and placed that in the pie wedge from Hunger Games II that sent mocking jay mutants that spoke all thd terror of your life, recorded it, and played it through your headset for the entire duration of flight. 5. Ettiquette. Most of the time theres this concept of "were all firdt class." So we wont ask you to close the window for our comfort... you have it open..we.wont ask you to shut up, even though you should. Someone uber status MIGHT translate their power later, but for the most part, everyone considers each other equal. 6. When it goes BOOP and you stand up? Get your bag and get out of thr way. Only the person with a 4hour connection and no club pass doesnt care about deboarding. Everyone wants off the plane.

There is no "rule" of behaviour that is not a variant on "be considerate to others". If what you want to do does not impact adversely on others, there is no reason why you should not do it. Bizarre or demonstrably careless clothing is mildly offensive (because odd) to others, and should be avoided. Otherwise, wear whatever you like. When did anyone last get served caviar in FC? I have not been offered it in ages.

It has been interesting reading the comments. I do feel that the current generation has respect with flying in premium cabins. As a former travel consultant, I tend to lean toward the conservative. 1) I do not necessary feel dressing up in a suit is necessary, especially for long haul flights, but jeans and shorts are not appropriate. Business casual would be appropriate. For males, shirts with collars should be worn. Clothes should be neat and pressed upon arrival. After a 14 hour flight, clothes will be wrinkled. Changing into PJs allow the clothes to remain nice looking upon arrival. The previous comments about bathing and perfume are great! Just remember, first impressions. 2) Respect for all passengers - this goes for traveling with children and snorers. There is a certain expectation of behavior in premium cabins. If the passenger or parents are not able to respect this unwritten behavior, then wisdom should be used and the appropriate class of service booked that accomodates the desired behavior. I have flown first class where the children behaved better than the adults in the cabin. 3) I cannot stess enough ... Remember the Golden Rule. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Flight attendants are human and can have good/bad days. It is good to think that it is a privilege to sit in first/business class, not an entitlement.

I am curious about the whole "attire" thing when flying FC. May one take into account their destination when deciding on what to wear? I am flying FC for the first time this Feb. SFO/OGG. I would think that wearing casual attire would be appropriate when flying to Hawai'i.